Brownstone - Sixpoint Brewery

gr0g

New Jersey

3.65/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Deep brown color. A head of 3+ fingers of foam develops. Excellent head retention, chunky lacing. Looks like a Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale. Slightly nutty aroma, specifically walnuts. Malts impart a chocolate/toffee aroma, while a vague floral hop aroma can be detected.

Well balanced between maltiness and hop bitterness. The bitterness picks up on the finish and lingers a bit, leaving no doubt that this is an American brown. Muddled notes of caramel and hazelnut that fail to stabilize before the hops drown them out. Roast and/or chocolate malt character is lacking, something I like to see in a brown ale. The texture is fairly impressive, though, with a medium body and a carbonation that borders on creamy.

While an impressive looking pint, Brownstone doesn't live up to the promise of its appearance. It's a good brown ale but doesn't really separate itself from the pack.

Serving type: can

06-11-2013 03:09:13 | More by gr0g

Ysgard

Virginia

2.81/5  rDev -28.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3

Perhaps these cans are a bit old, but there seems to be some oxidation in my cans, with a flat cardboard taste creeping up behind the hops, biscuit and chocolate flavors.

I don't particularly care for this beer, although it doesn't have anything particularly wrong from a style standpoint. It's a bit filling, the hops clash with the malts, and the smell is a bit papery.

I've had 3 out of the 4-pack now, and one thing I will say for it is that it went well with Sriracha on food.

Serving type: can

06-10-2013 13:53:04 | More by Ysgard

justintcoons

Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

16 oz can poured into a shaped pint glass.

Appearance
Mahogany with 3 fingers of creamy, off-white head. Good retention leaves behind decent rings of lacing. Really good clarity with low carbonation.

Nose
Caramel, bread and candy sugars. Hints of nuts and brown sugar.

Taste
Light on the palate. Caramel, brown bread and a dose of candy sugar. Light nuttiness with a touch of brown sugar. Just a hint of piney bitterness on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium-full bodied, silky and smooth.

Overall
A little bland in the flavor arena, but very easy drinking.

Serving type: can

05-08-2013 20:51:57 | More by justintcoons

KTCamm

New Jersey

4.2/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a sixteen ounce can.

Pours chestnut brown, good 1/4 inch white foam. Fluffy on top. Malty caramel nose. Vanilla too. Rich malty refreshing taste. Light bitter hop in the close. Subtle balanced sweetness. Halfway between a pale and a brown. Flavorful. Really good.

Serving type: can

05-08-2013 01:25:59 | More by KTCamm

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.04/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Ruby caramel tinted mahogany brown body with a fine bubbled cream colored head, nice textured lacing around the sides of my glass. Aroma has some chlorophyll green quality mild citrus leafy tobacco notes, with caramel malt backbone riding thru with a quality bready maltiness. That's where Sixpoint ales win it's there malts they never forget that the hop show is nothing without the base malt, flavor here screams that with a nice bitter hopped up brown ale still able to show off a complex malt base. Semi bitter finish medium to light bodied nothing cloying or holding me back from another drink gravity did all the work, damn where did the beer go...drinkability is insane I want a whole four pack. Damn good balanced but hoppier neo brown ale.

Serving type: can

05-04-2013 00:21:23 | More by WVbeergeek

tdm168

North Carolina

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - dark caramel amber with a large, thick, dense, brownish head that has great retention

S - caramel, faintly nutty, citrusy

T - caramel, big citrusy hop character, mild piny bitterness, an underlying nuttiness

M - medium bodied, well carbonated

This is really a nice beer. It has the hallmarks of a traditional brown ale with big caramel notes and a faint nuttiness. This beer, however, brings a big hop punch with an intense citrus character and solid, balanced bitterness. This is definitely worth a try.

Serving type: can

04-23-2013 22:53:17 | More by tdm168

BeerNotes

Ohio

4.34/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A: Dark brown in color, pretty clear. Pours with a 1/4-inch eggshell head that dissipates quickly, but leaves some lacing on the way down.

S: Full malt aroma. A slight hint of toffee and nuts with just the tiniest bit of hops.

T: The malt from the nose is big up front, like a traditional brown ale. Hints of chocolate. Halfway down, the hops kick in and finish out the flavor.

M: Creamy on the tongue, but finishes a bit prickly and dry.

O: A really interesting take on a brown ale. The hop flavoring — and where it kicks in — makes this a surprisingly refreshing darker brew. The transition between the malts up front and hops in the back is a bit weird, and really the only downside to the flavor combination. It was a really smart move by Sixpoint to release this when they did, as the beer is a great segue from lighter, refreshing summer beers to the Märzens/Oktoberfests and pumpkin ales of the fall.

Serving type: can

04-21-2013 18:29:55 | More by BeerNotes

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

3.64/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

16 oz can into a pint glass.

A: Pours an attractive chestnut brown color. The head is a two finger offwhite shade that isn't particularly creamy-looking. The lacing, however, is fantastic.

S: On the first inhale, it seems like it's overly hoppy...but the hop profile seems to fade a touch as it warms up. This allows the notes of brown sugar, molasses, cola, and nuts to appear next to the citrusy/grapefruit hops. I'm actually intrigued - this smells like it will work!

T: And actually, it kind of does. Dry nuttiness opens the flavor profile up, before finishing with a combination of citrusy hops and sweet, vaguely chocolaty malts. Good cohesion between the hop/malt interplay helps make it surprisingly pleasant, but there is a lack of depth here.

M: A bit thin, and not particularly creamy. The feel is nicely balanced between sweet and bitter, though, and it drinks easily.

O: Very solid - one of the better Sixpoint offerings I've had. Hopped-up dark beers tend to be hit or miss, and I'd reckon this is an almost unqualified hit (and needless to say, it works FAR better than Diesel did). I say almost because it does lack a couple things, such as complexity, but I'd have no trouble revisiting this one again.

Serving type: can

03-22-2013 21:18:15 | More by ThisWangsChung

beerthulhu

New Jersey

4.01/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Light cola pour from the can appears a dark mahogany brown in the vessel. The head is 2 fingers plus, beach sand coloring, with a spongy and porous texture atop. Retention stays long, while a rush of effervesce quickly rises to the occasion beading up and rebuilding the head. Thick stratified frothy ring lacing condescends the vessel.

S: Nutty aroma, some spicy cola.

T: Dry nuttiness, cola and roasted chestnuts with some coffee are prominent on the open. Dry earthy bitterness, grey earl tea, deep malted tones add depth. Spicy cardamon, sweet dry nutty warming with a hint of woodsy hops, dry pine and underbrushing.

M: lively with carbonation, tingling and dancing on the tongue while a warm and dry nuttiness provides a powdery and alkaline like coating on departure.

O: Overall a beer that is intriquing with many layers of complexity when savored and slowly explored, yet just as enjoyable to drink in multiples just kicking back. 6 pack worthy. and yes i couldnt help but hum Mr. brownstone by gnr during drinking.

Serving type: can

03-14-2013 22:55:18 | More by beerthulhu

puboflyons

New Hampshire

4.24/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

From the 16 oz. can stamped on the bottom with: Best Before 26 Apr 2013. Sampled on March 13, 2013.

This pours a handsome looking brown color with a big, puffy cream colored head the sits on top for the session. There is a slight cloudiness giving it that home brew feel.

The short description for the aroma is sweet but the characters are malts, nuts, and a mellow, subtle earthy hop note tickling my nose.

The body is medium with a touch of acidity.

Up front the taste is alive with sweet, flavorful malts, caramel as it warms, and a low to moderate hop bitterness on the tail end that gently goes to sleep as you finish it off. This is the kind of brown ale that I like.

Serving type: can

03-12-2013 21:28:57 | More by puboflyons

StJamesGate

New York

3.58/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Clear oxblood with lumpy creamy eggshell head that crusts.
Orange rind, carob, and roasted peanuts on the nose.
Cran-apple, brown toast, some hazelnut, a bit of caraway in there, then lots of citrus oil hops.
Butter shortbread ending and tingly linger.
Lt-med, crisp, some cling.

A bit thin, undermalted and overhopped. A maybe a bit stale? Either way, not easy for a brown or sweet enough to justify 6%.

Sixpoint continues to underwhelm.

Serving type: can

02-28-2013 01:33:39 | More by StJamesGate

ONUMello

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16oz can poured into a pint glass
A: Opaque medium-brown color with a solid two-finger head that slowly settles
S: Roasted malt, some nuttiness and a hint of hops
T: Quite nutty which I enjoy, amber waves of grain and just a hint of citrus from the hops
M: Medium-bodied, a touch watery but smooth/balanced overall
O: Very solid, nothing earth-shattering but I will definitely be picking up more, not to pour into a glass and give a full analysis/write-up but to kick back and sip as this will be a fantastic session beer

Serving type: can

02-27-2013 05:00:38 | More by ONUMello

cyclonece09

Maryland

4.09/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 16 oz can into a 14 oz "pint" glass. Pours a cloudy brown with slight red hints with an off white head. Smells of earthy hops, surprising for a brown ale. Tastes of dark malt and earthy hops, nice combination. Carbonation is right for its light body and goes down smooth. Overall a very good beer.

Serving type: can

02-25-2013 00:15:14 | More by cyclonece09

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Snagged a single for $2.69 at Vintage Estates.

A - A nice deep clear brown hue with a 1/4 inch of head that seems to settle into a mild lace ring.
S - rather hoppy for a brown ale, citrus hops, brown malt, and some chocolate notes.
T - Quite good as other said the taste grows on you. Not too sweet or bitter just fruity with the house yeast, some brown malts, and a splash of citrus hops in the finish. Has mild roasty tones.
M - Quite light for a brown ale still kind of chewy and moderately filling.
Overall I would get this again it's a pretty solid brown ale.

Serving type: can

02-17-2013 04:32:42 | More by DrDemento456

JK4Stout

Virginia

3.8/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

A: Great head to be from a can. This only my second ever six point brew, so maybe they all are like that. This definately calls for further testing. Pours very clear and lighter than some brown ales are known to be.

S: Very sweet on the nose. Reminds me of the house after we set up the chocolate fountain for the kids. You know how it doesn't quite smell like chocolate, but still something sweet. Maybe my fountain smells like Brownstone. No real POW to it though...had to really get in there to find it.

T: It is fine. A good quality brown, but still feels like there is something lacking...I had this same problem with the other sixpoint brew I reviewed. I do enjoy the fruity hints on the tale end though. Actually as I sat here I had to bump my score up a notch. it grows on you.

M: I love the mouthfeel of canned beers. something in them just feels more filling and meatier. Not sure what...will have to do some research.

O: I enjoy this beer, but just can't seem to get bored with it for a full four pack of this one. I'm sure I'll try it again someday, but it isn't one of those I feel must stay in the fridge at all times.

Serving type: can

02-16-2013 22:01:21 | More by JK4Stout

micromaniac129

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poursbrown with maybe ruby high lights. A beige head sits on top with a dense body and lingers . Good lacing too.
Aroma is light but has slightly roasted smell some biscuit malts and cocoa nibs.
Taste has a nice depth of flavor with a slightly roasted malt bill and some biscuit notes. Drinks sweet but has a slight bitter finish. Easy drinking and a silky smooth feel with depth of character.It's a winner in my opinion. Can I have another one please.

Serving type: can

02-10-2013 12:49:18 | More by micromaniac129

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.35/5  rDev -14.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Served in a Lagunitas mason jar.

Ever since the Cosby show, I've wanted to live in a brownstone somewhere. Call me weird. Anyway, this stuff pours a mostly clear sienna topped by a finger of glowing off-white foam. The nose comprises honey-laden biscuit, light maple syrup, mild grass, light walnut, and a hint of incredibly vague citrus rind way in the background. The taste brings in more of the same, with a stronger contingent of grass, a slightly stronger contingent of citrus, and a dried version of the honey and syrup. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fluid feel. Overall, a pretty nice little brown ale, nothing overtly special, but a decent option for the style.

Serving type: can

02-05-2013 21:51:40 | More by TMoney2591

jondeelee

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Brownstone opens to a sweet, malty nose full of caramel and brown sugar, with strong touches of vanilla, and an overlying cola/kola nut aroma, lending the beer a strong resemblance to an old-fashioned hand-mixed vanilla coke. The brew is quite sugary on the nose, in addition to the aforementioned notes including some nice cherry, fig, melon, and mandarin orange fruit esters. Hops add a bit of pine and sweet pink grapefruit, but just enough to provide a soft bittering effect. As a whole, the nose is very nice, though the vanilla coke overtone is somewhat strange at the same time as it’s alluring, with the main weakness being a relatively light presence that could have used a bit of cranking up.

On the tongue, the beer is far hoppier than the nose let on, the 45 IBUs immediately present in good levels of pine, grapefruit rind, and light eucalyptus. These mix well with the sugars, which bring mainly brown sugar, as well as smaller notes of cherry, orange, and fig fruit esters. Breads are far more present here than on the nose, with biscuit, toast crust, and thick brown breads adding nice earthiness. The vanilla coke notes are thankfully gone, though touches of vanilla do remain, as well as hints of caramel and toasted nut. The aftertaste is mainly hops, toasted nuts, and toast crust, most of the sugars having died off. Mouthfeel is medium-light to medium, and carbonation is medium.

Overall, this is very nice fare, and for a comparatively low 6% ABV, has good flavor and presence, even over the course of several mouthfuls. It could have still used a bit more oomph for even more presence, and the sugars needed to be stronger to better make themselves noticed against the hops and breads. Still, what is given in here is drinkable and delicious.

Serving type: can

02-01-2013 20:09:23 | More by jondeelee

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured from a tallboy into a tumbler pint, the beer is a slightly hazed, slightly muddled, amber-brown coloring with a thin, filmy, off-white surface coating. Aromas of hazelnut sweetness, with a creamy undertone. The nose is not overpowering, but it is inviting. Flavors are very rich and extremely roasty. Wow...the aromas lull you into a false sense of passiveness, and then you get a fire-roasted nut sweetness and richness, followed by sharp characteristics from both the thin, carbonated body as well as the lingering charcoal highlights. Some candied sweet characteristics build slowly as you continue to drink, but the rich and roasty carry you through the whole brew. The body is light, and remains able to support the robust flavors. Slick, clean finish with only the slightest short-lived linger of sweet. Solid brown.

Serving type: can

01-30-2013 00:38:48 | More by GarthDanielson

JMScowcroft

Vermont

3.44/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Brownstone - Pint Can

First off let me say that I will try just about any micro in a can, I don't know why but it is appealing to me. Also let me state that I am not particularly fond of Brown Ale's for the most part, so my review is somewhat biased in that regard.

Look - Pours a dark amber with a thick foamy head.

Smell - Malty and mahogany, tingles the nose a bit with bitterness.

Taste - Bitter and malty with mahogany overtones, made me think of a "Porter Jr."

Mouthfeel - Bitter mahogany. Not a trace of alcoholic content on the pallet. Fairly drinkable but would not have a second one.

Overall - Not overly impressed but it is above average. Decent, but not amazing. If I had to place this somewhere I would call it "New Castle's bigger brother" or a "Porter in training".

Serving type: can

01-28-2013 12:49:40 | More by JMScowcroft

GbVDave

Illinois

4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 16oz can into a pint glass.

Best Before 26APR2013

A: Pours a ruby accented dark brown with 1 1/2 fingers of sticky off-white head. Retention was great with multiple rings stuck to the inside of the glass.

S: Carmel and maple aromas blend with lightly floral hops. Toasty bread with a piney glaze.

T: See above. Nice balance between the hop and malt flavors. A glint of milk chocolate when this approaches room temp.

M: Big and slick with a decent hoppy prickle. Soothing and refreshing, all in the same mouthfull.

O: This is a style we almost always pass up. Glad we slowed down enough to let this one hop on board.

Serving type: can

01-06-2013 17:00:31 | More by GbVDave

u2carew

Massachusetts

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

16oz. can
A) Pours with a two finger head. Sticky lacing on the drink down. Fairly clear mahogany colored body.
S) Noticeable hop aroma - quite fragrant. Piney. Hints of caramel.
T) Hoppy brown. Bold hop bite upfront followed by tasty caramel malts. Toasty. Slight smoky notes. A hoppy finish, but not as powerful as the upfront.
M) Crisp. Medium light body.
O) A fantastic take on a brown ale. A great brew. I'll be drinking more.

Serving type: can

01-03-2013 01:27:36 | More by u2carew

Jimmys

Pennsylvania

3.03/5  rDev -22.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

pint sized can into pint glass. best before APR 25 2013.

A: very light brown hue, almost a dark orange. hazy. brownish/white head is frothy, one-finger. retention stands tall, recedes to a rim.

S: chestnuts. apricots. mild toffee. brown sugar. a slightly Belgian dubbel-like aroma in my opinion.

T: fruity, nutty, and sweet. I getting some sort of woody flavor in there as well. something in the middle of the body gives me a salt-like flavor as well. finishes with some lingering sweetness that tries to cloy.

M: I find this body on the lighter side of medium. moderate amount of carbonation.

D: good flavors, but a little muddled in my opinion. these guys have some better brews out there that I would recommend over Brownstone.

Serving type: can

12-30-2012 23:55:53 | More by Jimmys

rdilauro

Connecticut

3.8/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

For starters, I am not a fan of Brown Ales. But I have loved each Sixpoint brew I have tasted.

The pour was solid brown with a very nice light cream colored head. There really wasn't much of an aroma that I could detect. I poured more into another glass to check for aromas, but again pretty neutral.

The taste was very full and soft. Softer then most brown ale's that I have tasted.

The finish was good and neutral.

So, my summary is that this one is pleasant. I have nothing negative to say about this ale, and on the other hand, I have nothing very positive to say, except that it is good tasting beer. I am glad I tasted it, but it wouldnt be something I would have again.

However, keep in mind, I really do not like Brown Ales to start with, but I always enjoy tasting different beers. Not only for my personal reviews, but it helps when it comes to describing various beers to our customers.

Serving type: can

12-28-2012 13:05:30 | More by rdilauro

barknee

New York

3.65/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Brownstone pours a dark burnt caramel color with a wealthy mocha tan head and generous carbonation.
On the nose; toffee, breaded malts, burnt sugar and lively yeast are on parade.
As for the taste, this brew in wonderfully bitter with just enough sweetness to balance things out. But I mean - this is one bitter brew with heavy handed hopping!
Well constructed like all six point products I've enjoyed, this one seems like a prototype and foundation for many other varieties they brew.

Serving type: can

12-22-2012 16:06:40 | More by barknee