Epidemic Guilty Pleasures

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.