I like that an American Mild doesn't have to be brown!
Well, technically neither does a British mild.
Just started the boil. Got 84-87% effieincy from a no sparge! To address some of the comments...
Jim, to fill out the description above, I want a beer that is fairly balanced between hops and malt. It has to have an American hop quality, which is why I went with the "classics" rather than the newer tropical fruit hops...well, that and I hate those!
troybinso, great ideas, some of which I already considered. I don't find oats to add body, frankly. Maybe it's something I'm doing wrong, but multiple attempts at using oats to build body haven't come out with what I expected. Thought about rye, but I don't want that flavor in there, at least in the first test batches. Considered carapils also, and it may end up in there after I evaluate this attempt. Like I said above, I'm expecting anywhere form 3-6 batches to get it dialled in. Your idea to bump the OG is good, but again it's something I'll consider after I evaluate this batch. The last few batches I made used GW pale ale as a base, but I was out of it for this one. But thanks for the idea...something to keep in mind for future revisions.