Oh, here’s a deal, if not a steal, my friends: Innis & Gunn Barrelmasters Reserve Bourbon Cask Dark Ale. Now, you might think it takes longer to say it than to drink it, but I assure you, that’s not true. I saw this on the draft menu one fine Thursday evening, but much to my dismay, was told by the bartender that in fact the keg had not yet been tapped. Undeterred, I came back the following Sunday and asked for it again, this time finding it available, and in full mug pours no less.

Innis & Gunn Barrelmasters Reserve Bourbon Cask Dark Ale is, as far as I can tell, a variation on their Bourbon Dark Ale, which I am told is standard supermarket fare in the United Kingdom. Lucky them, then. Here, it is available on tap as I found it, but also in 22-ounce bomber bottles in package stores.

Innis & Gunn says:

This very special dark ale has been brewed in small batches and then matured in hand-selected, first-fill bourbon casks to give it its rich, rounded character.

Notes of brown sugar, orange oil and coconut are complemented by an earthy freshness from the hops, and the 30 days the beer's spent in oak have ensured a satisfyingly smooth finish.

We spend a lot of time at Innis & Gunn finding the perfect casks to home the new beers that we make. So many factors can influence the reaction between the wood and the beer, that we like to give the casks the best possible chance of success, by considering things like their age, their previous occupants, their finish, their char level...

We've selected relatively new bourbon casks for this recipe in order to complement the rich, heady flavours of the beer with a light touch of vanilla and spice from the wood. The casks have also helped to smooth the finish of the beer, making it velvety and very long. 

OK, that’s a lot I’ve quoted there, but it’s from their blog and I found it all valuable information indeed on the beer. In style, Innis & Gunn Barrelmasters Reserve Bourbon Cask Dark Ale is a Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy of 7.4% by volume. I was shocked that it was only $5.25 for a full 23-ounce mug. Exciting! It sells for more by ounce in bottles, $7.99 at Total Wine.

My glass of Innis & Gunn Barrelmasters Reserve Bourbon Cask Dark Ale arrived a very dark brownish black color with a medium sized head of creamy tan foam and luscious raisins and molasses in the nose. Taking a sip, the palate offers up chocolate, hints of toffee, raisin, brown sugar and a touch of boozy bourbon at the last, with a gently sweet finish.

I would like more bourbon myself but this is an otherwise lovely beer at a great price, and a beer I will be looking for in the bomber bottle for sure.



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