Hero on the Grand Brown Ale
Sparrow Brewing and Roasting Co.

 

on tap at the brewery - Pours a hazy medium brown color with a 2 finger off white cap...aroma has light burnt toffee tones, coffee, roasted nuttiness and some wet hay.....well-conditioned - mellow character and soft mouthfeel.....Flavor has mild complexity of malts and yeast esters creating a caremel-roasty-nutty dynamic with enough hopping to keep sweetness in tow....finish dries out a little with increasing bittering...this is a really decent Brown ale on style lines and truly delicious...please make more of this

Appearance: A milder dark brown that shows translucency when put to the light a thumb of head that did not last and left no lace.

Smell: Nutty with Coffee notes with some mild caramel malt buried in the back. Didn't need a lot of warming to come out, but it helps things.

Taste: Starts with mild toffee that turns to mild darker chocolate and walnut and chestnut that just coasts until the beer finishes off. A bit too simple and subdued, which is something I seldom say as a criticism but it's well done regardless.

Mouthfeel: Transitioning is fine, but it's not a long journey, the nut notes add a dryness that leave you eager for more, and don't get out of control. Carbonation does contribute a bit to a creamier mouthfeel too so pretty solid here.

Drinkability: Slightly heavier then medium body in terms of thickness, but it doesn't feel like that after it is down. The dryness does hamper it a bit here, in terms of refreshment, but it's interesting enough.

Final Thoughts: Alas, my quest for a malty brown continues. This one while mild, does well keep its nuttiness reigned in. It just occupies an odd space, not refreshing, not sweet, not a sipper, but still interesting.

Jan 5 2026