Why no Session Beers?

[crupp]

You are correct. The champion beer of the Great British Beer Festival was a mild - Rudgate Ruby Mild (York), 4.4% abv.The British do appreciate a nice mild.

The funny thing about this thread is that mild was one of the categories I had to write on for my BJCP exam. I couldn't think of a classic example to save my life.

[Evan B]

I'd say the opposite is true here in Washington. While most of the stuff in Oregon is big and imperial, the Seattle breweries are kicking out a lot of session beers. And I think because of that, they're having a hard time catching on outside this area.

At washington brewers festival this year, the entire fest was almost nothing but session beers, save a few double IPA's scattered about. I was able to get a good 30 samples in, and still managed to find my way back to the bus stop (not to be confused with JP's favorite bar).

[mRandolph]

+1 on the threat.

I had the pleasure of getting some of the Rudgate Ruby Mild before it ran out at GBBF. It was as full of flavor as many of the 6-8% dark beers I usually drink in the states. It also had a lot more complexity than most of them, with overlapping roasts, chocolate and caramel notes. There definitely wasn't much to hide behind with the low ABV either.

[mediumsk]

one of the best beers ive had this year was at The Alchemist in vermont. it was called "shut the hell up" they had it dubbed as an american mild, 3%ABV with a hop nose and aroma bigger than a pliney or most other double IPA's. I dream about this beer

[AleSmith29]

i plan on re-sparging after collecting runnings off a belgian tripel recipe and hopefully getting 1.025 or better and hopping with an ounce or so of liberty hops.Blam! mild belgian ale! if i cant reach this OG or close, i'll just add candi syrup!