Brown ale

An ale from the United Kingdom.

Brown ale
Photo: Scottb211 from Gaylord, Michigan, U.S.A,CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brown ale is a traditional dark English beer made with dark malt. Originating in the United Kingdom, it typically has an alcohol content ranging from 2.8 to 5.4% ABV.

History

Brown ale was extremely popular in Britain in the 18th century but nearly disappeared around 1800 when brewers stopped using dark malt as a base. The style was revived in the late 19th century by London brewer Mann. Newcastle Brown Ale, launched in 1927 by Tyne Brewery, became the most popular brand in this style. By 2008, it constituted 42% of the bottled and canned beer market in the UK.

Types and styles

English brown ale is divided into two geographical subgroups. Southern English brown ale is darker, sweeter, and has a lower gravity (2.8-4.2% ABV) with malt-sweet flavors of caramel and ripe fruits. Northern English brown ale is lighter, stronger, and has a higher gravity (4.2-5.4% ABV) with balanced malt and hop flavors. American brown ale has a stronger flavor with prominent caramel and chocolate notes, using American and European malts with an alcohol content of 4.3-6.2% ABV.

Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Коричневый эль, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Well-known brands

  • Newcastle Brown Ale (United Kingdom)