In a craft beer world dominated by hazy IPAs, pastry stouts, and fruit-laced sours, brown ales often get the short end of the tap handle.

They’re not flashy. They don’t come with tropical hop blasts or dessert-in-a-glass sweetness. But brown ales can be quietly complex and they serve the moment.

The Basics

Brown ales are, quite literally, brown in color, ranging from deep amber to chestnut to almost ruby-mahogany. Originating in England, they’re known for their smooth malt character, low bitterness, and moderate alcohol content. You won’t get a hop punch here—expect caramel, toffee, nuts, and light roast flavors instead.

There are two main styles of brown ale: English Brown Ale and American Brown Ale.

• English Brown Ale: The OG of the style. Think Newcastle Brown Ale—light-bodied with sweet, nutty, and biscuity flavors. Lower in ABV (typically 4-5%) and very sessionable.
• American Brown Ale: A hoppier, bolder version of its English cousin. Breweries in the US took the style and added more roasted malt and American hops. It’s still malty at heart, but with a little citrus or pine edge from the hops. Stone’s Arrogant Batard Ale is basically a hoppy American brown Ale on steroids.

Brown ales once had a place among the early wave of American craft beers—remember Pete’s Wicked Ale? But as trends shifted to bigger, louder styles, browns were left in the shadows. They’re too mild for hopheads, too dark for lager lovers, and too dry for most stout fans.

But they are worth rediscovering and here’s why…

Brown ales are incredibly food-friendly. Their mellow roast pairs well with grilled meats, roasted veggies, burgers, and even mild cheeses. They’re also one of the best “intro to craft” beers for newcomers—approachable, balanced, and not overwhelming. Some argue that brown drink better in colder weather, we get that, but a well-crafted brown ale, is a year-round for us.

Brown Ales We Like And You Might Too

• Bell’s Best Brown – Brewed with American hops, Best Brown is well-balanced and bridges the gap between lighter-bodied beers and malty stouts (5.8% ABV)
• Brooklyn Brown Ale – Brooklyn Brown is a go-to  seasonal for those who like a little soulful spin to their beer. Old school roasted malts and new school American hops keep it hearty but not heavy. There’s a reason it’s a cult-classic. (5.6% ABV)
• Peak Nut Brown – A regular at the American Craft Beer compound, Peak Brewing’ Nut Brown is toasting and tasty, plus it comes in 16oz cans. (4.8% ABV)

Bottom Line

Like many very traditional styles with historical roots in Europe, brown ales are beginning to be rediscovered and redefined here in the states.  And we’re excited about what some American brewers are doing with a style that simply doesn’t deserve to be overlooked or left for dead.

Brown ales may not be the prom queens of the beer world, but they’re the ones you settle in with the right foods or for a campfire conversation. Understated, reliable, and quietly rich in flavor, a well-crafted brown ale may be the best beer you didn’t know you missed.

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