The other day, while out looking for something different, I picked up a six pack of Ellie’s Brown Ale from Avery Brewing Company. I felt secure in the purchase as the statute had run since my self-imposed Avery ban (see Philly Beer Week 2010), and since my fellow Booze Dancers have continued to sing their praises. Plus, I loves me some brown ale!

Avery, located in Boulder, CO, has been a craft brewer since 1993. The brewery has been expanded to produce approximately eight thousand barrels a year, and the increase in size allows for the production of several year round beers, as well as smaller batch, seasonal ones. Many of their beers have received awards at national and international competitions. Their Ellie’s Brown Ale has won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival (2005) and was named the “Best of the Browns” by the NY Times (2007).

Here is what Avery has to say about their Ellie’s Brown Ale:

This beautiful, deep russet brew has the sweet and somewhat nutty character of Adam Avery’s late (1992-2002) Chocolate Lab, for which it is named. Crystal and chocolate malts give this beer a brown sugar maltiness with hints of vanilla and nuts, while subtle hopping gives it an overall drinkability that’s second to none, just like Ellie!

I found the Ellie’s to have the following characteristics…

Appearance : Deep brown with light foam and good lacing.

: Deep brown with light foam and good lacing. Aroma : Sweet malt, nuts and dried fruits.

: Sweet malt, nuts and dried fruits. Taste : Roated, nutty, almost earthy with a lot of chocolate and caramel malt and a good finish.

: Roated, nutty, almost earthy with a lot of chocolate and caramel malt and a good finish. ABV: 5.5%

The Ellie’s Brown Ale is a solid brown ale. I think I might like the Brooklyn (had it on tap) and the Samuel Smith (sentimental favorite) a bit better, but it went down very easy (I had three in the session), and it even improved as it warmed up.