May, Not Typically Wild, Wants You to Get Mild

Let May be now known as Mild Month. Though May has not been mild in climate (Washington’s weather has swung in 30-degree increments from the 50s to the 80s) now is the time for mild ale.

 

American Mild Month is gaining a presence locally and nationally and should be differentiated from celebrations like IPA Day. IPA is the fastest growing craft segment whereas mild is an ale seldom seen, usually hiding, within the American brewing landscape. We’ve seen IPAs with “continued dominance” and that is not likely to change any time soon.

 

What is changing are brewers’ willingness to create mild ales. This is coupled with the ability and willingness of beverage directors and bartenders to showcase these quality wares in and around DC. In DC, both the District Chophouse and Hellbender Brewing Company will be participating, as will Capitol City Brewing Company. Cap City’s Director of Brewing Operations Kristi Griner describes her brewery’s take on the style: