Roasted malt, caramel-like and chocolate-like characters should be of medium intensity in both flavor and aroma for the American brown ale. American-style brown ales have evident low to medium hop flavor and aroma and medium to high hop bitterness. The history of this style dates back to U.S. homebrewers who were inspired by English-style brown ales and porters. It sits in flavor between those British styles and is more bitter than both.
American Brown Ale
Category: Brown Ales
Food Pairings
- Grilled Meats and Vegetables
- Aged Gouda
- Pear Fritters
Commercial Examples
- Brooklyn Brown Ale, Brooklyn Brewery
- Settle Down Brown, Odell Brewing Co.
- Face Down Brown, Telluride Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Deep Copper to Very Dark Brown
Clarity
Clear
Carbonation (Visual)
Medium to Fast Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Mild to Noticeable
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are low to medium. Hop bitterness is medium to high
Malt
Caramel, Chocolate, Toast
Esters
Fruity-ester flavors, if present, should be subdued
Phenols
Not common to style
Sensations
Body
Varies
Carbonation
Medium to High
Finish Length
Medium
Attenuation
Medium
Ingredients
Hops
U.S., U.K., Noble
Malt
Pale, Crystal, Chocolate, Victory
Water
Varies
Yeast
Ale
