Legend British Mild

This is an outstanding session ale from an outstanding small brewery. The good folks at Legend have done an excellent job of recreating a classic English style with this one. Understatement, balance, and harmony are apt descriptors. Unfortunately, it’s a seasonal offering and (at the moment) a limited release -- from a brewery with limited distribution. A visit to the brewpub on the James River will not be a waste of time, though, rest assured.

On tap at the brewpub. Clear, dark gold with a small white head. Light, sweet malt nose, weak caramel and a hint of grass. Flavor is more of the same, a light breadiness is added. Finishes with light grass and floral. Yup, it’s a mild.

(draft) Crystal clear apple juice body with white head. Aroma is medium sweet, grassy/earthy, some caramel, light apple. Taste is medium sweet, caramel, grassy, some earthy, light apple, mint. Light body, crisp.

Draft at Legend. Amber bodied. Small white head. Nose is light malts, faint caramel, and flowery hops. I also picked up some metal in the aroma, maybe iron. That happened towards the end of the pint, though. Taste is creamy malts, light fruit, soft yeast, and some buttery notes. There’s also more light floral hops. Body is light, but chewy. I mild carbonation throughout. Finishes with caramel, buttery malts and more floral hops.

Draft at pub, glad they decided to throw out a mild! Copper appearance, little head. Very, very faint caramel aroma. Light bodied, flavor was of light caramel and decent hop bitterness on the finish, leaning towards spicy. Nice session beer, which is what it was supposed to be. Perhaps a tad more carbonation than needed, but enjoyable.