When it comes to talk of beer and bourbon and Scotch, it usually involves a bar order of a ‘whiskey with a beer back.’ But leave it to innovative and independent Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn, known for oak-aging all its beers, for turning the order on its head. Why settle for two independent drinks when you can combine them for some festive fun?
Innis & Gunn announces the release of two warming oak-aged brews in time for fall – introducing Bourbon Stout (exclusive for the US) and Scottish Porter. Both beers are matured over oak in Innis & Gunn’s proprietary oak-aging percolators known as the Oakerators® (think coffee percolator). Bourbon Stout and Scottish Porter are available now in the US while stocks last. And when it comes to that ‘whiskey with a beer back’ order, these are beers that don’t take a backseat to whiskies:
LIMITED EDITION: BOURBON STOUT. Bourbon Stout is made exclusively for the USA and not available in any other country. Having made its debut in 2013 to great acclaim, Innis & Gunn decided to re-release it in 2014 as a limited edition. Offered in a boxed large format bottle (660ml), this is a red stout brewed with Innis & Gunn ale malt, rye crystal, roast barley and wheat and matured slowly over bourbon-infused oak. Deep ruby in colour, Bourbon Stout has aromas of roasted chestnuts, rich dried fruit and oat biscuits. Whitbread Golding hops complement the sweet biscuity malt with a soft hop bitterness, giving way to a warming boozy fruit and nut chocolate kick laced with hints of mellow vanilla. Bourbon Stout (7.4% ABV) is available now in select US markets while supplies last. SRP is $8.99/660ml.
Malts: Innis & Gunn Ale Malt, Rye Crystal Malt, Chocolate Malt and Wheat
Hops: Whitbread Golding
Maturation: Over bourbon-infused oak
Drink With: Casseroles, rich chocolate desserts and rum babas
SEASONAL RELEASE: SCOTTISH PORTER. This award-winning seasonal release is back by popular demand after collecting a Silver medal at the World Beer Championships 2012. Adapted from a historic Scottish beer recipe that mixes molasses for depth and richness, Scottish Porter is a deep red ale that carries rich maltiness with notes of orange oil, chocolate and bonfire smoke on the nose and brown sugar, almonds and toffee on the palate, with refreshing hop bitterness. Scottish Porter (7.4%ABV) is available now in select US markets while supplies last. SRP is $9.99/4-pack (available in 330ml bottles). Also available on draft in select bars.
Malts: Innis & Gunn Ale Malt, Crystal Malt, Raw Wheat, Chocolate Malt
Hops: Super Styrian
Maturation: 39 days over bourbon-infused oak
Drink With: Roasted chestnuts; mature cheeses or rich fruit cake
Bourbon Stout and Scottish Porter join the Innis & Gunn core range of beers which includes ORIGINAL (matured in ex-bourbon casks and in the pioneering “Oakerators”), RUM AGED (matured over oak infused with Navy and Demerara rums) and the new TOASTED OAK IPA (triple-hopped British style of traditional IPA). These beers are available nationwide on draft and at retail in 4-packs/330ml bottles (SRP $9.99/4-pack).
Innis & Gunn was discovered by accident, and lucky for us that it was. The beer was conceived in 2002 – well not the beer that Innis & Gunn drinkers know and love, but the base beer. Dougal Sharp was asked by Grant’s Distillers to create a distinctive beer that would season whisky barrels for a Cask Ale Reserve whisky. The beer was developed and served its time in the barrel only to be thrown away as a by-product until canny distillery workers realized that it was a brew like no other and far too good to dispense with. Instead, they dispensed the beer into lemonade bottles for the occasional clandestine treat. Transformed by its time in oak, the beer assumed characteristics that were completely unknown in any other beer styles. Sweet toffee and vanilla notes complemented a backbone of mellow malt and fruity hop. This was a beer that was both complex and flavorful and the industry soon sat up to take note.
In 2003, Innis & Gunn (the middle names of CEO Dougal Sharp and his brother Neil) launched with this first and cornerstone beer, Original. Over time, Blonde and Rum Finish have joined the family and Limited Edition releases help Innis & Gunn continue to blaze a trail in oak maturation. Plaudits have abounded for both the beer and the company: Monde Selection medals, World Beer Awards and two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade have all signaled that, despite an accidental discovery, Innis & Gunn has a nose for beer and a head for business.
Innis & Gunn has built a loyal band of followers across the globe. Beyond the UK, where it is the third biggest specialty beer brand in the retail sector, Innis & Gunn is the best-selling British bottled beer in Canada and number one import ale brand in Sweden.
