Ellie's Brown Ale
Avery Brewing Company


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- From:
- Avery Brewing Company
- Colorado, United States
- Style:
- American Brown Ale
Ranked #116 - ABV:
- 5.5%
- Score:
- 87
Ranked #16,634 - Avg:
- 3.89 | pDev: 10.54%
- Reviews:
- 753
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jul 04, 2022
- Added:
- Feb 28, 2002
- Wants:
- 101
- Gots:
- 384
SCORE
87
Very Good
87
Very Good


Notes:
Chocolate malt gives this beer a brown sugar maltiness with hints of vanilla and nuts, while subtle hopping gives it an overall drinkability that’s second to none.
IBUs: 17
IBUs: 17
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by samEBC:
Rated by samEBC from Belgium
3.83/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Jun 29, 2022
3.83/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Jun 29, 2022
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by BucBasil from Rwanda
4/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Roasty and chocolately nose with hints of brown sugar. Taste is balanced and slightly sweet. Finishes with a hint of coffee. Feel is fairly carbonated. Overall, a nice easy evening beer.
Jul 04, 2022Rated by cmb
3.79/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.79/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Draft. Description fits. Smooth, not too strong taste, goes well with food. Some bitter aftertaste in contrast to English Brown Ales.
Jun 19, 2022Reviewed by GStone899 from Minnesota
4.06/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.06/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A classic brown ale with lots of char, roasted malts and a brown sugary taste. Really a delicious smell with brown sugar and roasted breads. Brown ales are often unassuming but provide great mouth feel and well rounded flavors. This one hits the mark for that.
May 07, 2022Reviewed by JZH1000 from Colorado
3.44/5 rDev -11.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.44/5 rDev -11.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a 12oz can
The look is a very dark murky brown, and when held up to the light it becomes a dark glowing red. In the pour a nearly 2 finger head forms which shrinks to a decent cap over the course of a couple minutes. Some lacing.
The nose has some nice malty nuttiness, but throughout the whole beer there is a fermentation funk/tartness almost, similar to a lager which is odd. Other than that the aroma isn't the strongest in the world.
Taste brings some redemption with the malts being more forward, but there is still a tart fermentation note almost fruity, and it doesn't fit in the best, although it doesn't bring the overall experience down too much as the malts in this are quite nice and roasty which I enjoy. It's very yeast and malt, with a touch of hop bitterness on the back end.
Feel is balanced. For the style though it could be a bit more rich or even creamy, but it certainly isn't watery. It's very easy to put down, and probably viewed as one of averys more entry level beers. Not light not heavy but right in the middle.
Overall it's a decent brown ale. There are better more flavorful brown Ales out there but there are also much much worse. And for someone who's a malt head I'm glad this isn't some overhopped experimental brown ale.
Apr 14, 2022The look is a very dark murky brown, and when held up to the light it becomes a dark glowing red. In the pour a nearly 2 finger head forms which shrinks to a decent cap over the course of a couple minutes. Some lacing.
The nose has some nice malty nuttiness, but throughout the whole beer there is a fermentation funk/tartness almost, similar to a lager which is odd. Other than that the aroma isn't the strongest in the world.
Taste brings some redemption with the malts being more forward, but there is still a tart fermentation note almost fruity, and it doesn't fit in the best, although it doesn't bring the overall experience down too much as the malts in this are quite nice and roasty which I enjoy. It's very yeast and malt, with a touch of hop bitterness on the back end.
Feel is balanced. For the style though it could be a bit more rich or even creamy, but it certainly isn't watery. It's very easy to put down, and probably viewed as one of averys more entry level beers. Not light not heavy but right in the middle.
Overall it's a decent brown ale. There are better more flavorful brown Ales out there but there are also much much worse. And for someone who's a malt head I'm glad this isn't some overhopped experimental brown ale.
Reviewed by md3kcn from North Carolina
4.1/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.1/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Purchased as a single can from The Blue Door for $2.50. Poured into a nonic pint glass.
L - Clear brown (with a bit of a ruby edge), and a one-finger khaki head. Lacing is excellent.
S - Leather, cacao, and lightly browned toast. Slightly nutty.
T - Brown bread, toast, and toffee. Hinting at a bit of pipe tobacco. A definite nutty bite at the end. Well-balanced, but a strong malt backing.
F - Medium-bodied, with light carbonation. Refreshing, and easy-to-drink.
O - A fantastic brown ale. I'd say this is the bar of expectations for such. Well-rounded, balanced, and easy-going. Not overly complex, and not exactly any "deep" flavors, but very good nonetheless. The nuttiness really stands out on this one. Highly recommend!
Apr 10, 2022L - Clear brown (with a bit of a ruby edge), and a one-finger khaki head. Lacing is excellent.
S - Leather, cacao, and lightly browned toast. Slightly nutty.
T - Brown bread, toast, and toffee. Hinting at a bit of pipe tobacco. A definite nutty bite at the end. Well-balanced, but a strong malt backing.
F - Medium-bodied, with light carbonation. Refreshing, and easy-to-drink.
O - A fantastic brown ale. I'd say this is the bar of expectations for such. Well-rounded, balanced, and easy-going. Not overly complex, and not exactly any "deep" flavors, but very good nonetheless. The nuttiness really stands out on this one. Highly recommend!
Reviewed by Thomas_Wikman from Texas
3.98/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.98/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Look: dark brown with a big fluffy off-white head
Aroma: toasted bread, black tea
Flavor: The flavor is mildly roasted malts, a little bit sweet, black tea
Body/Overall: Fairly light, light to medium body, easy drinking.
Jan 10, 2022Aroma: toasted bread, black tea
Flavor: The flavor is mildly roasted malts, a little bit sweet, black tea
Body/Overall: Fairly light, light to medium body, easy drinking.
Reviewed by thebeers from Pennsylvania
3.91/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.91/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a reddish-hued, light-brown color with a full, dark-tan head with rocky dissipation and soap bubble lacing. Good retention.
Flat brown aroma, meaning light roasted malts, light chocolate, light leather and a whiff of carbon dioxide.
Pleasant taste that’s chocolatey up front, followed by hints of chicory and roast, then a semi-sweet backend. The finish has some light, earthy, astringent, tea-like bitterness.
Full bodied with somewhat understated carbonation.
A more than competent beverage. Easy drinking, balanced, would go well with most meals.
Nov 13, 2021Flat brown aroma, meaning light roasted malts, light chocolate, light leather and a whiff of carbon dioxide.
Pleasant taste that’s chocolatey up front, followed by hints of chicory and roast, then a semi-sweet backend. The finish has some light, earthy, astringent, tea-like bitterness.
Full bodied with somewhat understated carbonation.
A more than competent beverage. Easy drinking, balanced, would go well with most meals.
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois
3.77/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.77/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Canned 3/23/21; drank 9/5/21 @ Hannah & Kenser's.
Opaque dark brown appearance.
A violent pour yielded a big tan head; nice frothy lace.
Acorn, cream, mild brown sugar & faint dill pickle notes in the nose.
Medium thin mouthfeel.
Cream, brown sugar & faint dill pickle flavors; a hint too hoppy, which caused some discord in an otherwise nice brown ale.
Sep 07, 2021Opaque dark brown appearance.
A violent pour yielded a big tan head; nice frothy lace.
Acorn, cream, mild brown sugar & faint dill pickle notes in the nose.
Medium thin mouthfeel.
Cream, brown sugar & faint dill pickle flavors; a hint too hoppy, which caused some discord in an otherwise nice brown ale.
Reviewed by JohnniEMc from Pennsylvania
3.33/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
3.33/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
On two consecutive occasions a twelve ounce can was emptied into a clear pint glass to obtain these observations. It looks like a cola soda, dark caramel brown, well carbonated and with a little continuing head. A light roasted malt aroma can be had by the nose and nothing more. Up front, it's sweet, which isn't necessarily bad for the style. But there’s no depth to the taste. Sparse, too, is the glass lacing, in this case an accurate warning about how thin this brew is. Of course, it's not a porter, nor stout and shouldn't be compared to them. But shouldn't a good brown ale have at least a little earthy depth? This is virtually hopless and thinly sweet, barely better than some adjunct lagers.
Jul 16, 2021Rated by KT3418 from Colorado
4.25/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Easy drinking brown, straightforward, to me there's nothing to dislike here. Avery is to be trusted
Mar 18, 2021Reviewed by rudiecantfail from Pennsylvania
3.99/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.99/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce can poured into a Duvel tulip glass.
L---Clear brown when poured through light. Impenetrable brown with ruby edges when viewed in regular light. Big, fluffy, off white head that has very good retention and beautiful lacing.
S---Roasted malts. Little bit of chocolate & nuttiness.
T---Follows the nose. Cocoa, nuts & maltiness.
F---Medium bodied. OK carbonation.
O---It hits the advertised notes. A fine brown ale.
Jan 03, 2021L---Clear brown when poured through light. Impenetrable brown with ruby edges when viewed in regular light. Big, fluffy, off white head that has very good retention and beautiful lacing.
S---Roasted malts. Little bit of chocolate & nuttiness.
T---Follows the nose. Cocoa, nuts & maltiness.
F---Medium bodied. OK carbonation.
O---It hits the advertised notes. A fine brown ale.
Reviewed by BeerMePlz93 from Colorado
4.19/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.19/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Avery never fails to deliver. This is one fantastic brown, perfect for a brisk winter day or a cool summer night. Tried one in a mix-sixer and wasn't disappointed.
Look: dark, amber in colour;
Smell: faint nutty smell? (I have virtually no sense of smell);
Taste: Tastes like a southern pecan without the sugar--blatantly malty (in the good way);
Feel: super smooth, light-medium bodied;
Overall: I'd grab one of these anyday. Superb.
Nov 06, 2020Look: dark, amber in colour;
Smell: faint nutty smell? (I have virtually no sense of smell);
Taste: Tastes like a southern pecan without the sugar--blatantly malty (in the good way);
Feel: super smooth, light-medium bodied;
Overall: I'd grab one of these anyday. Superb.
Reviewed by aggiearcher13 from Colorado
4.85/5 rDev +24.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
4.85/5 rDev +24.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
This is my 2nd favorite brown ale next to Bell's Best Brown. Great malty and hoppy balance, with a touch of English in the aroma I think. What a great beer.
Nov 01, 2020Reviewed by barneyrubble from Colorado
3.85/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.85/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from can to tulip glass a 2F medium tan head leaves spotty lace as it rather quickly settles to a spotty remnant of itself. Color is dark brown and about 10% transparency.
Nose reveals some dark roasted grain with a hint of sharp scented brown licorice.
Tasting brings a slightly sweet black coffee vibe, some fruity unsweet chocolate notes and some stout like creaminess. There is kind of a hint of light toffee or caramel without going over the top on sweetness. The hops are almost non existent and barely there , there is no hint of herb or medicinal notes that often are found in some stouts or dark brown hoppy beers. I am really liking the lack of astringency, bitterness, and stickiness on the finish.
Mouthfeel is a medium bodied beer that is minimizing heavy dark fullness and creaminess and allowing the smoothness of the malt to come through without stickiness. Carbonation is on the light side and the finish is refreshing and not dried out.
What a great beer. Mostly malty but really flavorful and drinkable. I'll take this any day over any of the Dunkels I have had and over many of the overpowering stouts when not in that mood. A top pick for fall and winter rotation. Yum!
Oct 15, 2020Nose reveals some dark roasted grain with a hint of sharp scented brown licorice.
Tasting brings a slightly sweet black coffee vibe, some fruity unsweet chocolate notes and some stout like creaminess. There is kind of a hint of light toffee or caramel without going over the top on sweetness. The hops are almost non existent and barely there , there is no hint of herb or medicinal notes that often are found in some stouts or dark brown hoppy beers. I am really liking the lack of astringency, bitterness, and stickiness on the finish.
Mouthfeel is a medium bodied beer that is minimizing heavy dark fullness and creaminess and allowing the smoothness of the malt to come through without stickiness. Carbonation is on the light side and the finish is refreshing and not dried out.
What a great beer. Mostly malty but really flavorful and drinkable. I'll take this any day over any of the Dunkels I have had and over many of the overpowering stouts when not in that mood. A top pick for fall and winter rotation. Yum!
Reviewed by HorseheadsHophead from Colorado
4.18/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.18/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Dark brown, translucent ruby red at the edges. Creamy tan head. Good retention and lacing.
Smells of browned toast, chocolate, pumpernickel bread, raisin.
Smooth milk chocolate upfront, big pumpernickel bread, some toffee and raisin. Slightly earthy. Cashew and Nutella. Gently sweet upfront but finishes clean.
Medium-light feel, well carbonated, chewy initially and then lightens up at the finish.
A great American brown ale. Delicious. Highly recommended.
Jul 28, 2020Smells of browned toast, chocolate, pumpernickel bread, raisin.
Smooth milk chocolate upfront, big pumpernickel bread, some toffee and raisin. Slightly earthy. Cashew and Nutella. Gently sweet upfront but finishes clean.
Medium-light feel, well carbonated, chewy initially and then lightens up at the finish.
A great American brown ale. Delicious. Highly recommended.
Rated by flgimp from Pennsylvania
4.04/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.04/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A very flavorful brown ale. Definate sweet chocolate and toffee up front. Then notes of vanilla and nuts after. Very nicely balanced.
Jul 16, 2020Reviewed by mintzmeet from Washington
3.55/5 rDev -8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
3.55/5 rDev -8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Very good. But maybe I’m just primed for a brown ale. Slightly licoricey. Nice molasses nose. Similar molasses notes on the tongue but more grain flavors.
Jan 19, 2020Reviewed by Rubicj from Massachusetts
3.9/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.9/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Color is a kinda boring dark, smells and tastes like a combonation of a standard beer and a porter. Very drinkable. Pours with a nice thick head, but it quickly goes away.
Nov 13, 2019
Ellie's Brown Ale from Avery Brewing Company
Beer rating:
87 out of
100 with
2255 ratings
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