Nestled in the giant redwood forests on California’s northern coast, Mad River Brewing is making a rich, chocolatey Brown Ale which looms almost as large as those ancient trees with its 9% ABV. The Humboldt Brownie Double Brown Ale offers Dark Beer lovers a kicked-up version of the historic style with dark, decadent flavors in an inviting, flavorful plate of boozy brownies.

Mad River cites Charlie Papazian, the godfather of American craft beer and founder of GABF, as the inspiration for Brownie’s recipe. And whaddya’ know!--, this robust brew won a GABF Silver Medal. The pour fills your nose with resonant dark chocolate fudge notes and a sweet, creamy, complex Barleywine character. Real cocoa nibs are added in the brewing process to impart their bitter richness, and the surprisingly light mouthfeel plays with the decadent chocolate malt flavors before you’re whisked away by the 9% ABV. As the beer warms, nutty, sweet cherry flavors emerge like sunshine through a dense tree canopy.

Founded in Humboldt County in 1989, Mad River has long established itself as a craft destination. This beer reminds us there used to be a world before IPA. Humboldt Brownie is a timeless sipper with a dessert richness and deep, boozy complexity sure to please even the biggest Brown Ale snob.