When it comes to beer, the color of the brew can tell you a lot about its flavor and characteristics. Brown ales, as the name suggests, are known for their rich, deep brown color. But what exactly makes a brown ale brown?
The color of a beer is primarily determined by the choice and treatment of malts in the grain bill. In the case of brown ales, brewers typically use a combination of specialty malts that have been kilned or roasted to a darker color. These malts add depth and complexity to the beer, as well as contribute to its distinctive brown hue.
One of the key malts used in brown ales is called chocolate malt. Despite its name, chocolate malt does not actually contain chocolate. It gets its name from the deep brown color it imparts to the beer. Chocolate malt is kilned at a higher temperature, which results in a darker roast and a more pronounced roasted flavor. This malt adds notes of chocolate, coffee, and even a hint of nuttiness to the beer, enhancing its overall complexity.
Another malt commonly used in brown ales is called roasted barley. As the name suggests, this malt is roasted to a deep brown or black color. Roasted barley adds a roasted, slightly bitter flavor to the beer, as well as contributing to its darker color. This malt can also give the beer a dry, almost astringent mouthfeel, which can be balanced out by other ingredients in the beer recipe.
In addition to these specialty malts, brown ales often include a base malt such as pale malt or Maris Otter malt. These malts provide the fermentable sugars that yeast will convert into alcohol during the brewing process. While they may not contribute significantly to the color of the beer, they are essential for creating the beer's body and sweetness.
To further enhance the color and flavor of brown ales, some brewers also incorporate caramel or crystal malts. These malts are kilned at a lower temperature than the specialty malts, resulting in a lighter color and a sweeter, caramel-like flavor. Caramel malts can add depth and richness to the beer, as well as contribute to its overall sweetness.
It is important to note that the exact combination and quantities of malts used in a brown ale recipe can vary from brewer to brewer. Each brewer may have their own preferred malt bill to achieve the desired flavor profile and color. This is what makes craft brewing so unique and exciting – the ability to experiment and create beers with distinct characteristics.
The distinct brown color of brown ales is achieved through the use of specialty malts that have been kilned or roasted to a darker color. Malts such as chocolate malt and roasted barley add depth, complexity, and roasted flavors to the beer, while caramel or crystal malts contribute to its sweetness. The exact combination and treatment of these malts can vary among brewers, resulting in a wide range of brown ale flavors and colors. So, the next time you pour yourself a glass of brown ale, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into making it brown. Cheers!