Puritan Pub

Innis & Gunn is brewed in Scotland and is an English style Pale Ale .

Before I begin I just want a few things on the record. First, I’m not a beer or whiskey tasting professional and would never pretend to be and second, take what I’m posting as a friendly suggestion and nothing more. I’m not a whiskey or beer snob, just a guy who likes good tasting [insert beverage here] like the rest of you.

A couple of years ago I accidentally picked up a bottle of blended Scotch whiskey by Grant’s called “Ale Cask Reserve.” It was whiskey that had been aged in ale casks taking hints of the ale to flavor the whiskey, to sum it up in a word it’s AMAZING! Ever since then I’ve been interested in the cross flavorings produced by adding a shade of one or the other through the aging process and enjoy tasting the exchange of flavors produced. This mistake [or act of Divine Providence] has opened up a flavour filled world, and eventually to a wonderful tasting beer called “Innis & Gunn.”

I love everything about this beer from its amber brown color to the light lacey head it leaves in the glass after sipping. The almost palatable smell is sweet and of light smoke, wood and malt. Very complex. I always remember to inhale deeply before I sip. One review describes its nose as “fire, incense” and “vanilla, pears” which only points out how distinct and intricate this beer truly is. As the honey color liquid crosses your lips you’ll notice it’s surprisingly light in carbonation and very, very smooth. You can definitely taste the oak casks it was aged in. At first bitingly strong it mellows out into a caramel or toffee, maybe even butterscotch? I can’t put my finger on it. It’s easy to drink and a real treat. Innis & Gunn is expensive costing me, when I can get it, $3.25 a bottle but worth every cent.

There is no doubt this is a strong beer weighting in at 6.6%, full of body and attitude, the whiskey drinker will feel at home with a few of these in the cellar. A warning goes out to the average drinker, drinking average brew: You might find the whiskey hint a bit of a challenge but overall it is a smooth and clean drinking ale, and slightly deceptive. The alcohol level is high and will creep up on you.

http://www.innisandgunn.com/

Jason