Top 10 American Brown Ales Brewed in the USA
This Top Ten American Brown Ales list is from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. The Top 10 American brown ales range from deep copper to brown in color. Roasted malt caramel-like and chocolate-like characters should be of medium intensity in both flavor and aroma American brown ales have an evident hop aroma, medium to high hop bitterness, low to medium hop flavor and a medium body. ABV: 4.20% – 6.30%. IBU: 25-45.
1. Bitch Creek – Grand Teton’s Brewing – Idaho
2. Indian Brown Ale – Dogfish Head Brewery – Delaware
3. Bull Creek Brown Ale – Springfield Brewing – Missouri
4. FRB Brown – Fort Rock Brewing – California
5. Brown Bear – Big Bear Brewing – Florida
6. JP’s Meetinghouse – Brothers Cascadia Brewing – Washington
7. French Toast – Funky Buddha Brewery – Florida
8. Machine Gun Teddy – Goldwater Brewing – Arizonia
9. Bravo Imperial Brown Ale – Firestone Walker Brewing – California
10. Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale – Sierra Nevada Brewing – California
History of American Brown Ales
American Brown Ale is a versatile and approachable beer style that balances malt-driven flavors with a moderate hop presence, distinguishing it from its English counterparts. Originating in the United States as part of the craft beer movement, this style typically features a rich, medium to dark brown color with aromas and flavors of caramel, toffee, and toasted bread, often accompanied by subtle chocolate or nutty notes. The malt backbone is robust yet smooth, with a medium body that avoids the heaviness of stouts or porters. American Brown Ales usually have an alcohol content ranging from 4.5% to 6.5% ABV, making them sessionable yet flavorful. Unlike English Brown Ales, which lean sweeter and less hoppy, the American version incorporates a noticeable hop bitterness and citrusy or piney hop aromas, reflecting the influence of American hop varieties like Cascade or Centennial.
The style’s adaptability has made it a favorite among craft brewers and homebrewers alike, allowing for creative variations that range from slightly sweeter, malt-focused examples to more aggressive, hop-forward interpretations. American Brown Ales pair exceptionally well with hearty foods like grilled meats, stews, or sharp cheeses, as the malt sweetness complements savory dishes while the hop bitterness cuts through richness. Breweries like Brooklyn Brewery, with its iconic Brooklyn Brown Ale, and Big Sky Brewing’s Moose Drool have popularized the style, showcasing its balance and depth. Whether enjoyed as a standalone pint or a food-friendly companion, American Brown Ale remains a staple in the craft beer scene, offering a harmonious blend of malt complexity and hop vibrancy that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged