Looking for a new English Brown Ale

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Kacyk2, Aug 3, 2019.

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  1. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    For most of my adult drinking career, I've been a consistent drinker of Newcastle Brown Ale. I would not go to bars and restaurants that did not serve "The One and Only". Now that the original is gone, my life is empty. The new rendition from Lagunitas is simply unacceptable! Not even close to somewhat enjoyable! I know it's my fault for not stepping out of the box over the years, but I need some suggestions from those who enjoy this genre. I do not enjoy hoppy beers! May I ask for suggestions on brands that might be close to the original Newcastle? I am grateful for your insights!
     
  2. Mark-Leggett

    Mark-Leggett Pooh-Bah (2,317) Jul 30, 2014 Missouri
    Pooh-Bah

    Maybe Nut Brown Ale from Samuel Smith
     
  3. unlikelyspiderperson

    unlikelyspiderperson Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Mar 12, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Check this list out for stuff near you: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/styles/74/
    I can recommend Bell's Best Brown if you get their stuff near you
     
  4. Bitterbill

    Bitterbill Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,036) Sep 14, 2002 Wyoming
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Have you checked out the Newcastle on draught at your local? Our Old Chicago has always had it and it most definitely isn't the one brewed by Lagunitas.

    Sweetwater Georgia Brown. Have you tried it?
     
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  5. Lazhal

    Lazhal Pooh-Bah (1,890) Mar 13, 2011 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Not exactly similar to Newcastle, but Sumatra Mountain Brown is the best brown I've had.

    I'm not sure when it will be released again, but its cousin Underground Mountain Brown is being released nationwide in a few weeks. UMB is an imperial version of Sumatra which also happens to be aged in bourbon barrels.
     
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  6. islay

    islay Savant (1,211) Jan 6, 2008 Minnesota

    Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale is a great beer but way more flavorful than Newcastle. We need to come up with something bland and watery. No offense to the OP, but that's the Newcastle (lack of) flavor profile.

    I'm tempted to recommend Shiner Bock and Modelo Negra. They're not English, and they're not ales, but they are brown, bland, and widely available.
     
  7. zid

    zid Grand Pooh-Bah (3,132) Feb 15, 2010 New York
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    If that's an honest opinion, then don't bother trying any of the recommendations that people will make here for brown ales brewed by any American "craft" brewers. Odds are you'll dislike a clear majority of them. I'm with the folks above who recommend imports or "macro" beer. Having said that, I think you'll have a really hard time finding a beer that's readily available that actually tastes like the previous version of Newcastle. You might have better luck looking for a new favorite in a different style rather than a real replacement. Maybe try the Hofbrau Dunkel.
     
  8. FarmerTed

    FarmerTed Pundit (928) May 31, 2011 Colorado

    Try Big Sky Moose Drool. Brown ales are hard to find on draught, though.
     
  9. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    Thank you for your reply! The Samuel Smith Nut Brown is in the fridge and soon to be enjoyed. I really appreciate your feedback!
     
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  10. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    Hi Stevepat, I really appreciate the link. Looks like I got my work cut out for me. I''m grateful to you!
     
  11. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    Hi Bitterbill! Yes! I have tried the Sweetwater Georgia Brown. I actually live in Georgia and felt like it was my responsibility to drink a few. Great beer, but not quite what I'm looking for. I reall appreciate your response!
     
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  12. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    Hi Lazhal, I have a BOLO for UMB. looking forward to giving it a try! Grateful to you Sir!
     
  13. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    Hi islay! Great feedback! Not offended at all. I'm way too humiliated to be offended! But I am grateful as some of the greatest people I know are humble. You oughta try it some time!
     
  14. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,884) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Along the same lines, I was actually trying to come up with an amber lager with a slight roasty edge to it, but hell, that Hofbrau Dunkel is so good that he may as well start there. :wink:
     
  15. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    Hi zid! I'm grateful for your insight and I must say I agree! Its like my favorite wife left me and I'm lookin for her twin sister! Doesn't seem remotely possible, but I will enjoy the hunt! I appreciate you!
     
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  16. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    OK Farmer Ted, I wanna try the Moose Drool! No availability within 100 miles based on the website. I'm try to get a local retailer to order some!
     
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  17. Kacyk2

    Kacyk2 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2019 Georgia

    I appreciate you TongoRad! Based on you and zid, I will be drinking the Hofbrau Dunkel tomorrow. Can't wait!
     
  18. nc41

    nc41 Initiate (0) Sep 25, 2008 North Carolina
    Trader

    Certainly not in my wheelhouse but I do enjoy the darker German efforts of Red Oak here locally. If smooth, creamy, malty beers are your thing then I’d think the style would be available most everywhere.
     
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  19. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Welcome to the BA site, Kacyk2. It looks like the bar has been set up for you by all of the recommendations above, so I can't add to those that are listed. Good luck on your search.

    (I will reiterate one that is recommended above because I think you'll like it: Bell's Best Brown Ale. It is seasonal so you won't see it in stores yet, but it's due to show up in September and October. http://www.bellsbeer.com/beer#availability)
     
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  20. scootercrabb

    scootercrabb Savant (1,083) May 2, 2007 Illinois

    Hello Kacyk2,

    Not a brown ale but Bass ale is not bitter and smooth, unfortunately not made in England any more but I think it fits the taste you are looking for and easy drinker well rounded beer.
     
    Kacyk2 likes this.
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