Review – Scottish Golden Aged in Single Malt Whiskey Casks from Innis & Gunn

One of four barrel-aged expressions of a Scottish Ale, the Single Malt Whiskey matured version might not have the spirit geek cred of Caribbean Rum or Islay casks, but the issue is how does the base Innis & Gunn beer react with each cask.

Though I am afraid of the combination of clear bottle and non-refrigerated bottles, I picked up the lone bottle to try and the aroma is nice and Scotch-y but then the flavor turns a little too sweet. Almost cola sweet but that aroma keeps pulling the affair back to center. I like the subtle smoke note here as well. I wonder how this tastes fresh, would it have less caramel?

Two Full Malted Jackets

Screen Shot 2013-02-19 at 9.44.19 AMHere is the story of the two version (in limited bottle release): “Straight off the heels of Beachwood Brewing’s first two bottled beers — Tovarish Imperial Stout and Beachwood Six Smoked Saison — arises two new Scottish-style Beachwood ales from Brewmaster Julian Shrago: Barrel Aged Full Malted Jacket Scottish-Style Ale & Full Malted Jacket Scottish-Style Ale (non-Barrel aged).

Batch 1 of Full Malted Jacket spent one year maturing in sturdy American bourbon barrels. Barrel Aged Full Malted Jacket is a Scottish-style “wee heavy” ale. The beer is rich, malty, and brewed with heirloom Scottish barley containing hints of vanilla and toasted oak that meld seamlessly with notes of toffee and caramel. “Full Malted Jacket marks our first barrel aged, bottled brew,” explains Shrago. “The fact that we are barrel aging at Beachwood is an exciting achievement; seeing the potential, we’ll definitely be experimenting further with barrel aged beers in the near future.”

Recognizing a unique opportunity to release two versions of the same beer, Beachwood Brewing is releasing classic-style Full Malted Jacket as well. This beer brewed with heirloom Scottish barley similar to its barrel aged counterpart. This complex beer endured a 3-hour boil, leading to a decadently rich malt profile with toffee and caramel accents.”