Innis & Gunn – Oloroso Cask Ale – A First Sampling

Back in May I brought you a peek at the packaging for Innis & Gunn Oloroso Cask Ale.  I also brought you the news that this

Limited Edition winter beer, came second place in the Irish/Scottish-Style Ale category in this year’s Great International Beer and Cider Competition.  So naturally I couldn’t wait to sample it when this special care package from Innis & Gunn arrived.

Innis & Gunn Limited Edition Oloroso Cask ale is simply an ale aged in Oloroso Sherry casks for 60-days…but it’s definitely much more than just that.  This unique brew is packaged in 750ml and it comes in at 7.4% ABV….but again it’s much more than that.  Oloroso Cask Ale pours a light golden color and as you can see the bottle looks great.  I have some familiarity with Sherry, but the aroma hits me with earthy hops followed by spice cloves and dark fruits.  The nose was pleasant and much less boozy than I expected.

The first sips of Innis & Gunn Oloroso Cask Ale start you off with a malty/toffee/caramel sweetness which leads to a pleasing sweet almost vinous wine-like flavor.  There are definitely hops on board and they are subtle, but present enough to balance the big malty sweetness.  The finish is mostly caramel sweetness and the flavor and mouthfeel stay on your tongue quite a while. 

All in all this is a well balanced ale with some really unique flavors, due in part to the Sherry Oloroso cask aging and the oaky flavors that imparts.   Since it it such a big bottle, we paired it up with some great goat cheese and sharp cheddar and it worked really well.  We even added in some salty olives and the balance and pairing was even better. 

Try this beer out for yourself and see what I mean.  Innis & Gunn Oloroso Cask Ale is a unique and tasty beer that you’ll want to sample and share.
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