Black Flannel Academy

London Brown Ale

top-fermented

A luscious, sweet, malty, low-alcohol dark brown ale, with caramel and toffee malt complexity and a sweet-tasting finish.

Color

22 – 35 SRM

Bitterness

15 – 20 IBU

Alcohol

2.8 – 3.6% ABV

Sweetness

Deep, caramel or toffee sweet malty flavor on the palate, lasting into the finish, often with hints of biscuit and coffee.

Balance

History

Historical Development

Developed by Mann's as a bottled product in 1902. Claimed at the time to be the sweetest beer in London. Pre-WWI versions were around 5% ABV, but same general balance. Declined in popularity in the second half of the 20th century, and now nearly extinct.

Modern Evolution

Classic characteristics

Appearance

Medium to very dark brown color, but can be almost black. Nearly opaque, although should be relatively clear if visible. Low to moderate off-white to tan head.

Aroma

Moderate malty-sweet aroma, often with a rich, caramel, or toffee-like character. Low to medium fruity esters, often dark fruit like plums. Very low earthy or floral hop aroma optional.

Flavor

Deep, caramel or toffee sweet malty flavor on the palate, lasting into the finish, often with hints of biscuit and coffee. Some dark fruit esters can be present; relatively clean fermentation profile for an English ale.

Mouthfeel

Medium body, but the residual sweetness may give a heavier impression. Medium-low to medium carbonation. Quite creamy and smooth in texture, particularly for its gravity.

Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Service notes

BJCP designation

Overall Impression: A luscious, sweet, malty, low-alcohol dark brown ale, with caramel and toffee malt complexity and a sweet-tasting finish.

Comments: Increasingly rare; Mann's has over 90% market share in Britain, but in a vanishingly small segment. Always bottled. Frequently used as a sweet mixer with cask mild and bitter in pubs.

Style Comparison: May seem somewhat like a less roasty version of a Sweet Stout, or a sweet version of a Dark Mild.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.033 – 1.038 | FG: 1.012 – 1.015 | IBUs: 15 – 20 | SRM: 22 – 35 | ABV: 2.8 – 3.6%

Source: BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines, bjcp.org, retrieved 2026-09-13. Vital statistics are as published; descriptive text is condensed from the published guideline.

Brewers Association designation

Style comparison

Similar Styles

May seem somewhat like a less roasty version of a Sweet Stout, or a sweet version of a Dark Mild.

Ingredients

Grain Bill

English pale ale malt as a base with a large proportion of darker caramel malts and often some black and wheat malts. Moderate to high carbonate water. English hops. Post-fermentation sweetening with lactose or artificial sweeteners, or sucrose, if pasteurized.