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English Brown Ale
A malt-led brown ale of nutty, caramel and light toffee flavours, easy drinking and lightly hopped.
About the English Brown Ale style
The English brown ale is a malt-focused style that ranges from the darker, sweeter southern versions to the drier, nuttier northern ones exemplified by Newcastle Brown Ale.
It is above all a showcase for malt character, with nutty, biscuity and light caramel notes and just enough hop to keep it from cloying. It makes an approachable everyday ale and a gentle introduction to darker beers.
Grain, hops and yeast
Malt and grain: Pale malt with crystal and a little chocolate malt for nutty, caramel and toasty flavour.
Hop character: Low English hopping for balance, well behind the malt.
Yeast and fermentation: An English ale yeast with mild fruity esters.
A typical English Brown Ale runs 4 to 5.5% alcohol by volume, with a bitterness of about 20 to 30 IBU and a colour of 12 to 22 SRM. It is traditionally served in a nonic pint. These figures describe the usual range for the style; a given example may sit a little outside them.
Yeast and fermentation notes
An English ale yeast fermented in the mid to high teens Celsius adds gentle fruity esters that complement the nutty malt. A medium finish keeps the malt flavour rounded; attenuating too far would thin out the caramel character the style depends on.
Serving in brief
Serve an English brown ale cool, around 9 to 12 degrees Celsius, with a moderate, soft carbonation that suits its malty, sessionable character. It is a forgiving beer on a keg, holding its malt-led flavour well over time.
Classic examples
Well-known commercial examples of the style include Newcastle Brown Ale, Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale and Riggwelter. Tasting a benchmark example is the best way to understand what a style should be before brewing your own.
| Vital statistic | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Strength (ABV) | 4 to 5.5% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 20 to 30 |
| Colour (SRM) | 12 to 22 |
| Traditional glass | Nonic pint |
Typical published ranges. Individual examples vary.
Pick the yeast for a English Brown Ale
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Sources: BJCP Beer Style Guidelines