A Canadian mild. Who knew this was possible? Twenty-one sessions ago, I hunted for mild in Canada and came up empty. Well, not entirely empty as I had some beer along the way but intellectually I was a void. But here is Alley Kat's seasonal brew for these weeks of late winter 2009 and instead of going over the tops with a big bad bomb they brewed a mild.

It pours dark chestnut with a rim of froth that is fed by strong carbonation. The aroma is very good for a mild - plenty of dark dry fruit and nuttiness. Replicating mouthwash,¹ it is light yet a bit overly active for a mild. I am going to let it sit for a bit. In the meantime, I am thinking there is a decent seam of nutty crystal malt in there. Makes for a good finish. When I home brewed, mild was all about the crystal malt. And a little chocolate malt. I recall being a fan of Fuggles hops, too. But enough about me. How's the Fireside? Maybe a bit of black malt in there - toast scrapings. It cuts it a bit and makes me think of lighter Scots ales. And it took only about ten minutes for the fizz to fade. I like. BAers are interested but have questions.

¹I am running out of ways to say that.