Homebrew review – New English Mild

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This is a review of my attempt to brew a traditional english mild based upon the brewing classic styles recipe. I’ve been all about session beers lately. It’s nice to be able to enjoy a pint, or two and not feel it in the morning. I feel like too many of the homebrewing recipes I come across start at 1065, and only go up from there. This beer started where many a homebrew stopped, 1.030, and finished out at 1.010, weighing in at a whopping 2.5% abv. It started a few points lower than I had intended, but despite it’s small nature it still has a good flavor and body. My better  half even considers it one of the better beers i’ve brewed.

It’s pouring a little too cold and has too much carbonation to match the style, so I pour a pint and wait a bit for it to warm up, and then swirl out some c02. Then it tastes and feels closer to right. The beer has a nice flavor, it’s well balanced. It hasd a little bit of roast, a touch of sweetness, and a smooth finish. One noticeable defect is the lack of head retention. Now that I think about it is a product of the minimal hop additions, and minimal other foam positive additions to the beer. In future batches I’ll see about fixing that issue.

So changes for the next batch:

Hit 1.036.

Include a 1/4lb of carapills for an improved head retention.

Adjust color to be slightly lighter, less carafa.

Keep my mash temps up to decrease wort fermentability, and increase body.

 

About Aaron

Former Homebrewer, Runner, Cyclist, home cook, sort of handy when I have to be, husband, father, blogger, alpaca farmer, New England sports fan, all around Geek.

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