Guinness is not considered a dark mild. While both Guinness and dark milds are styles of dark beer, they have distinct differences in terms of flavor, strength, and brewing techniques.
Firstly, dark milds are characterized by their low alcohol by volume (ABV) content and a focus on malty and nutty flavors. They typically have an ABV ranging from 3% to 4%. Dark milds often exhibit a smooth and slightly sweet profile with subtle fruity notes. The maltiness is prominent, giving the beer a rich and full-bodied taste.
On the other hand, Guinness is classified as a stout, specifically an Irish dry stout. Stouts, including Guinness, are generally stronger in alcohol content compared to milds. Guinness has an ABV of around 4.2% to 4.3%. Stouts are known for their roasted and burnt flavors, often derived from darker malts and roasted barley. Instead of the malty and nutty characteristics found in milds, stouts tend to have a drier and more bitter taste profile.
In terms of brewing techniques, milds and stouts also differ. Milds are typically brewed using a combination of pale and darker malts to achieve their characteristic flavors and color. Stouts, including Guinness, are brewed using a significant amount of roasted barley, which imparts the distinct roasted and burnt flavors associated with the style. This difference in malt selection and brewing methods contributes to the contrasting taste profiles of milds and stouts.
Having said that, it's worth noting that Guinness does offer a range of beers beyond their iconic Irish dry stout. They have variations like Guinness Foreign Extra Stout and Guinness Draught, which may have slightly different flavor profiles but are still considered stouts.
While both Guinness and dark milds fall under the category of dark beers, they have distinct differences in terms of flavor, strength, and brewing techniques. Guinness is a stout, known for its roasted and burnt flavors, while dark milds are low ABV beers with malty and nutty characteristics.