Innis & Gunn Canadian Cherrywood Aged Coming To The U.S. In July

The special beer marks the first time in the Scottish brewer’s ten-year history that the signature vanilla notes derived from oak ageing will be replaced by an altogether spicier, woodier flavor profile.

As the best-selling British bottled beer in Canada*, Innis & Gunn has a strong Canadian connection and the brewer has released Limited Edition Canada Day beers for the last four years running as a toast to its loyal Canadian following. For 2013, Innis & Gunn is making the limited edition ale available to drinkers across North America on draft and in boxed 750ml bottles.

Brewed using three malt varieties, roasted barley, wheat and Super Styrian and Goldings hops, Canadian Cherrywood Aged is matured for 49 days over lightly-toasted black cherrywood chips. Maple syrup is added post maturation when the beer is in cold conditioning to add a subtly sweet, toasty twist.

In another nod to its Canadian fanbase, Innis & Gunn has featured artwork by Canadian artist Tatiana O’Donnell on the carton. Her painting ‘Forest Spectrum’ won Innis & Gunn’s annual art competition: a collaboration with the Society of Canadian Artists.

Innis & Gunn CEO, Dougal Sharp, commented: “This is the first time we have used another wood to mature our beer and it has produced really different, very distinctive qualities both in aroma and taste. It shows another side to Innis & Gunn, that it’s not just about the oak, it’s about the end flavour. For Innis & Gunn fans, this will be something new to try. For drinkers out there who aren’t fans of the vanilla character from the oak, this is definitely something new to try.

“The maple syrup really balances the resinous woodiness from the cherrywood, giving an earthy burnt toffee quality, it’s quite delicious.”

Innis & Gunn Canadian Cherrywood Aged will be available in the US from July, priced from $7.99 for a 330ml bottle and from $6 for a 12oz pour (prices and availability vary by state).