Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Styles

The Changing Definition of Style

English-Style Brown Ale

The precise definition of English brown ale would depend on where you were in England. It is nowadays much more closely associated with Northern England, specifically Tadcaster and Newcastle, home to Newcastle Brown Ale. These medium-bodied reddish-brown beers are malt-accented with a nutty character, a gentle fruitiness and low bitterness. Alcohol is moderate, a maximum of 5 percent ABV.

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

95 Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 6.2% ABV (3/13)

Pretty mahogany brown color. Rich aromas and flavors of roasted hazelnut brittle, latte, and chocolate are decadent with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a raisin bread, delicate peppery spice, and grilled pear accented finish. A wonderful brown ale with the emphasis on hazelnuts.

95 Dirty Dick’s Nut Brown Ale, Elevator Brewing Co. (OH). 5.5% ABV (2/13)

Reddish mahogany color. Precise aromas and flavors of chocolate nuts, grainy bread and spiced apple with a crisp, tangy, dryish medium body and a vibrant, chocolate citrus peel accented. Delicious and refined session beer. Pair with a roast beef sandwich.

94 Tamsusis Elis, Gubernija SC (Lithuania). 5.9% ABV (3/12)

Deep reddish brown color. Aromas of roasted nut and grain and chocolate soufflé with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, tangy, toast and sprout finish. Delicious and super drinkable.

93 Bear-Ass Brown, Silverton Brewery (CO). 4.2% ABV (2/11)

Dark brown color. Rich aromas of artisan chocolate and dark-roasted nuts with a crisp, round, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a drying, roasted root vegetable, bamboo shoot and mineral-accented finish. A very nicely balanced, session style brown ale.

92 Nut Brown Ale, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (3/12)

Copper brown color. Aromas and flavors of bread crust, dried fruits and chocolate-covered nuts with a crisp, dryish medium body and a lively peppery, citrusy and earthy hop and melon finish. A delicious spot on English brown ale.

91 Old Jail Ale, Roy-Pitz Brewing Co. (PA). 5% ABV (3/11)

Bright copper color. Mild aromas of caramel-drizzled date and fig breads and caramel apple with a vibrant, frothy dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a crisp, refreshing, lettuce-like hop finish. Pure, restrained and elegant; a very nice session or food beer.

91 Georgia Brown Ale, Sweetwater Brewing Co. (GA). 5.6% ABV (3/12)

Chocolate, dried citrus, roasted nuts and grain with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, peach-citrus jam on buttered pound cake and vibrant citrusy hop finish.

90 Nut Brown Ale, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6% ABV (3/13)

Deep reddish brown color. Aromas of Nutella on fig toast with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a chocolate nut, sprouts and grassy hop finish. Tasty and very true to style.

87 Brooklyn Brown Ale, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 5.6% ABV (3/12)

Deep brown amber color. Aromas of mocha cherry fudge, soy and citrus marmalade with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy, kiwi and cocoa-accented finish. Very pleasant and balanced.

86 Nut Brown Ale, Garrison Brewing Co. (Canada). 5% ABV (3/12)

Dark reddish brown color. Aromas of baker’s chocolate and sourdough toast with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an peach marmalade, kale and radish sprout-like finish. A solid food beer.

85 Spyhopper Honey Brown Ale, Vancouver Island Brewery (Canada). 5% ABV (3/13)

Pretty golden color. Aromas of honeyed pastry and nuts with as crisp dryish light-to-medium body and a very clean, grainy, earthy hop finish. A pleasant, dry quaffer with just a hint of honey character.

83 Ale of Avalon English Style Brown Ale, Main Street Grille and Brewing Co. (OH). 7.3% ABV (2/11)

Brown black color. Charred nut bread, sorghum and mocha buttercream aromas with a soft, lightly carbonated dryish light-to-medium body and gas station coffee, dusty carrot skin and romaine lettuce finish. An earthy rustic brew.

83 O’Shennanigan’s Brown, The Vermont Pub and Brewery (VT). 4.5% ABV (3/12)

Mild citrus and nutshell aromas with a soft, dryish light body and a tart nectarine and citrus finish.

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