What is a common misconception about British dark mild?

The common misconception about British dark mild is that it is strictly defined in terms of style. In reality, British dark mild is a more flexible and loosely defined style compared to others. This beer often varies significantly in flavor, aroma, and color, with many interpretations by different breweries across the UK. Unlike more rigidly defined styles such as IPAs or stouts, dark mild allows for a range of ingredients and brewing techniques, leading to different expressions of malt complexity, sweetness, and body.

Other options present misconceptions as well. For instance, dark mild generally has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), typically falling in the range of 2.8% to 4.0%, which contrasts with the notion of it having a high ABV. Additionally, while dark mild can be fresh, it is often better when allowed to condition for a short period, lending to another misconception about its freshness. Finally, the hop presence in dark mild is typically subdued, focusing more on malt characteristics rather than a pronounced hoppy bitterness, which is why insisting on a high hop presence is misleading. Understanding these nuances helps to clarify the true nature of British dark mild.