What is an English Brown Ale?
Brown ales are a classic English-style beer that are known for their toasty and malty flavour.
By Clara Jaide on Feb. 22, 2022
What is an English Brown Ale?
Brown ales are a classic English-style beer that are known for their toasty and malty flavour.
English-style brown ales typically come in two different flavour variations: a sweet brown ale or a dry roasted brown ale. The sweeter variation is said to have originated and gained popularity in the southern English region and the dry, roasted variation in Northern England.
English Brown Ale Essential Information:
Style Region:
England
Appearance:
English-style brown ales are amber to brown in colour. (Typically with an SRM of 12-17). English brown beers are clear, with slow to medium rising bubbles.
Flavour profile:
Dark & Roasty or Sweet & Malty
Flavour & Aroma of English Brown Ale:
English Brown Ales are known for their dark, roasty or sweet and malty flavour profiles. Typically these beers will possess tones of toffee, caramel or nuts. Unlike American Brown Ales, English Brown Ales have a very low presence of hop aromas, flavours and bitterness. (Typically possessing an IBU of 15-25)
English-Style Brown Ale Palate & Mouthfeel:
You can expect low to medium amounts of carbonation, with a soft body and short to medium finish in an English-style Brown Ale.
Alcohol Content of an English Brown Ale
English Brown Ales typically possess an ABV of 4% to 5.5%.
What foods pair well with English Brown Ales?
English-style brown ales pair well with red meats, such as lamb, pork or steak.
How to serve a Hefeweizen:
Hefeweizens are best served at 50-55 degrees fahrenheit (approximately 10-13°C) in a Nonic Pint glass.
Comparable styles to English Brown Ales:
- American Brown Ales
- British Porters
- Other Malty & Sweet Beers