A Slip, Slop, Slurp Guide to Brown Ale Beer Style
G’day mate! Fancy a cold one? Get ready for a full flavour journey towards one of the most underappreciated yet robust beer styles – the Brown Ale. Revered for its toasty maltiness and mild hop character, the Brown Ale is loved for its balanced taste and smooth texture. A bit chameleon-like, it changes its hue and taste across different brewing traditions, offering the hearty pint lover an exciting tasting adventure.
History of the Brown Ale
While it’s an open secret that this tipple has its roots firmly planted in the soils of old England, the Brown Ale’s Australian journey deserves exploring too. The tale begins in England during the 18th century, as breweries aimed to produce a beer that was still refreshing but had a bit more meat on its bones.
The Brown Ale came into its own in the 1800s, becoming a preferred style among the beer-guzzling populace. Then, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it journeyed across the globe to the shores of Australia. Here, local breweries began to experiment with this versatile style, and it wasn’t long before it graced the taps of many Aussie pubs and breweries, gathering a growing throng of loyal fans.
Brewing The Brown Ale: The Lowdown
Top Fermentation
Like its elder cousin ale, the Brown Ale is a top fermentation stalwart. This process, also known as warm fermentation, is crucial in defining its unique – and delightful! – character. It results in a beer that’s generally fuller-bodied and flavourful. As far as beers go, brown ales are indeed top-notch!
Key Ingredients
Don’t let its simplicity fool you. There are no extraordinary ingredients in a Brown Ale, just malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. But it’s the combination of these simple ingredients that creates the magic in your pint glass. The malt used is usually a darker one, subtly roasted to add a sense of depth and richness. Meanwhile, English hops are typical in keeping the beer balanced and not overly bitter.
Global Influence: The Brown Ale’s Reign
Within the beer-adoring cult, these brown beauties have earned their place as a staple beer style, adapting according to regional preferences across the globe. In Australia, the Brown Ale is a favourable choice for many beer enthusiasts who love it for its balanced malt-hop ratio and light to medium body.
Varieties of Brown Ale
English Brown Ale: Characteristic and Taste
The traditional English Brown Ale is known for its deep caramel and chocolate flavours. Their alcohol content generally falls between 4 to 5.5% ABV, making it a sessionable drink perfect for lazy afternoons.
American Brown Ale: Characteristics and Taste
On the other side of the pond, the American version of this beer style tends to be hoppier and robust. Many American Brown Ales also have a slightly higher alcohol content, ranging from 4.5 to 6.5% ABV, adding a layer of boldness to the flavour profile.
Notable Australian Brown Ale Examples
In incredible Australia, breweries have embraced the Brown Ale across the desert plains and coastal towns. From the Mornington Brown Ale with its rich maltiness to the Colonial Brewing Co. Bertie, with its toasted caramel notes, you’re in for a treat.
Brewed by Nail Brewing, Nail Ale is an English-style brown ale that packs a toasty and nutty malt profile with caramel notes and a gentle hop bitterness, perfect for those in search of authenticity.
If you’re looking for a heartier version, Rocky Ridge Brown Ale might be the one for you. This American-style brown ale carries a heavy malt sweetness, robust hop bitterness, and a strong roasted coffee finish.
So, That’s it, Mate!
From its old English origins to the contemporary Aussie taprooms, the Brown Ale stands tall as a delectable beer style with a rich history and a robust character. So, next time you’re at your local brewery, don’t hesitate to give one of these brown beauties a try. After all, there’s a world within each pint waiting to be explored!
And remember, dear mate, we’re all ears if you want to share your brown ale experiences. Leave a comment about your favourite brewery’s brown ale here on Find A Brewery. Curious to learn more about different beer styles? Have a gander at our beer style tasting guide. Cheers!
