I&G launches beer aged in sherry casks

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn has launched a special edition of its flagship beer the Original matured in Pedro Ximénez Spanish sherry casks.

The Original PX, 7.4 per cent, was inspired by the long-standing love Scots have for sherry. It dates back to the 1600s when casks of the wine from Spain arrived at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Innis & Gunn’s home town.

The Original was the first I&G beer and set the trend for ales matured in whisky casks. Original spends three months in sherry casks brought to Scotland from Montilla Moriles in southern Spain.

Dougal Gunn Sharp, I&G founder and master brewer, says: “The importance of sherry to Scotland dates way back and, of course, sherry casks are used to mature whisky thanks to their mellow, sweet character and exotic flavours and aromas.”

The pale bronze Original PX has an aroma of caramel and vanilla with hints of figs and blood oranges. Sultanas and Christmas pudding build on the palate and the finish is warming with lingering sweetness and fruitiness.

To celebrate the special limited edition beer. Scottish contemporary landscape artist Emily Moore was commissioned to create the artwork that accompanies the gift carton packaging.

Her inspiration was the olive groves in the Montilla Moriles region combined with bodega roofs, patterns of olive leaves and the natural wood of the sherry casks.

The Original PX is available from the I&G online shop www.innisandgunn.com priced at £7 per 330ml bottle with gift carton.