Part of the traditional English brewing tradition, brown ale is a popular beer that Americans love. It features a reddish-brown color and has a medium-bodied flavor. It's one of the oldest brews and comes in a variety of different styles, including soft, sweet, bright or fizzy.

Today, this ale encompasses a wide range of flavors. The common feature across the various styles of this brew is a strong, malty flavor. As you sip this malt beer, flavors of caramel, toffee or coffee may greet your palate. A brown ale also has traces of fruity notes and scents of fruits such as plums, raisins or ripe apples. There's also a mild bitterness from the hops, but it's never too overpowering. This beer has a nice fizz, and the mouthfeel ranges from medium to light. You'll likely not find this beer too heavy on the palate.

This beer pairs well with most cuisines, as the malt flavor complements dishes ranging from a rustic beef roast to spicy Pad Thai or an Indian curry. It's also a fantastic choice to drink with hard cheese varieties, such as mild cheddar and blue cheese. Grilled steaks with a lovely golden, caramelized crust mesh well with the caramel notes of American-style brown ale.

A Northern English brown ale with moderate bitterness and a light grassy flavor is a good choice to pair with grilled sausages, roast beef sandwiches or herb-infused lamb chops. This beer also goes well with seasonal foods, such as fall veggies. Think roasted squashes with a buttery sweetness that pulls together the nutty notes in a brown ale for a beautifully balanced flavor.

Grab your favorite style of brown ale at Driz. Browse these links to search for Drizly in your city, and look for liquor stores on Drizly near you.