Summit Releases Union Series 3X Mild Ale

ST. PAUL, Minn. – (November 18, 2014) – Summit Brewing Company today announces their newest edition in the limited-release Union Series: 3X Mild Ale. The Union Series explores the intersection of new ingredients and time-honored brewing traditions. 3X will be available the week of November 17, just in time for the holiday season.

Based on a style from the late 19th Century but using modern hop and malt varieties, 3X seeks to dismantle the idea that the term “Mild” can only be associated with low alcohol beers with lighter flavor profiles. Traditionally the term “Mild” signified the slightly immature nature of a beer that tended to be assertive in malt character with considerably lighter hopping levels than pale ale. The letter “X” would typically denote the strength of the beer, with Mild Ale of varying strength being consumed “young”. Stronger Milds that were more heavily hopped and aged were often essentially termed Old Ales.

Summit’s 3X combines Expedition, a new American base malt, and traditional mild and amber malts from the UK. A single US hop variety, Experimental 06300, is showcased, with yeast coming from a traditional Yorkshire source in the North of England. Also brought in is a unique brewing sugar from the UK, rarely seen in the US but quite often used in small amounts to adjust body and provide flavor in traditional British beers.

The end result is a moderately strong, rich, full bodied beer perfect for the cooler months of late Autumn and early Winter. Low hop bitterness allows considerable flavours to emanate from the malt, invert sugar and yeast. Expect notes of stone fruit, molasses, toffee and toast, with a hint of chocolate.

“Don’t be afraid to cellar this beer for some time and note the changes in character, essentially creating your own version of an Old Ale,” said Damian McConn, Head Brewer at Summit.

3X marks the fourth entry in Summit’s Union series, where new and more obscure ingredients are combined with traditional techniques to produce limited-availability beers. While most brewers focus on the ingredients required to produce a certain style or idea of a beer, the Union concept is based upon first acquiring new ingredients then combining them in creative ways.

Join Summit for events around the Twin Cities to kick off 3X’s release:

Wed, November 19 – Hunter’s Dinner at Jax Café

Join Summit Founder Mark Stutrud for a hearty beer dinner of 3X Mild Ale, Pilsener, EPA, True Brit IPA, and Winter Ale all paired with tasty meats.

Call 612.789.7297 Ext 1 for reservations.

Tues, December 9 – Special Food & Beer Pairings at Bistro La Roux

Chef Tim Glover and his krewe will be pairing unique Creole/Cajun dishes with Winter Ale, 3X Mild Ale and Sága IPA at their restaurant in Circle Pines, MN. Join Summit for a great night of food, beer and live music. Dinner service begins at 5pm.

3X Information:

Malts: Expedition base malt from the U.S., Mild Ale and Amber malts from the U.K.

Hops: Experimental 06300 from the U.S.

ABV: 7.2%

IBUs: 38

Color: Deep Amber

Yeast: Yorkshire Ale strain

Serve in a stemmed tulip glass at 40-50°F in front of a roaring fire

Available in 6-pack bottles and on draught