I remember when I first had an Innis & Gunn, it was called Smokin’ Gunn (7.4% ABV) and it came as a single beer bottle in a little display box due to it being limited edition. It was a few years back and long before my crafty days but I remember it tasting pure class. I had the Innis & Gunn lager recently in Glasgow and let me tell you somethin’ for nothin’, that stuff was far too easily drank!

But here we are, another day, another beer and today it’s the Bourbon Barrel aged Scotch Ale by Innis & Gunn. Clocking in at 6.6% ABV and comes in a 330ml bottle. I crack the bottle and on the nose, it’s malty and gives off that familiar Bourbon whiskey aroma. Personally, I’m a massive bourbon whiskey fan with Maker’s Mark being up there with my faves! On the tongue though, it has vanilla, toffee and malty notes. Despite having being aged in Bourbon barrels, this beer drinks really pleasantly and I’m really keen on it. So much so, that I’m having to stop myself from just tanning the whole thing in a haze of greed and joy. All in all, I’ve enjoyed this and I can’t wait to try more barrel aged beers in future.

3.6 casks out of 5

G’luck,
Seán