Local folk lore (I live only a couple of miles away from Newcastle Brewery) has it that there is/was a special ward in the local mental hospital especially for Brown Ale drinkers. Having seen what some of the 'Toon'* idiots can get up to on a bottle or three, it could even be true!
Never really cared for it myself - too sweet. These days, Czech beer if it's available (had a nice pint of Staropramen yesterday) or a good 'real ale'. Or Guinness.
Alex
* 'Toon' - local nickname for Newcastle. For example, Newcastle United football supporters are tagged 'Toon army'. To get a hint of the local dialect, read my story, 'Aye, pet, aal the way'.
Alex, Your story is great and the dialect is "spot oan". And I'll vote for Newcastle Brown Ale (or "Broun", or, as we say, "Nukie"--as in--well, you know).