Launched in 2003, Innis & Gunn has since become one of the UK’s most successful international craft beer businesses. Operating from a site in Perth, Scotland, Master Brewer Dougal Gunn Sharp and his team develop and barrel-age an assortment of beers sourced to over 28 countries. Alongside Innis & Gunn’s core range, the brewery constantly produces limited edition, barrel-aged beers. Kindred Spirits, for instance, is a collaboration with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey; a Scottish stout aged using triple distilled Irish whiskey barrels.
Using Innis & Gunn’s unique barrel ageing process, Kindred Spirits is matured using Irish whiskey barrels from Tullamore D.E.W. – resulting in a one of a kind craft stout. On pour, Kindred Spirits is dark brown, almost black, and topped with a fleeting tan head. Prominent aromas of coffee, dark chocolate and vanilla are then complete with some pine and dried fruit. On the palate, however, the beer is astoundingly rich (not unlike Einstök’s Doppelbock) with plenty of sweet malt notes which complement the sustained flavours of chocolate, coffee and a touch of oak. These sweet notes finally continue throughout a smooth, sweet finish.
Speaking on the launch of Kindred Spirits, Dougal Gunn Sharp, Innis & Gunn’s founder and master brewer, said: “The Scots and Irish share a powerful Celtic connection in our culture and our character, a bond that draws us together with Tullamore D.E.W. A brew that is greater than the sum of its parts, Kindred Spirits is a celebration of the best of Scots and Irish craftsmanship, and in our partnership using our unique barrel into beer ageing process with Tullamore’s legendary Irish whiskey barrels, it has sparked the creation of an exciting and unique flavour packed alternative to the usual stouts.”
John Quinn, Tullamore D.E.W. Global Brand Ambassador, added: “Our partnership with Innis & Gunn brings us closer to a brand that shares our passion for innovation and creating products of exceptional quality and character. Beer and whiskey have always been ‘malt cousins’ because malted barley is a key ingredient in both, and we celebrate this unique bond through D.E.W. and a Brew – the pairing of Tullamore D.E.W. with great craft beers like Kindred Spirits for an evening full of true character.”
Further information on the collaboration can be found here.
Header photo: Alan Richardson Dundee, Pix-AR.co.uk
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