Innis & Gunn Bourbon Barrel Scotch Ale has won several awards including several gold medals. It is well warranted. This beer is a gorgeous blend and brings several flavors to the table in a blend that will have you asking for more.
The pour is excellent. There was a decent head of about one finger upon pouring, though sadly it disappeared by the time a picture was taken but that as due to my glass. It has the color of bourbon, that beautiful amber, honey color that entices you with just its looks. The aroma is sweet with notes of caramel and malt with a hint of whiskey.
The first sip lets you in with a smooth taste. You notice the oak of the barrel then you’re greeted by a little sweet toffee or caramel flavor. The malt follows and then comes a little bit of the hops. The finish gives you the notes of the whiskey. No flavor truly dominates. It is just a well-balanced brew that teases you with the whiskey flavors.
The carbonation is something you would expect with a dark beer. It is light on the bubbles and this beer is smooth on the tongue. It finishes with a creaminess and offers you a bit of the warmth of whiskey but without the bite. There are some notes of vanilla on the backend.
Overall, this beer is a delight to drink. It is definitely a sipping beer. It is sold in four-packs for around $10-12. I paid $10.99 for my four-pack. Sadly, the bottles are only 11.2 fluid ounces but they are 6.6% ABV. If you are looking for a beer to just relax and sip on that offers a little more sophistication than your typical beer then you might want to give this one a try. If you appreciate dark beers or enjoy whiskey and are looking for a slight change of pace then this brew is for you.