SHUNASHIR SEN shunashir. sen@ mid- day. com LETu2019S start with a confession. Take us to the classiest fine- dine that serves exotic cocktails with all sorts of essences and infusions, and chances are that weu2019ll still opt for a domestic brand of beer. Go ahead. Call us unrefined. Give us a catty look while you sip on your elderflower gimlet. But youu2019ll still hear us telling the server, u201c A pint of the mild brew, please.u201d Thereu2019s something so comforting about this drink that it puts us at ease with every sip.

Others might prefer more new- fangled beers. But our love affair with the old favourite is only growing stronger with each gulp. The philosophy is simple enough u2014 if it ainu2019t broke, donu2019t fix it.