Brown ale is a beer made with a dark or brown malt. The term brown beer was first used by London brewers in the late 1600s to describe their products, such as mild ale. Today there are brown ales made in several regions, most notably England, Belgium and North America.

They range from deep amber to brown in colour. Caramel and chocolate flavours are evident, due to the use of roasted malt. Brown ales from northeastern England tend to be strong and malty, often nutty, while those from southern England are usually darker, sweeter and lower in alcohol. North American brown ales are usually drier than their English counterparts, with a slight citrus accent and an aroma, bitterness, and medium body due to American varieties of hops. Fruitiness from esters are subdued. When chilled to cold temperatures, some haziness may be noticed.