Brown ales?

If you live close to Iowa, Surly Bender and Toppling Goliath Smoove Opferator are 2 good options. 4 Hands Cast Iron Oatmeal Brown is widely distributed in Illinois, as is Great River Farmer Brown Ale. Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar, the already mentioned Moose Drool, and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale are usually easy to come by also. Plus, New Belgium's new special release Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale is a decent brown, was skeptical at first, but it was pretty good.

 

This site has a "beer style guide" which many overlook...

Brown ales

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/73/

 

my wife drinks almost only brown ales and i am slowly warming up to them as well
recently i have had both the Tommyknocker maple nut brown ale which is lower alcohol and sweeter(i didnt like it)
and the Imperial nut brown ale which is 9% abv and outstanding in every way
ellies from avery as mentioned above is a solid choice as well.
upslope has a brown ale that is reasonably well regarded also
you could also go with the classic newcastle brown ale

 

no, the imperial nut brown from tommyknocker was the one i was referring to
surprisingly becoming one of my favorites recently
they do it in 6 packs not sure if they distribute to your state though

 

You'd prolly have to trade for it, but Three stars Southern belle is my favorite. It's an imperial brown ale brewed with pecans

 

I will take up your suggestions on the Great River beers, haven't tried either of those yet. I believe the Gingerbread Stout should be available this month. Have you had Great River's West Coast Style IPA? I thought that was very good. If so, how does it compare to Big **** IPA, in your opinion. On TG's Smoove, I've never had that one, but figured it would be good considering the track record they have with the other beers I've had of theirs.

 

My top three brown ales are: Surly Bender, DFH Indian Brown Ale and Voodoo Wynona's Big Brown Ale

 

Brown Ale was where I started in Craft, and Brooklyn Brown was one of the first I drank, remaining among my favorite Browns today. Worth it if you can get some for yourself.

 

Surly Bender...maybe a slight style departure, but I really enjoy it. Not as sweet as some and the hops are more apparent than, say...Ellie's. The coffee version is dynamite...

 

I love Brown Ales. Some of my faves are Bell's, Brooklyn, Telluride Face Down, Upslope Brown, CC Maduro, Tommyknocker Maple Nut, Lazy Magnolia Pecan, Bull & Bush Big Ben, HF George, Abita Turbo Dog, and SW Georgia Brown.

 

I hate the damn can design but Against the Grain Brown Note 16oz cans are tasty as hell. Probably the best I've ever had.

Gotta agree with the Bell's Brown (especially the 16oz cans) and Sammy Smith recommendations. Smuttynose Brown Dog is always solid too. Also a Smuttynose, but the "hoppy brown ale" Durty is one of my absolute favorites but is definitely not your traditional brown. Don't know why, wasn't a big fan of CC's Maduro.

@Sixpoint used to can Brownstone this time of year which was an awesome brown (they might still have kegs made) but I haven't seen it in cans for 2 years now.

 

Samuel Smiths Nut Brown Ale
Anchor Brekle's Brown
Braufactum The Brale

 

Bell's. And whatever is at the store is all they are making, so if you want it buy it if you see it.

 

Yes, I am. Haven't been there yet, but have heard good things. People are raving about a mint stout they make. Will have to get over there. I have been to Lionstone in Geneseo, which just opened, but not the Geneseo Brewing Company, their hours are like 4 PM -10 PM and I work second shift. I have heard the GBC is also brewing some pretty good beer though. That's 3 new breweries in a short time opening up here. Good times!