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Innis & Gunn Original

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The original oak-aged beer. Matured in American oak whisky casks for 77 days, developing notes of vanilla, toffee, caramel and a warming oak finish. A genuine British classic.

ABV
6.6%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber14
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
oakcarameltoasty
oak
caramel
toasty
vanilla
malty
hoppy
Aroma
The nose is dominated by American oak influence, presenting inviting notes of vanilla and oak char alongside rich caramel and toffee aromas.
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Innis & Gunn Original

◎ Appearance

Innis & Gunn Original displays a deep amber to copper hue, reflecting its 77-day oak maturation. The beer presents excellent clarity with a moderate, off-white head that demonstrates good retention. Carbonation appears refined and well-integrated, befitting a sophisticated Scottish ale.

deep ambercopper-tingedclearpersistent head

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by American oak influence, presenting inviting notes of vanilla and oak char alongside rich caramel and toffee aromas. Subtle warm spice and grain character emerge beneath, with hints of dark fruit providing complexity and depth. The oak-forward profile is balanced by clean malt undertones, creating an elegant aromatic experience.

vanilla oakcarameltoffeewarm spice

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and medium-bodied with pronounced malty sweetness and caramel character. Mid-palate reveals the oak-aging influence with vanilla and subtle dark fruit notes, while warm spice adds complexity without overwhelming the palate. The 39 IBU provides restrained bitterness that complements rather than dominates, maintaining excellent balance throughout.

malty sweetcaramel-forwardsmooth oakbalanced

◑ Finish

The finish is warming and clean, with lingering vanilla and oak notes that gracefully fade. A subtle spiced dryness emerges, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that invites another sip.

warmingcleanlingering oak
84
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
86
Appearance
82
Finish
81
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Innis & Gunn Original

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About Scottish Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Scottish Ale?

Scottish Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Scottish Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same oak, caramel, toasty character as Innis & Gunn Original will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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