American Brown Ale - CraftBeer.com
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Beer Styles

American Brown Ale

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.

Category: Brown Ales

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats and Vegetables
  • Aged Gouda
  • Pear Fritters

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Nonic Pint
50-55 °F

Commercial Examples

Commercial Examples

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

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