Innis & Gunn, the multi-award winning independent Edinburgh brewer of oak-aged beers, announces the US release of its Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Aged beer. Since the company’s launch in 2012, this seasonal Irish whiskey stout (7.4% abv) has become a global sensation, selling out in every market within weeks of hitting the shelves. And while the saying goes that ‘everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day’, this Scottish brewer has decided to launch Irish Whiskey Aged Stout now, in advance of St. Patrick’s Day, due to its popularity. Available beginning now in four-packs and kegs.
A rich, complex brew, Irish Whiskey Aged delivers a smooth and velvety finish that lingers on the palate, the dark chocolate and coffee flavors from the stout marrying perfectly with the honeyed spice of the whiskey and the vanilla from the oak.
“Ireland is known throughout the world for producing great stouts and Scotland is famed for its whisky,” says Innis & Gunn founder and master brewer, Dougal Sharp. “In makingIrish Whiskey Aged, we’ve taken the best of each and produced a Stout made uniquely from Scottish malts, which we then mature over Irish whiskey-infused oak. The chocolate malt and roasted barley both give a real depth of flavor to this brew and the Super Styrian hops add an earthy, balancing sweetness.”
Irish Whiskey Aged is made using Innis & Gunn’s pioneering oak maturation vessels: the Oakerators® (think coffee percolator; see illustration). Sharp adds, “It was impossible for us to get our hands on enough casks because Irish whiskey is surging in popularity across the world and none of the distilleries will sell their casks. We didn’t want to disappoint our fans who expect our annual Irish Whiskey release so we’ve matured this seasonal in our Oakerators®.”
Like all Innis & Gunn beers, Irish Whiskey Aged can be enjoyed alone but pairs beautifully with a selection of assertively flavored dishes like rich beef stew, blue cheese or even oysters. For those with a sweet tooth, try with treacle pudding.
Irish Whiskey Aged Stout is available now in a four-pack and in keg.
TASTING NOTES – Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Aged Stout
Malt: I&G Ale Malt, Crystal Malt, Roasted Barley, Chocolate Malt, Raw Wheat
Hops: Super Styrian
Maturation: Over Irish Whiskey-infused American oak heartwood in the Oakerators®
Colour: Black
Smell: Chocolate, treacle, roasted coffee beans and dried fruit
Taste: Earthy hops, rich malt and a nice cocoa bitterness
Finish: Complex and satisfying with a lingering oaky sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel
Drink With: Rich beef stew, oysters, treacle pudding or blue cheese
About Innis & Gunn:
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 realised that it was a brew unlike 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 flavourful 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 Rum Finish and, most recently, Toasted Oak IPA, have joined the core 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 signalled that, despite an accidental discovery, Innis & Gunn has a nose for beer and a head for business.
Now Scotland’s leading independent beer company, Innis & Gunn has built a loyal band of followers across the globe. Beyond the UK, where it is the fourth biggest specialty beer brand in the retail sector, Innis & Gunn is the best-selling British bottled beer in Canada and number one bottled import ale brand in Sweden.
Note: The above was taken from an official press release
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