Wet, Brown, and Delicious

Brown Ales... It seems that there are a few different styles of brown ales; English mild, English brown, and American brown ales. It seems like when ever I want a beer that is refreshing and full of flavor it is very difficult to find one that satisfies both needs. Well Brown ales seem to fill the gap where other just slip through.

Brown ales were invented in England and come in many different shades and flavors, but they all fall under the styles above. The term brown ale actually only became recognized around 40 years ago. They tend to be similar to porters, but are paler, sweeter, mellower, and not as dry.

English mild ales are from southern England and tend to be dark brown, low in alcohol, and low in bitterness. Crystal malt is a major ingredient, which lends to its sweetness, however, it is not all that popular in the U.S.

English Brown ales are from the northern region of England and is typified by the Newcastle Brown Ale. It has a reddish brown color, is drier than the mild ale, and has a higher alcohol content. It is quite popular in the U.S. due to its less sweet and heavier qualities.

American brown ales are sometimes called California browns or Texas browns because they tend to be hoppier and bigger in flavor. They tend to be on the same level of alcohol as the English brown ales, around 5.0%.

There are other beers called brown ales, for instance, Belgian brown ales, but they do not fit in to the category of brown ales, they tend to be more tart or sour in flavor. These beers are called Flanders brown and red ales. They are named as such because of the distinct area that they were first brewed.

The reason that I chose to talk about Brown ales is because I just brewed my first, and it will be ready soon. I hope to find the results of my beer to be indicative of the traditional styles. I will let you all know once I try it.

Until next time, happy brewing, and happy drinking.