kpc logoKing's Plate Cooking
All styles

BJCP 2021 / 19C

American Brown Ale

A malty brown ale with chocolate and caramel plus an American hop edge.

  • Drink fresh
  • standard strength
  • dark color
  • top fermented
  • north america

Serve: 44 to 50F, Pint

OG1.120
1.045 to 1.060
FG1.030
1.010 to 1.016
IBU120
20 to 30
SRM40
18 to 35
ABV14%
4.3 to 6.2%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Chocolate, caramel and toast
  • Citrus or floral American hop
  • Light roast
Vague
Malty
Better
Chocolate and caramel with hop
Best
Moderate chocolate, caramel and toast with low to moderate citrus and floral hop, faint roast

Appearance

3 pts
  • Medium to dark brown
  • Clear
  • Tan head
Vague
Brown
Better
Brown with a tan head
Best
Medium to dark brown with ruby highlights, clear, tan head of moderate retention

Flavor

20 pts
  • Chocolate, caramel and toasted nuts
  • Citrus or floral hop
  • Moderate bitterness, medium-dry finish
Vague
Malty
Better
Chocolate, caramel and hop
Best
Moderate chocolate, caramel and toasted nut malt, low to moderate citrus hop flavor, moderate bitterness, medium-dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium-light to medium body
  • Medium carbonation
  • Smooth
Vague
Smooth
Better
Medium body, smooth
Best
Medium-light to medium body, smooth, medium carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Balance of malt and hop

Drops it

  • Harsh roast
  • Cloying sweetness

Writing tip

Say how hop sits with malt. Example: 'Chocolate and caramel with a floral hop and smooth finish.'

Pour these

  • Brown AleBrooklyn BreweryToasty and mildly hoppy
  • Moose DroolBig Sky BrewingChocolate and caramel
  • Best Brown AleBell's BreweryNutty malt and gentle hop

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Estery: A faint fruitiness fits

Ruinous here

  • Astringent: Harsh roast
  • Diacetyl: Butter
  • Oxidized: Stale

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.