Innis & Gunn

For those of you that love great beer, I have found one for you! Innis & Gunn, an oak aged beer from Edinburgh, Scotland, is an award winning beer that should not be missed. (Especially if you also like Scotch!)

I found this gem by accident at the Riverside Market on Pearl Street in Downtown NYC and have only found it at a few stores in the city (Its $4.50 a bottle price tag wasn't a deterrant, but you can find them at other places in the city for $2.50). This beer is actually aged in oak barrels that one would normally use to age whiskey. Because of this, the finish has hints of oak and has a similarity to a fine scotch. This honey colored brew has a very pronounced vanilla edge, with hints of citrus and the lingering oaky finish, which is somewhat sweet. Because of this complex taste, it makes a great compliment to steak, sausages, pork loin, curries, and desserts, like Creme Brulee.

This beer goes through a 77 day process, in which it resides in the oak barrels for 30 days. The flavor is unmistakeable and is one of the best, unique beers on the market. For those of you that scoff at Bud Light, Coors, or Miller, this beer should be on your must drink lists. Unfortunately, its distributor, Phoenix Beverages Inc, from Long Island City, NY only stocks in the NYC area.

All in all, if you know someone in the NYC area, or are visiting, make it a point to locate a bottle (or 2) of Innis and Gunn and you will surely enjoy!