Innis & Gunn has launched Highland Cask Ale, a 7.7% ABV brew matured in single malt casks from distilleries in the north Highland region of Scotland.
“Innis & Gunn Highland Cask is an amber ale that has been matured using casks that once matured incredible Highland whiskies,” said Innis & Gunn founder Dougal Gunn Sharp.
“We have sourced casks from the north Highlands, where the whiskies are full-bodied, rich, and mellow, to complement the malty, aromatic and refreshing qualities of the beer.
“This is a special beer that evokes the Highlands of Scotland. The brew is complex, warming and packed full of character from the range of casks we used. It shows a delicious toffee malt character with the expected hints of buttery vanilla taken to another level by flavours of stewed fruits. This is balanced by the delicately citrusy hop character of the English Goldings, with pale, amber, crystal and roasted malts.”
Launching next week will be limited edition Spiced Rum Finish beer. At 7.1% ABV, this golden beer introduces a captivating layer of exotic spices to complement its signature rum-cask maturation.
Innis & Gunn’s use of Caribbean rum finishes began in 2008, with the debut of a beer initially brewed for the Canadian market. Its flavour profile quickly earned it a devoted following, particularly among bartenders, and since 2010 it has been a permanent fixture in the brewer’s line-up.
The Spiced Rum Finish beer marks an innovative departure, bringing vibrant Caribbean spices to the forefront.
“We started by sourcing premium Caribbean Demerara rum, which we infused for two months with our own carefully crafted spice mix,” said Dougal. “This spiced rum was then rested in oak casks, allowing the flavours to marry and transfer into the wood. Finally, we brewed a Scottish golden ale to mature in these casks, drawing out their complex, exotic spice notes.”
