Beer Man: Subtlety is a hit in Cherrywood Aged ale
Innis & Gunn Canadian Cherrywood Aged brewed by Innis & Gunn of Edinburgh, Scotland, is 8.3 percent ABV.(Photo: Innis & Gunn)
Story Highlights
- Innis & Gunn ale is aged over Canadian black cherrywood chips
- Caramel-toffee Scottish ale flavor was followed by cherry, vanilla, oak and maple syrup
- The 8% ABV Cherrywood ale is a limited edition
Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.
This week: Innis & Gunn Canadian Cherrywood Aged
Innis & Gunn, Edinburgh, Scotland
A couple of months ago I recommended an oak-aged Scottish ale from Innis & Gunn[2] and mentioned some of the other beers in its portfolio. I had the good fortune since then to run into two of them — its Canadian Cherrywood Aged[3] and Rum Aged[4].
The Cherrywood ale (in a 25.4-ounce bottle) has all of the positive Scottish ale characteristics of the I&G Original[5] — the toffeeish aroma and flavor, and herbal, grassy hops. The beer is then aged over Canadian black cherrywood chips. Those who have grilled with cherrywood will have a good sense of the flavor that results, although without the smoke aspect.
The ale started off with the aroma of biscuit and caramel malt, a hint of cherry fruit and distinctive Goldings hops. It poured a copper color with a decent cream-colored head that slowly receded.
The caramel-toffee Scottish ale flavor was most noticeable on the first sip but was followed by prominent cherry, vanilla, oak and maple syrup, the latter an ingredient added at bottling time. While the cherrywood is noticeable, it is not overpowering or extreme, nor does it add tartness.
The flavors are complemented by some sweetness to the beer, which, combined with the more than 8% ABV, is necessary for balance. The body is medium carbonated and creamy. This is a very original brew that is especially enhanced by the cherrywood and maple, two items that mixed well with the caramel malt.
The Cherrywood ale is a limited edition, but its quality and uniqueness begs for further brewings. Another I&G ale that might be easier to find is the Rum Aged (6.8% ABV, 11.2 ounces), which is one of the brewery's core offerings. It is similar to the Original, except for a rum aftertaste that also blended well with the Scottish ale malt profile and left a pleasant slick feel in the mouth.
Innis & Gunn beers are available in about 26 states in all areas of the U.S.
Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability. Contact Todd Haefer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To read previous Beer Man columns Click here[6].
References
- ^ www.innisandgunn.com (www.innisandgunn.com)
- ^ Innis & Gunn (www.innisandgunn.com)
- ^ Canadian Cherrywood Aged (www.innisandgunn.com)
- ^ Rum Aged (www.innisandgunn.com)
- ^ I&G Original (www.innisandgunn.com)
- ^ http://www.postcrescent.com/section/APC0402/APC-Beer-Man (www.postcrescent.com)