Mild ale is a popular English beer with a low alcohol content and subtle flavor. It is also known by several other names such as light ale, session ale, and small beer. The term small beer originally referred to a beer made from a second run of grains that resulted in a weaker and lighter brew. Light ale and session ale both refer to a beer that can be enjoyed in multiple rounds or "sessions" due to its lower alcohol content. Other synonyms for mild ale include table beer, dinner ale, and family ale, indicating its reputation as an easy-drinking, social beer.