Irish Whiskey Finish

Brewery: Innis & Gunn

Supplier: Beers of Europe

Another aged beer from Innis & Gunn; this one is one of their seasonal range, a stout matured over Irish whiskey infused American oak heartwood. During 2014 it was awarded Gold in the Monde Selection Awards and Silver in the Speciality Beers of the International Beer Challenge (although for some reason it is listed as Bronze on their website). I served this at room temperature.

Appearance: Dark with maroon edges when held to the light. The is a reddish-brown head at first, but this dissipates completely in a matter of seconds.

Aroma: There is lots of sugar at first similar to maple syrup; then a woody notes similar to that found in sherry comes about, mixed with very subtle underlying whiskey notes. 

Flavour: Again you initially get  sweet maple syrup notes, but coupled with dark roasted notes. At the back some of the sherry like wood notes come out. 

Body: Quite thick and syrupy, which works with this drink but could probably be tones down slightly. The carbonation in this is also too much. 

Aftertaste: The aftertaste is quite dry with a slight burn similar to one you get whilst drinking whiskey. There is also a subtle vanilla and wood note. However, with some drinking an unpleasant green wood and tannin note developes.

Overall: Therefore this gets a rating of 5, nice but I wouldn't want to drink more than one. The whiskey and wood does really work in this but there are still some off notes too it. It is similar to a dark red wine, but much sweeter.

Price Range: £2.19 for a 330ml bottle, probably about right due to the high alcohol, although I wouldn't get it again as they have others at this price that are better.

Food Pairings: I would say this would go well with heavily flavoured beef, such as sticky ribs or teriyaki steak.

Nollaig

Brewery: Williams Bros. Brewing Co.

Supplier: Beers of Europe

I got this one specifically for Christmas (but then forgot about it) as it is made using Spruce sprigs - AKA its a beer that is brewed with Christmas trees! I decided to drink it now as its best before was May 2015 and I'm not sure how well this type of beer ages. Although it is labeled as a Gruit it does actually use hops, they used big American hops Amarillo & Centennial to give a bold flavour that matched that of the spruce. I served this chilled.

Appearance: A dark amber colour; but with no head, just a lingering off-white foam. I thought I had poured this carefully but there are LOTS of dark solid bits.

Aroma: Lots of sugar with some sweet lemon notes

Flavour: Not much on the front but then a syrupy back, there are some notes that are a bit unfamiliar, a bit of a mix of rose oil and orange peel. 

Body: Quite syrupy, a bit too thick, but quite well carbonated. 

Aftertaste: A nice mix of preserved oranges and a hoppy bitterness. 

Overall: Therefore this gets a rating of 4, not bad but a bit too much and a bit too sweet.

Price Range: £2.79 for a 330ml bottle, not a great price for it, I wouldn't get it again.

Food Pairings: Very strong and gamey meats, something like venison, in a rich stew.