Innis and Gunn Beer – Watch Out

Spirits and Beer

Watch out for this not so little brand. I have just read that Innis and Gunn Beer is growing by over 62% in 2011, and I am told 2012 is even better. The boutique brewer have created a reputation for barrel-aged beer, and  have been very creative with product innovation. They have created some truly outstanding Editions.

Rum and Spiced Rum Finishes have been an outstanding success along with Irish Cask. These brews are all aged in Oak Barrels which gives them their superlative taste. The story behind Innis and Gunn made me smile, so I will share it.

One of the big Whisky distillers contacted a Scottish Master Brewer called Dougal Sharp wanting him to perfect an ale-finished Whisky. He crafted a technique to transfer the beer taste into the Oak via filling the Oak barrels with beer. The Whisky would then be matured in these barrels. The rest is history and the ale-finished Whisky became a success.

Now several months later the beer which had been left in the Whisky soaked Oak Barrels to age, was tasted by the workers who were disposing of it. To their amazement the beer tasted like nectar. The best flavours of the Whisky and Oak Barrels had transferred into the beer.

Dougal wasted no time launching the Innis and Gunn brand, which had ineffect been born by accident. What a great story.