Overall Impression
A malty but hoppy standard-strength American ale frequently with chocolate and caramel flavors. The hop flavor and aroma complement and enhance the malt rather than clashing with it.
Appearance
Light to very dark brown color. Clear. Low to moderate off-white to light tan head.
Aroma
Moderate malty-sweet to malty-rich aroma with chocolate, caramel, nutty, or toasty qualities. Hop aroma is typically low to moderate, of almost any type that complements the malt. Some interpretations of the style may optionally feature a stronger hop aroma, an American or New World hop character (citrusy, fruity, tropical, etc.), or a dry-hopped aroma. Fruity esters are moderate to very low. The dark malt character is more robust than other brown ales, yet stops short of being overly Porter-like.
Flavor
Medium to moderately-high malty-sweet or malty-rich flavor with chocolate, caramel, nutty, or toasty malt complexity, with medium to medium-high bitterness. Medium to medium-dry finish with an aftertaste of both malt and hops. Light to moderate hop flavor, sometimes citrusy, fruity, or tropical, although any hop flavor that complements the malt is acceptable. Very low to moderate fruity esters. The malt and hops are generally equal in intensity, but the balance can vary in either direction. Should not have a roasted character suggestive of a Porter or Stout.
Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-full body. More bitter versions may have a dry, resiny impression. Moderate to moderately-high carbonation. Stronger versions may be lightly warming.
History
Most commercial American Browns are not as aggressive as the original homebrewed versions, and some modern craft-brewed examples. This style reflects the current commercial offerings typically marketed as American Brown Ales rather than the hoppier, stronger homebrew versions from the early days of homebrewing. These IPA-strength brown ales should be entered as 21B Specialty IPA: Brown IPA.
Characteristic Ingredients
Pale malt, plus crystal and darker malts (typically chocolate). American hops are typical, but continental or New World hops can also be used.
Style Comparison
More chocolate and caramel flavors than American Pale or Amber Ales, typically with less prominent bitterness in the balance. Less bitterness, alcohol, and hop character than Brown IPAs. More bitter and generally hoppier than English Brown Ales, with a richer malt presence, usually higher alcohol, and American or New World hop character.
Vital Statistics
IBU
20 - 30
SRM
18 - 35
OG
1.045 - 1.060
FG
1.010 - 1.016
ABV
4.3% - 6.2%
Commercial Examples
Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale, Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale, Brooklyn Brown Ale, Bell’s Best Brown, Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale, Telluride Face Down Brown.Past Revision
American Brown Ale (2015)Style Attributes
balanced, brown-ale-family, craft-style, dark-color, hoppy, north-america, standard-strength, top-fermented
Comments
Most commercial American Browns are not as aggressive as the original homebrewed versions, and some modern craft-brewed examples. This style reflects the current commercial offerings typically marketed as American Brown Ales rather than the hoppier, stronger homebrew versions from the early days of homebrewing. ThMost commercial American Browns are not as aggressive as the original homebrewed versions, and some modern craft-brewed examples. This style reflects the current commercial offerings typically marketed as American Brown Ales rather than the hoppier, stronger homebrew versions from the early days of homebrewing. These IPA-strength brown ales should be entered as 21B Specialty IPA: Brown IPA.ese IPA-strength brown ales should be entered in the Specialty IPA as Brown IPAs.