As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and brewing a wide variety of beers, including brown ales and regular ales. Let me begin by saying that the term “regular beer” is quite broad and can encompass a range of beer styles such as lagers, pilsners, pale ales, and more. However, in this context, I assume you are referring to ales that are not specifically categorized as brown ales.
Brown ales, on the other hand, have distinct characteristics that set them apart from regular ales. One of the most noticeable differences is their color. Brown ales tend to have a deeper, more reddish-brown hue compared to other ales, which can vary from pale golden to amber.
In terms of flavor, brown ales are generally sweeter and fuller-bodied. They often exhibit malty sweetness with notes of caramel, toffee, and sometimes even chocolate. This richness in flavor is a result of the use of darker malts during the brewing process. These malts contribute to the beer's color as well as its flavor profile.
Regular ales, on the other hand, can have a wide range of flavors and characteristics depending on the specific style. For example, pale ales are typically lighter in color and have a more balanced hop bitterness, while IPAs (India Pale Ales) are known for their hop-forward profiles with higher bitterness levels. Regular ales can also vary in terms of sweetness and body, but they generally don't exhibit the same level of maltiness and complexity found in brown ales.
Another aspect to consider is the alcohol content. Brown ales tend to be stronger in alcohol compared to regular ales. While regular ales can range from sessionable low-alcohol beers to higher alcohol versions, brown ales often fall into the higher alcohol range. This higher alcohol content can contribute to a fuller body and a warming sensation when consumed.
In terms of aroma, brown ales may exhibit some esters and fruitiness, but these characteristics are usually in the background compared to other beer styles. The hop aroma and bitterness in brown ales are typically on the lower end of the scale but can vary depending on the specific recipe and brewing techniques used.
To summarize, brown ales are distinct from regular ales in terms of their color, flavor, body, and alcohol content. They tend to be sweeter, fuller-bodied, and exhibit a deeper reddish-brown color. Regular ales, on the other hand, can encompass a wide range of styles with varying flavors, colors, and characteristics. Exploring different beer styles is a delightful journey, and I highly recommend trying both brown ales and regular ales to truly appreciate the diversity and craftsmanship of the brewing world.