Innis & Gunn Bourbon Stout

Brewed By: Innis & Gunn Brewing Company in Edinburgh, Scotland (brewed at Wellpark (C&C Group) in Glasgow)

Purchased: 11.2oz single from an I&G gift pack bought at Malloy's Finest Wine & Spirits in Naperville, IL; 2013 

Style/ABV: English Stout, 7.4%

Reported IBUs: ?

Ah, the elusive twofer. About Innis & Gunn:

Innis & Gunn are a brewery based out of Edinburgh, Scotland. The brewery was founded in 2003, but began when Dougal Sharp walked into his father's brewery and decided to become a brew master at the Caledonian Brewery. In 2002 the William Grant distillery asked Dougal to flavor barrels for their cask reserve whisky. The brewers noticed that the barrel-aged beer was delicious, so they started aging the beer in the barrels. You can read more about that story HERE. In 2003 Innis & Gunn was born. 

The Bourbon Stout is brewed using rye crystal malt, Whitbread Golding hops, and then aged over Bourbon-infused oak. The back of the bottle says -- "This Innis & Gunn Red Stout has been brewed using rye crystal malt to give it its deep ruby colour. Whitbread Golding hops complement the sweet bsicuity malt with a soft hop bitterness. It was mutred slowly over Bourbon oak chips which gives it its mellow vanilla flavour and a nice Bourbon kick." -- let's see what we got.

Innis & Gunn Bourbon Stout 

The beer pours into a reddish-brown, cola-esque body. It's not quite black, it's in that dark brown realm. The beer did kick up a finger of tan/khaki head. There is visible carbonation in this, and the body looks to be somewhat transparent. It is obscured by some opacity, even when held to a bright light. But look at dem rooby red tones. The head doesn't last for long.

The aroma reminds me of...hmm...I don't know. More malty, English-style goodness? I guess I'm getting some Dry Stout or Oatmeal Stout essence. I'm picking up dried fruits (cherry, raisin), some oats, a wheat-raisin thing, some of that smokey barley ala Guinness, and some nuttiness. Maybe a hint of vanilla/oak. It's not a bad aroma, but like with the last beer, I'm not picking up a ton of bourbon or oak on the nose.

Hey...this isn't bad. I'm reminded of Guinness Foreign Extra, if it had that bourbon twist. Like the last beer, this one is subtle and nuanced. If you're expecting an American-style Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels...look elsewhere. There is some nice oak and bourbon showing up in the back of this beer. Up front I'm getting big raisins, toast, cocoa/chocolate, and some syrupy chocolate. Some vanilla shows up to the party, and there is a bit of nutty fun. The back end trails off with lingering oak. 

This beer is gonna catch flak like Guinness does. "HURRR DURR DIS GUINNESS ISN'T AS TASTY AS MY DARK LORD WHY DIS?" Then again...at 7.4%, this one is starting to approach Imperial Stout territory. Nevertheless, this beer is super drinkable and absolutely masks all the alcohol. This beer is balanced, with nuanced bourbon flavor in the back. Palate depth and complexity are good, and the mouthfeel is medium-full with good carbonation and good duration. You get raisins, toast, and cocoa/chocolate up front; that rolls into some vanilla and chocolate syrup, with nuttiness. The back end trails with lingering oak, vanilla, and some bourbon. Subtle and sugary sweet...this is never cloying and you could drink two or three of these.

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Light Above-Average on this. I dig this. It's a subtle, nuanced, English-style Stout. The bourbon character is just a note, rather than an assertive force dominating the beer. There's something to be said about having a deft hand. Or maybe not, shit I love an bourbon-aged American-style Stout. Anyway...pair this one with dry chocolate desserts, or a super raunchy burger, steak and mushrooms, or grilled/charred meats. Nicely done. 

Random Thought: So far...so good. I feel like I'm drinking some simpler times shit or something.