Cart 0
Mild as a beer style is one of the oldest in British brewing. As its name suggests, Mild is mild in terms of alcohol and hop bitterness
Appearance: Deep chestnut brown with ruby highlights when held to the light. Pours with a thin, tan head that lingers briefly, leaving a soft lacing on the glass. Slight haze adds to its rustic charm.
Aroma: Gentle and inviting. Toasted bread crust, soft caramel, followed by faint earthy hops and a touch of dried fruit—think raisin or date. A subtle nuttiness rounds things out.
Flavour: Notes of biscuit and toffee upfront, with hints of cocoa on the mid-palate. Low bitterness, just enough to balance the malt, with a clean, dry finish that invites another sip. A delicate background of English-style hops adds a leafy, herbal edge.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and easy-drinking, with a light, almost creamy body. Carbonation is moderate, keeping things lively without overpowering the subtle flavours.
Overall Impression: A quietly confident mild, Tail-End Charlie is all about balance and sessionability. Perfect for long afternoons, quiet conversation, or the end of a hard day’s work. It doesn’t shout—but it speaks volumes.
A Brief History of Mild Beer + Tail-End Charlie
Mild beer originated in Britain and dates back to at least the 17th century, but it really hit its stride during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name “mild” didn’t originally refer to strength or flavour, but to its freshness—as in, it hadn’t been aged or soured like some of the more bitter or “stale” beers of the time.
By the early 20th century, Mild had become the working man’s beer—low in alcohol (usually between 3–4% ABV), smooth, malt-forward, and easy to drink by the pint (or three). It was the staple in pubs across industrial Britain, especially in the Midlands and North, favoured by labourers looking for a satisfying but not overpowering pint after a shift.
Unlike today’s IPAs, which are hop-forward, assertive, and often higher in ABV, Mild’s were all about subtlety, drinkability, and malt character—think toasty, nutty, chocolatey notes with very little bitterness.
But as drinking habits shifted post-WWII—especially with the rise of lagers—Mild began to fall out of favour, becoming almost a forgotten style by the late 20th century. Thankfully, with the modern craft beer movement and renewed interest in traditional styles, Mild is seeing a quiet revival and our Tail-End Charlie is testament to the quality now available.
So while Mild was once ubiquitous like IPA is today, it was never the trendy, hop-chasing style. It was the pub standard, the unsung hero—a proper “pint of plain.”
AVAILABLE MAY 2025 IN CASK
