With roots in 20th century American home brewing, American Brown Ale draws inspiration from English Brown Ales. Characteristic of most American-style adaptations of Old World beer styles, American Brown Ales tend toward a bolder expression of the brown ale genre, but remain very approachable. Color ranges from copper to dark brown. American Brown Ale’s larger dose of hops than English versions – sometimes with the citrusy notes of American hop varietals – serves as a discernable balance to the sweet, rich, toasty, caramel, chocolaty malts that generally have a slight edge over complementary hop aroma, flavor and bitterness. This is a terrific style for those who like dark beers without the roasty, burnt, bitter character of most porters and stouts. ABV range is generally a bit higher in American Brown Ale beers than in English Brown Ales. Versions with an ABV above this range may be classified as Strong Ales.
Characteristics: Balanced, malty, caramel, toasty, medium- to full-bodied
ABV range: 4.4-6.5% IBU: 20-45
Popular American Brown Ale-style beers: Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar, Brooklyn Brown Ale, Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale, Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale, Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale, Clown Shoes Brown Angel, He’Brew Messiah Nut Brown Ale, Diamond Knot Brown Ale, The Duck-Rabbit Brown Ale, Ipswich Dark Ale, Cigar City Maduro Brown Serving Temperature: Cool, 46-54°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Asiago, Cheshire, Colby, Emmental, Gloucester, Gouda, Gruyère
Food Pairing Ideas: Beef stew, grilled and roast beef, pork, sausage, barbecue
