Pints West 66, Summer 2005 - Bristol & District CAMRA

PINTS WEST......................................................................................................................................................Mild Month of MayMILD is usually an ale of low gravity and hoprate, hence rounder, normally slightly sweeter,and distinctly less bitter on the palate and inaroma than more highly hopped bitters. Mildis usually (but not always) darker in colourthan bitter, through the use of a higher roastmalt or caramel.This traditional style of beer, dating backover 400 hundred years, has unfortunatelydisappeared from many pubs and is in dangerof becoming extinct in certain areas of Britain.In 1960 mild was very popular and madeup an amazing 60 per cent of the beer sold inthe UK. These days mild production in theUK seems to have settled out at around just 3per cent of the market.As part of CAMRA’s traditional promotionof mild throughout the month of May,pubs were encouraged to come on board andstock some of this undervalued style, andactively encouraging pub goers to try it.Some local pubs were enthusiastic in theirsupport. In particular the Cornubia inTemple Street, Bristol featured a number ofdifferent milds throughout the month, includingDownton Maroon Maker Mild, ArchersDark Mild, and Spinning Dog Mutley’s Dark.Here’s a picture of Julia pulling some mild inthe Cornubia.Other local pubs that have featured mildduring May include the Hope & Anchor andthe Bag O’Nails in Hotwells, and the WhiteLion on the Centre. Wetherspoon’s May beerfestival also had several advertised in thetasting notes, such as Cain’s Dark Mild,Beartown Black Bear, and Hardy & Hanson’sCursed Galleon.OVER IN BATHWith CAMRA’s Mild in May promotionin mind, Bath’s own brewery, Abbey Ales,again brewed a 4.0% ABV mild ale for its localcustomers in Bath.Managing Director of Abbey Ales, AlanMorgan said, “It is the second time we havebrewed Mild and last year’s sales justified usbrewing it again. We are more than happy tosupport the CAMRA Mild in May promotiononce more and we had numerous enquiriesfrom the local landlords who stocked it lastyear and wanted to know if we would bebrewing it again.”Paul Waters at the Star Inn and PaulAlvis of the Volunteer Rifleman’s in Bathwere the first to re-order the Mild and PaulExtra discountfrom Abbey AlesMention “Pints West” when ordering aBellringer beer box from Abbey Alesand you will get an extra discount of £5per 36-pint box for all orders collectedfrom the brewery or from the Star Inn.18-pint boxes are also available.Alvis said, “I stock all Abbey Ales occasionalbeers as they sell so quickly and I can't waitfor the mild to arrive. I also like the fact that itwill only be sold in Bath as it means that youhave to visit Bath to drink it.”Photo by Richard BrooksSO WHAT DO YOU RECKON?What do you think of mild? Is it a style ofbeer you appreciate? Would you like to seemore of it available in the pubs and moreoften? Write care of the editor and let us know.SP & Richard BrooksNational CAMRA web site : www.camra.org.uk7