La Brea Brown

American Brown Ale | Year-Round | United States

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 84
Aroma: 18
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 34
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 16

Self-described as a “Belgian Style Brown Ale,” this beer unfortunately lacks many of the primary characteristics of Belgian ales — especially fruity esters and peppery phenolics. The canned ale pours dark brown with a big tan head and excellent head retention. The aroma is moderately nutty with chocolate malt and a light toffee character and light dried fruit esters. The body presents a similar flavor profile, adding a light caramel component to the nutty malt. The beer finishes dry with a light bitterness and a lingering nutty and toffee maltiness. This is a pleasant beer but lacks key style elements.