Recipe name	Style	User	Type	Color	OG	FG	IBU	ABV
Brush Fire Brown	American Brown Ale	BrewManChu	All Grain	27 °L	1.066	1.017	59	6.4%
Bros Brown Ale	American Brown Ale	JBroRyan	Partial Mash	21 °L	1.057	1.015	28	5.5%
Ringwood Brown	American Brown Ale	cjbanna	All Grain	19 °L	1.054	1.016	23	5.0%
Fat Squirrel	American Brown Ale	Praxela	All Grain	12 °L	1.049	1.012	29	4.8%
Old Brown Hen Batch #3	American Brown Ale	andyc	Partial Mash	29 °L	1.057	1.014	44	5.6%
J Paul Brewsky's Bucksnort Brown	American Brown Ale	John Hissong	All Grain	23 °L	1.059	1.016	33	5.6%
Arrogant Bastard Oaked Low Gravity	American Brown Ale	biodrummer	All Grain	17 °L	1.054	1.014	70	5.2%
Grade A Brown Ale	American Brown Ale	derekge	Partial Mash	20 °L	1.061	1.015	34	6.0%

Aroma

Malty, sweet and rich, which often has a chocolate, caramel, nutty and/or toasty quality. Hop aroma is typically low to moderate. Some interpretations of the style may feature a stronger hop aroma, a citrusy American hop character, and/or a fresh dry-hopped aroma (all are optional). Fruity esters are moderate to very low. The dark malt character is more robust than other brown ales, yet stops short of being overly porter-like. The malt and hops are generally balanced. Moderately low to no diacetyl.

Appearance

Light to very dark brown color. Clear. Low to moderate off-white to light tan head.

Flavor

Medium to high malty flavor (often with caramel, toasty and/or chocolate flavors), with medium to medium-high bitterness. The medium to medium-dry finish provides an aftertaste having both malt and hops. Hop flavor can be light to moderate, and may optionally have a citrusy character. Very low to moderate fruity esters. Moderately low to no diacetyl.

Mouthfeel

Medium to medium-full body. More bitter versions may have a dry, resiny impression. Moderate to moderately high carbonation. Stronger versions may have some alcohol warmth in the finish.

Overall Impression

Can be considered a bigger, maltier, hoppier interpretation of Northern English brown ale or a hoppier, less malty Brown Porter, often including the citrus-accented hop presence that is characteristic of American hop varieties.

Comments

A strongly flavored, hoppy brown beer, originated by American home brewers. Related to American Pale and American Amber Ales, although with more of a caramel and chocolate character, which tends to balance the hop bitterness and finish. Most commercial American Browns are not as aggressive as the original homebrewed versions, and some modern craft brewed examples. IPA-strength brown ales should be entered in the Specialty Beer category (23).

Ingredients

Well-modified pale malt, either American or Continental, plus crystal and darker malts should complete the malt bill. American hops are typical, but UK or noble hops can also be used. Moderate carbonate water would appropriately balance the dark malt acidity.

Commercial Examples

Bell’s Best Brown, Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale, Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale, North Coast Acme Brown, Brooklyn Brown Ale, Lost Coast Downtown Brown, Left Hand Deep Cover Brown Ale

Featured American Brown Ale homebrew recipes

Recipe name	Style	User	Type	Color	OG	FG	IBU	ABV
Brush Fire Brown	American Brown Ale	BrewManChu	All Grain	27 °L	1.066	1.017	59	6.4%
Bros Brown Ale	American Brown Ale	JBroRyan	Partial Mash	21 °L	1.057	1.015	28	5.5%
Ringwood Brown	American Brown Ale	cjbanna	All Grain	19 °L	1.054	1.016	23	5.0%
Fat Squirrel	American Brown Ale	Praxela	All Grain	12 °L	1.049	1.012	29	4.8%
Old Brown Hen Batch #3	American Brown Ale	andyc	Partial Mash	29 °L	1.057	1.014	44	5.6%
J Paul Brewsky's Bucksnort Brown	American Brown Ale	John Hissong	All Grain	23 °L	1.059	1.016	33	5.6%
Arrogant Bastard Oaked Low Gravity	American Brown Ale	biodrummer	All Grain	17 °L	1.054	1.014	70	5.2%
Grade A Brown Ale	American Brown Ale	derekge	Partial Mash	20 °L	1.061	1.015	34	6.0%