Elmtree Nightlight Mild

A shorter version of this review was first published in BEER February 2010 as part of a piece about beers to taste with chocolate. For more beers tasted with chocolate, see Sambrook’s Wandle.

ABV: 5.7%
Origin: Snetterton, Norfolk, England
Website: www.elmtreebeers.co.uk

Elmtree Nightlight Mild

A darker pairing [compared to the amber ales reviewed in previous posts] is Elmtree Nightlight Mild from the real ale hotbed of Norfolk, and from a brewery doing a good range of bottled conditioned beers. My sample was Gyle 1313009, with a best before end date of August 2010.

This near-black mild with a thick yellowy-beige head, an award winner in draught form, has its own chocolatey caramel character with seedy hops (a single variety, First Gold, is used) and a casky malt note on the aroma. There’s a spicy caremelly palate immediately offset by complex herbal resin and roast notes, woodruff and fruit. A hint of artichoke is detectable in a chocolate and burnt ash finish that’s very well integrated. On its own it’s stern for the style, but bitter chocolate offsets the roast and hops, leaving a sweeter, kinder liquid behind.

Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/elmtree-nightlight-mild/95125/

For more beers tasted with chocolate, see next post.