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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Ales

The Lords of the Ales: A Powerful Onslaught of Ales from the Two Towers of North America and Great Britain

American Style Brown Ale

Like many American variants on traditional English beer styles, the American take on brown ale tends to be bigger in alcohol, malt and hops. Sweet, rich malt with caramel, toasted and chocolate notes, though not so evident as in a porter. Hops can be quite pronounced and citrusy.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

90 Sinister Black Ale, 10 Barrel Brewing (OR). 5.3% ABV (3/11)
Deep brown color. Aromas of chocolate-strawberry milkshake, dark roasted nut and cherry butter with a zesty, finely carbonated fruity-yet-dry medium body and burnt coffee, roasted beet, corn and peppered jicama finish with watercress-like hops.

90 Point Burly Brown American Brown Ale, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 5.4% ABV (3/11)
Deep copper color with a khaki head. Inviting aromas of milk chocolate bar, roasted nuts and faint latte with a crisp, round fruity-yet-dry medium body and a lively, peppercorn, honey, roasted root vegetable and frisée-like hop finish. Very tasty and satisfying.

89 Point 2012 Black Ale, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 5.4% ABV (3/11)
Brown black color. Aromas and flavors of Fig Newton and milk chocolate-covered apricot with a supple, frothy dry-yet-fruity medium body and smooth jicama and parsley-like hop finish.

88 Rahr’s Ugly Pug, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (TX). 4.9% ABV (3/11)
Deep russet mahogany color. Rich roasted nut, smoked meat, marmalade and chocolate aromas and flavors with a supple, frothy medium-to-full body and a crisp, peppercorn and grassy hop finish.

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