Pellicle Victorian Imperial Dark Mild All-Grain Beer Kit

Pellicle Victorian Imperial Dark Mild

Designed and brewed by our friends at Pellicle Magazine. Read the full article on www.pelliclemag.com
This unique recipe reimagines the traditional British Mild style with elevated strength, layered malt complexity, and smooth drinkability while staying true to its historic roots. Despite its substantial 9% ABV, the beer remains remarkably light-bodied and dangerously easy drinking.

Expect deep malt richness supported by subtle roast character, gentle sweetness, and warming alcohol notes reminiscent of bourbon, liquorice, and dark caramel.

Built around classic British ingredients including Maris Otter, Chocolate Malt, and Fuggles hops, this recipe delivers authentic heritage brewing character with a modern imperial twist.

Quick Overview

• Victorian-inspired Imperial Dark Mild
• Approx. 9.0% ABV
• Smooth, rich and highly drinkable
• Notes of bourbon, liquorice and dark malt
• Light body for the strength
• Traditional British hop and malt profile
• Brewed and designed by Pellicle Magazine
• Ideal for fans of historic British beer styles

Beer Profile
Style: Victorian Imperial Dark Mild
Batch Size: 23L
ABV: Approx. 9.0%
Bitterness: Medium-Low
IBU: 24
Colour: Deep Dark Brown to Black
Difficulty: Intermediate
Original Gravity: 1.081
Final Gravity: 1.013
Mash Temperature:65°C
Fermentation Temperature: 18°C
Hop Character: Earthy & Traditional
Mouthfeel: Smooth & Surprisingly Light

What Makes This Beer Unique?
Traditional Mild ales were once among the most popular beer styles in Britain, known for their approachable malt-forward character and exceptional drinkability.
This Victorian-inspired interpretation pushes the style into imperial territory while preserving the smooth, easy-drinking nature that defines a proper Mild.
The carefully balanced recipe creates:

• rich malt complexity
• restrained bitterness
• subtle roast character
• warming alcohol notes
• surprisingly light body for the ABV

The addition of Belgian Candi Sugar helps increase alcohol content while preventing the beer from becoming overly heavy or cloying.

Tasting Notes

• Expect layered flavours and aromas of:
• Dark caramel
• Bourbon-like warmth
• Liquorice
• Cocoa
• Toasted malt
• Gentle earthy hop notes

Balanced by:

• Smooth body
• Restrained bitterness
• Dry finish
• Soft carbonation
• Excellent drinkability

Perfect For Brewers Who

• Enjoy traditional British beer styles
• Appreciate historic and heritage brewing recipes
• Want a strong but balanced dark ale
• Prefer malt complexity over aggressive hopping
• Are looking for a unique winter or sipping beer

What’s Included
This all grain beer kit contains:

• Maris Otter Malt
• Chocolate Malt
• Belgian Candi Sugar
• Fuggles hops
• Fermentis SafAle™ S-04 yeast
• Detailed brewing instructions
• Brewing Guidance

For best results:
Maintain mash temperature carefully at 65°C for balanced fermentability
Ensure healthy yeast pitching rates due to the higher ABV
Oxygenate wort thoroughly before fermentation
Ferment steadily at 18°C for clean ester development
Allow additional conditioning time for flavours to fully mature
This beer develops exceptional character with patience and benefits from extended conditioning.

Historical Style Background
Mild ales were once a cornerstone of British brewing from the late 18th century through much of the 20th century. Traditionally lower in bitterness and focused on malt character, Milds were brewed for drinkability and balance.
While the style declined in popularity over time, modern independent breweries and brewing historians have helped revive interest in these deeply traditional British ales.
This recipe takes inspiration from historic stronger Mild interpretations while introducing an imperial strength profile that enhances depth and complexity.

Serving Recommendation
Best served:

• At 10–13°C
• In a nonic pint or tulip glass
• With moderate carbonation

Pairs exceptionally well with:

• roasted meats
• mature cheeses
• rich stews
• sticky toffee pudding
• dark chocolate desserts

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mild ale?
Mild is a traditional British ale style focused on malt character, balance, and drinkability rather than aggressive hop bitterness.

Is this beer very heavy because of the 9% ABV?
Surprisingly no. The recipe is designed to remain smooth and relatively light-bodied despite its strength, making it highly drinkable.

What flavours can I expect?
Expect notes of dark malt, cocoa, liquorice, bourbon-like warmth, and subtle earthy hop character.

Why is Belgian Candi Sugar included?
Belgian Candi Sugar helps increase alcohol content while keeping the body lighter and improving drinkability.

Is this suitable for beginners?
This kit is better suited to intermediate brewers due to the higher gravity fermentation and longer conditioning requirements.

How long should this beer condition?
This beer benefits significantly from conditioning. Allowing several weeks or even months of maturation helps develop smoother and more integrated flavours.

Why Brew This Kit?
This recipe offers a rare opportunity to explore a historic British beer style with a modern imperial interpretation.

Ideal for brewers looking for:

• malt complexity
• heritage brewing character
• high strength with balance
• traditional British flavour profiles

A unique and rewarding beer for those who appreciate classic brewing traditions.