Innis & Gunn, Scotland’s largest independent brewing company, announced details about two new beers coming to the U.S. this fall, a very limited production quantity of Innis & Gunn Highland Cask and the highly-anticipated Innis & Gunn Winter Beer which will be available for the first time as part of the 2011 holiday pack.
In 1993, newly distilled Highland single malt whisky was filled into casks and left to age for 18 years. Earlier this year, the mature whisky was disgorged for bottling and those casks were refilled with fresh brewed Innis & Gunn beer. The beer was then left to mature in the oak-aged casks, taking on flavors of the mature 18 year old single malt whiskies.
“These are very rare casks and we only ever use them once to make Innis & Gunn Highland Cask,” said Dougal Sharp, owner and brewer at Innis & Gunn. “After that they go back to the distillery. Perhaps we will be offered them again in 2029!
“Raising the glass, immediately on the nose I find toffee, malt, raisins with a hint of orange,” continued Sharp. “On the palate this beer is rugged and beautiful, packed with classic Highland malt flavors of orange and oak balanced by raising notes from the rye. And the finish is deeply satisfying; complex, warming and smooth.”
Innis & Gunn Highland Cask will be available in a very limited number of outlets, in both 750 mL bottles and 330 mL bottles.
“If you are interested and you find Innis & Gunn Highland Cask in a store or a bar, buy it,” says Innis & Gunn chairman, Tony Hunt. “Not only is this beer exceptionally good, but there is not very much of it available.”
Joining the Innis & Gunn Original, Rum Cask and the special glass in the 2011 holiday pack is the new Winter Beer. “The Winter Beer was designed to provide rich, sumptuous flavor. To be a big beer in every sense,” said Hunt. “But at the same time we wanted it to be delicious. while some brewers today set out to make extreme beers, we strive to make extremely delicious beers. With this Winter Beer, we accomplished our goal.”
“Innis & Gunn is known internationally for their limited editions, and we have already taken orders for virtually all the stock of Highland Cask and the holiday pack that is coming into the USA,” said Dan Deluca, Managing Director of Innis & Gunn USA. “We are trying to be fair to everyone.”
The Innis & Gunn Highland Cask and the Innis & Gunn Winter Beer will be available for the first time in the United States, starting September 2011 at select retail locations and drinking establishments nationwide. For more information visit www.InnisAndGunnNews.com.
