what is/was THE standard for brown ale?

DFH Palo Santo Marron! After that, it's all down hill.

 

Santo Marron or even DFH Indian Brown, thats my go to

 

I'm still partial to Samuel Smith's Nut Brown. A hoppy Brown? Dogfish Head Indian Brown. If I went and checked my reviews, I'm sure there would be others.

 

No way is it anything DFH. Those are great beers but definitely not 'the standard' of brown ales. For Americans I'd point to Smuttynose. English - definitely Sam Smith Nut Brown Ale. No question.

 

Surly Bender and Dark horse Boffo

 

I'm gonna go with Hoya and say Smuttynose Old Brown Dog.

 

Yeah - I have to agree those are the best I've had. Since I can't get those locally I'm going Bell's Best Brown.

 

Well said.

 

The standard has to be Sam Smith's Nut Brown Ale. It is a pure unadulterated brown ale.

 

For me it was Newcastle, because it was the 90's.

 

I wouldnt use this as a classic example of a brown ale. While it is fantastic, it is also oak aged and because of this doesnt make it more of a standard for that style. Having said that, in conjunction with bjcp guidelines and the recent styles classes I have taken... I would go with big sky moose drool.

 

Rogues Hazelnut Brown Ale for me.

 

I'd say Avery's Ellie's Brown Ale is pretty solid and a good representative of the American style.

 

Actually, it's Palo Santo wood aged. I understand it's not the standard. Plenty of killer Brown ales out there that are more traditional than any DFH brown. This is just the best of the best of brown ales imho!

 

THE standard is Samuel Smith Nut Brown

American Brown Ales I'd go w/ DFH IBA & Sierra Nevada Tumbler.

 

Sam Smith Nut Brown for an English traditional but I adore Pretty Things St. Botolph's Town.

 

I have always enjoyed New Glarus' Fat Squirrel.

 

I'm sure this is not going to be a popular opinion but the Brown Ale I judge other against is Abita Turbodog. It's very accessible in my part of the country, is fairly sessionable, and is extremely tasty, well balanced, and drinkable. I've had plenty that are better but it is my measuring stick. I tend to think of a brown ale as an easy drinking beer and one that is a great gateway beer for future craft drinkers. Turbodog is that in spades.