The second beer I ever made was a brown ale/Newcastle clone recipe. The color came out awesome, but it tasted like piss. I forced myself to drink it as punishment and as a deterent from ever making crappy beer ever again.

For the most part, it has worked out... but yesterday I took the TRUE test by trying my hand yet again at a brown ale. I created the recipe myself, here it is:

BeerSmith Recipe Printout - http://www.beersmith.com
Recipe: Beer1
Brewer: bryan
Asst Brewer:
Style: Southern English Brown Ale
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (35.0)

Recipe Specifications
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Batch Size: 1.25 gal     
Boil Size: 1.43 gal
Estimated OG: 1.035 SG
Estimated Color: 21.6 SRM
Estimated IBU: 13.1 IBU
Brewhouse Efficiency: 75.00 %
Boil Time: 60 Minutes

Ingredients:
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Amount        Item                                      Type         % or IBU     
1 lbs 1.6 oz  Pale Malt, Maris Otter (3.0 SRM)          Grain        69.18 %      
4.0 oz        Caramel/Crystal Malt - 60L (60.0 SRM)     Grain        15.72 %      
1.6 oz        Honey Malt (25.0 SRM)                     Grain        6.29 %       
1.4 oz        Chocolate Malt (450.0 SRM)                Grain        5.66 %       
0.8 oz        Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM)              Grain        3.14 %       
0.10 oz       Brewer's Gold [8.00 %]  (60 min)          Hops         13.1 IBU     

At 1.035, its the lowest gravity beer I have made to date, and you know whats great about that? Less grains=LESS MONEY! This brew, including the Nottingham I bought, was only 5 bucks. Holler at your boy.

I have never used Honey Malt before, but I heard about it the other day and really wanted to try it out. Its supposed to be exceptionally sweet, and that's what I'm going for. Of all the brews I've made, I have never made one that is all sweet malty goodness, so here's to hoping it turns out that way.

Three cheers for beer!!!