Avery Ellie's Brown 6Pk

Avery Ellie's Brown 6Pk is a 5.5% ABV American Brown Ale from Boulder, Colorado, available in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Named "Best of the Browns" by The New York Times in 2007 and a Bronze Medal winner at the 2005 Great American Beer Festival, this is one of the most recognized brown ales in American craft brewing.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  IBUs: 28  |  Origin: Boulder, Colorado  |  Style: American Brown Ale  |  Brewery: Avery Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Avery Brewing Company, founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1993 by Adam Avery, created this beer as a tribute to his beloved chocolate Labrador retriever. Originally called "Elle's Brown Ale," the name was changed to "Ellie's" following a cease-and-desist letter from a prominent fashion publication. The grain bill combines two-row pale, Munich, caramel, and chocolate malts, while Cluster hops provide a measured 28 IBUs of bitterness and Cascade and Fuggles hops layer floral and earthy aroma character. The result is a malt-forward brown ale that balances richness with drinkability.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm caramel and toasted dark bread greet the nose first, followed by roasted walnuts and a whisper of chocolate. A faint earthy hop quality from the Fuggles rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is smooth and malty, with brown sugar sweetness giving way to roasted caramel at the mid-palate. Chocolate malt flavors build alongside subtle vanilla and nutty undertones, while a gentle bitterness keeps the sweetness in check. Hints of molasses and sassafras add unexpected depth on the back palate.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, lightly toasted character and lingering traces of coffee and dark bread. The 28 IBU bitterness provides a dry close without harshness.

How to Drink Ellie's Brown

Ellie's Brown drinks best slightly below room temperature, around 50–55°F, where the malt complexity fully opens up. It also works well in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Brown Ale Shandy with fresh lemonade brings out the caramel sweetness on warm days. A Boilermaker paired alongside a pour of bourbon plays off the shared caramel and vanilla notes. A Brown Ale Float with vanilla ice cream amplifies the chocolate and brown sugar character into an indulgent dessert serve.

Best For

• Introducing a hop-averse friend to craft beer through approachable malt flavor
• Pairing with a backyard barbecue spread of smoked meats and roasted vegetables
• Fall and winter seasonal drinking when darker, richer beers feel right
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates classic American styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ellie's Brown taste like? Ellie's Brown is a smooth, malt-driven ale with dominant chocolate and caramel flavors, subtle nuttiness, and hints of vanilla and coffee. The bitterness is restrained at 28 IBUs, making it approachable and sessionable.

How does Ellie's Brown compare to Brooklyn Brown Ale? Both are well-regarded American Brown Ales, but Ellie's Brown leans slightly more toward chocolate malt sweetness and a smoother body, while Brooklyn Brown Ale tends to feature a drier, more hop-forward profile. Ellie's Brown carries a lower IBU count at 28, giving it a softer overall impression.

Is Ellie's Brown good for beginners? Absolutely — at 5.5% ABV with low bitterness and a rich malt sweetness, Ellie's Brown is one of the most accessible entry points into craft brown ales for drinkers transitioning from lighter beer styles.

Where is Ellie's Brown made? Ellie's Brown is brewed by Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado. Founded in 1993, the brewery is now part of Mahou San Miguel's portfolio but continues to brew at its Boulder facility.

What foods pair well with Ellie's Brown? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the caramel malt mirrors barbecue sauce sweetness. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda, whose nuttiness complements the ale's toasted character. Roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips echo the brown sugar notes. Chocolate brownies or pecan pie lean into the dessert malt qualities. A hearty beef stew benefits from the ale's roasted depth as a table companion.

What sizes does Ellie's Brown come in? Ellie's Brown is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, the standard retail format for this beer.

Is Ellie's Brown worth the price? Ellie's Brown positions as an everyday craft brown ale — competitively priced within the six-pack tier and delivering award-winning quality backed by a GABF Bronze Medal and recognition from The New York Times, which represents strong value for the category.

Why Ellie's Brown?

American Brown Ales rarely earn mainstream critical attention, but Ellie's Brown has managed exactly that — a Bronze Medal at the 2005 Great American Beer Festival in the American-Style Brown Ale category and a "Best of the Browns" distinction from The New York Times in 2007. The grain bill of two-row pale, Munich, caramel, and chocolate malts creates a layered malt profile that rewards attention without demanding it. At 5.5% ABV and 28 IBUs, it sits in a sweet spot between full-flavored and sessionable, making it as appropriate for a weeknight dinner as it is for a curated tasting lineup. Few brown ales carry this combination of pedigree, balance, and drinkability at the everyday price tier.