Beer Review #4: Innis and Gunn

At just $2.75 from the BC Liquor Store on Main this was a steal.

Innis and Gunn are a microbrewery in Edinburgh, Scotland, who seem to specialise in bottling a complex blend of liquid awesome. This beer is a favourite from back home and finding it out here makes me excited in a very nearly inappropriate way.

For such an amazing brew the bottle is pretty down to earth - no need for pretension when a beer with more sex appeal and charisma than an electric guitar playing Lamboughini lurks within. If you take the time to read the back there's some clue as to what you're in for. There's lots of talk of 'hand-selecting' and 'oak flavours' conjuring up the image of an old Scottish man in a castle somewhere showering these barrels with love and care, possibly (but understandably) at the expense of neglecting his wife and children. Well, if he is, screw them. The beer is awesome.

This stuff looks brilliant - when you hold it up to the light it's like looking at the side of a honey jar. I feel like I want to spread it on toast, but I'm dimly aware that kind of behaviour might be frowned upon by mainstream society.

The smell is oaky and malty and there's a lot of vanilla and honey in there too. And there are no nasty surprises when it gets into your mouth; you drink exactly what you smell. There's a lot going on here, and I'm happy about all of it.

It's possible that this beer would make the perfect man: strong and robust (6.6% ABV) yet sensitive. Able to embrace his feminine vanilla side while still being able to kick the crap out of some mouthy lager who's been getting handsy with his girlfriend.

Confusing metaphors aside, this is definitely not to be missed. It's different, it's delicious and it not got the bitterness that might put you off making a move away from your mainstream lagers. It's light enough that you can put a few of these away but you won't want to rush through it. This is definitely a beer to be savoured.

Verdict: 9/10