Innis & Gunn Introduces 2 Beers that Honor All Things Scottish: Rare Oak Pale Ale & Highland Ale

In this seasonal release, the craft pioneers of oak-aged beer have turned to Scottish Oak, last used in brewing over four centuries ago to age this brew, then add indigenous herbs to create a beer that pays homage to Scotland’s brewing past and epitomizes the company’s bent for innovation. Crisp, aromatic and light, Rare Oak Pale Ale is made in a traditional pale ale style and carries high hop aroma and bitterness to complement the spicier, drier notes from the Scottish oak. Elderflower has been added during the maturation process, an herb to complement the hops and lighten up the fragrance. And finally, air-dried Sweet Gale, an herb grown and harvested in the West Highlands of Scotland is infused into the beer.

Sweet Gale was used by Scottish brewers in the Middle Ages as an alternative to imported hops because of its aromatic – and mood enhancing – properties. According to Stephen Harrod Buhner, award-winning American author of more than 20 books on nature and herbal medicines, the ancient beer was fabled to have had mildly narcotic qualities that would ‘stimulate the mind, create euphoria and enhance sexual drive.’ (To note, Innis & Gunn does not purport that Rare Oak Pale Ale carries the same qualities today.) 

Tasting Notes: Innis & Gunn Rare Oak Pale Ale (5.8% ABV)

Malt                      I&G Ale Malt, Golden Promise Malt, Crystal Malt, Wheat

Hops                     Super Styrian, Whitbread Golding

Maturation         Over Scottish oak chips in the Oakerators® (think coffee percolator without the heat)

Colour                  Pale gold

Aroma                  Fragrant spice and pine from the Sweet Gale, earthy hops and caramel malts

Taste                     Crisp and light, with light bitterness from the oak

Finish                    Very refreshing

P
air with              Seared scallops, barbecued meats, ice cream sundaes

Rare Oak Pale Ale is currently available in select regional markets in a 4-pack (330ml/$9.99 SRP) and in keg, $6-$7 for a 12 oz. pour.

HIGHLAND ALE (Limited Edition)

This limited edition brings together the craftsmanship of whisky makers and brewers who together have been perfecting the art of maturation for centuries. Despite endless investigation and study, it is a craft that can still only be partly explained with science. The other part remains a complete mystery – which makes the whole thing so exhilarating, for both the maker and drinker alike. Innis & Gunn has selected its malts and hops to create a balanced and unexpectedly light Scotch Ale, which is the ideal foundation and starting point for the oak to work its magic.

Highland Ale has been matured using Innis & Gunn’s pioneering Oakerators® over oak chips infused with 18 Year Old Highland Malt Whisky.  The beer has a fragrant aroma, rich taste with a smooth finish, making for a beautifully balanced ale.

Tasting Notes: Innis & Gunn Highland Ale (7.4% ABV)

Malt                      I&G Ale Malt, Crystal Malt, Wheat

Hops                     Super Styrian

Maturation         Over chips infused with 18 Year Old Highland Malt Whisky in the Oakerators®

Colour                  Golden

Aroma                  Rich and rounded; heather honey, raisins and marzipan

Taste                     Rich spiciness, gentle vanilla sweetness and smooth caramel

Finish                    Long and complex

Pair with              On its own or with mature cheeses, rich fruit cake and mince pies

Highland Ale is currently available in select regional markets in a single 660ml bottle with carton for a $7.99 SRP.

Founder and master brewer of Innis & Gunn, Dougal Sharp, said he wanted to bring a taste of Scotland to the U.S. in championing native Scottish ingredients: “Whether we are maturing our beer over Scottish Oak or with 18 Year Old Malt Whisky, Rare Oak Pale Ale and Highland Ale are two beers I am extremely proud to have made. Each represents the true character of my native Scotland and stands on its own as a proud member of the Innis & Gunn portfolio, yet they are united in their reflection of the passion and pride I put into each beer."

Innis & Gunn’s core range of beers comprises ORIGINAL (matured in ex-bourbon casks and in the Oakerators^®), RUM AGED (matured over oak infused with Navy and Demerara rums) and TOASTED OAK IPA (triple-hopped British style of traditional IPA).