BJCP 2021 / 13B
British Brown Ale
A malty brown ale with nutty depth and easy drinkability.
- Drink fresh
- standard strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 50 to 55F, Nonic pint
OG1.120
1.040 to 1.052FG1.030
1.008 to 1.013IBU120
20 to 30SRM40
12 to 22ABV14%
4.2 to 5.9%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Nutty, toasty and caramel malt
- Dark fruit and light chocolate
- Faint earthy hop
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Toasty nutty malt and caramel
- Best
- Moderate nutty toast and caramel aroma, light dark-fruit ester, faint earthy hop
Appearance
3 pts- Amber to reddish brown
- Clear
- Tan to off-white head
- Vague
- Brown
- Better
- Reddish brown and clear
- Best
- Medium amber to reddish brown, clear to bright, tan head of moderate retention
Flavor
20 pts- Nutty, toasty and caramel malt
- Dark fruit and chocolate hint
- Gentle bitterness, medium-dry finish
- Vague
- Nutty
- Better
- Nutty malt and caramel
- Best
- Moderate nutty toast and caramel malt with a touch of dark fruit, low bitterness, medium-dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-light to medium body
- Low to medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium body, smooth
- Best
- Medium-light to medium body, smooth and soft, low to medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Malt layering
- Smoothness
Drops it
- Sweetness
- Roast
- Hop-forward notes
Writing tip
Name the nut. Example: 'Toasted hazelnut malt with caramel sweetness, soft finish. Clean and easy.'
Pour these
- Nut Brown AleSamuel Smith'sNutty, toffee-like and sweet
- Newcastle Brown AleHeinekenA drier, lighter brown with a mineral edge
Often confused with
- 19C American Brown AleAmerican Brown Ale has more hop and roast
- 13A Dark MildDark Mild is lighter and sweeter
Fine here
- Estery: A faint fruitiness fits the style
Ruinous here
- Diacetyl: Butter
- Oxidized: Cardboard and sherry
- Astringent: Harsh tannin
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.