11c Northern English Brown Ale

Aroma

Light, sweet malt aroma with toffee, nutty and/or caramel notes. A light but appealing fresh hop aroma (UK varieties) may also be noticed. A light fruity ester aroma may be evident in these beers, but should not dominate. Very low to no diacetyl.

Appearance

Dark amber to reddish-brown color. Clear. Low to moderate off-white to light tan head.

Flavor

Gentle to moderate malt sweetness, with a nutty, lightly caramelly character and a medium-dry to dry finish. Malt may also have a toasted, biscuity, or toffee-like character. Medium to medium-low bitterness. Malt-hop balance is nearly even, with hop flavor low to none (UK varieties). Some fruity esters can be present; low diacetyl (especially butterscotch) is optional but acceptable.

Mouthfeel

Medium-light to medium body. Medium to medium-high carbonation.

Impression

Drier and more hop-oriented that southern English brown ale, with a nutty character rather than caramel.

Comments

English brown ales are generally split into sub-styles along geographic lines.

Ingredients

English mild ale or pale ale malt base with caramel malts. May also have small amounts darker malts (e.g., chocolate) to provide color and the nutty character. English hop varieties are most authentic. Moderate carbonate water.