Limited Edition IPA
Innis & Gunn

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From:
Innis & Gunn
 
Scotland, United Kingdom
Style:
English IPA
ABV:
6.4%
Score:
81
Avg:
3.5 | pDev: 14.86%
Reviews:
32
Ratings:
33
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Nov 28, 2014
Added:
Apr 06, 2008
Wants:
  2
Gots:
  0
No description / notes.
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Ratings by Phyl21ca:
Photo of Phyl21ca
Reviewed by Phyl21ca from Canada (QC)

3.38/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bottle: Poured a bright golden color ale with a medium foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of liquor (rum), lemon zest and some malt – very different to say the least. Taste is very weird with some rums notes and zest flavour as well as some pastry? Not sure what to make of this but I am glad I had the chance to try it.
Jan 04, 2008
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 1.75 by olradetbalder from Sweden

Nov 28, 2014
Photo of RyanBelle
Reviewed by RyanBelle from Canada (ON)

3.36/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Strong and boozy, but worthwhile as it had a complex taste that I had never experienced before. It's kind of like a glass of high quality IPA with an 1/8 shot of whiskey inside to throw a bunch of unexpected complexity into the mix. The booze is right up at the front on this which i don't like though, and the drinkability, like all innis and gunn beers is not there. It's a special occasion beer and too sweet for a session beer. Worth your time to try however, it's pretty much gone now since it was limited edition.
Apr 19, 2011
Photo of ChrisCage
Reviewed by ChrisCage from Canada (AB)

4.27/5  rDev +22%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
A- The coloring is a very nice dark amber/orange....and there's somewhat of a oak stain to it. As usual, the box and bottle add sophistication to the product. Head is somewhat fizzy and settles to a ring around the glass. There is also some moderate lacing but not as much as I would have liked to see.

S- The aroma is quite complex, however the dominant smell is sweet caramel malts....almost like smelling a melted macintosh toffee bar. There is also a fruitiness to this, with sweet apples, as well as very mild citrus notes. There is also some yeasty aromas to this as well...smells rich and the oak is noticeable as well.

T- Tastes very nice! It is similar to how it smells....the caramel malt really comes through, but not as sweet. There is a nice vanilla oak flavor as well as the rich biscuit, bread flavors. The hop presence isn't really noticeable except right at the finish, there is just a slight zest.

M- Rich, creamy and smooth define this to a tee. The carbonation is low, allowing the liquid to flow over the palate gently. This allowed me to really pick up on the complex flavors and enjoy. At the same time, there is a slightly refreshing character to this brew that I really like. And like the other I&G products, the alcohol was hardly noticeable, especially considering this is a little stronger than the average beer.

D- As much as I like this, I'd stop after one. A mature beer for a mature beer drinker, I would very much enjoy this with a meal or as a nightcap. I really like that fact that this has so much flavor and is truly a sipping beer. Another great job!
Mar 05, 2009
Photo of Voonder
Reviewed by Voonder from Canada (AB)

4.22/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Comes in the fancy box and costs about 5.50 per 0.33 ml single bottle. Pretty expensive.
Pours copper colour, very clear with thin white head.
Smell - whiskey perhaps, malts, caramel. Really different. Taste is a bit too sweet for me, it's really balanced and complex though, but you han hardly taste hops. It's simply not hoppy enough for IPA. It's also pretty fruity, apple and cherry perhaps. It's really nice beer, don't get me wrong, it's just doesn't taste like IPA. Mouthfeel - creamy, silky, very balanced, adequate carbonation. it's very drinkable actually. I'd have more than one, but price kinda stops me.
Overall, excellent brew.
Nov 20, 2008
Photo of GodOfBeer
Reviewed by GodOfBeer from Canada (ON)

4.22/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had this one a while back and it was delicious!

A nice golden "sunshine" colour with a decent head that leaves lots of lacing.

Vanilla, oak, oranges and hops form a complex mouthwatering aroma.

The taste is like it smells, "zesty hops" as the box says and more vanilla and finishes oakey and smokey.

Not as good as there original beer but wow was this ever a nice treat, I can't wait until they release the next batch, I'll buy a case next time.
Aug 26, 2008
Photo of Shadman
Reviewed by Shadman from Canada (AB)

2.85/5  rDev -18.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Been sitting on this one for awhile now.

Crystal clear amber orange so they got the color down pat. Decent head and lacing, but no real retention. An average EIPA looks-wise.

Lots of buttery sweet malts with a hint of rum raisin. Not a whiff of hop to be had though. Must have been fresh as there was no skunk smell. Mind you it does come in it's own individual box.

Bit of an alcohol bite up front followed by some nice whiskey vanilla. Definitely can taste the oak in the back end.

A tough watery in the middle, but all in all quite smooth.

Not sure where the Brothers are going with their product line because for something that was supposed to be India Pale Ale this one tastes an awful lot like their Oak Aged Ale that can be had for a fraction of the price. I'll be passing on another.
Aug 15, 2008
Photo of Proteus93
Reviewed by Proteus93 from Virginia

3.65/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I had picked one of these up while out in Banff / Jasper, but sadly, it was pretty bad. The skunkiness was kind of unusual - it wasn't TOTALLY dead, and some of the malty sweetness came through. It was pretty vile and I ended up pouring it and figured I'd try it again from a different store in a different city.

A: A light golden amber hue, sporting a thick white head that makes itself at home and sticks around a while

S: A nice balance of hop and oakiness. The aging was about perfect at 60 days. Somewhat floral and citrus - like the fruits fresh on the tree. A soft malty backbone, typical of the English styles, which is typically nice.

T: Sweet barley and hoppiness. Not particularly bitter at all... that's not a bad thing, really. The oak is on the milder side, but does add a little bit of character.

M + D: Refreshing, sparkling. Finishes rather dry. This was certainly better than the first bottle that I had. I'd consider it again, and would welcome it if offered. Not too bad at all... give it a shot.
Jul 06, 2008
Photo of helloloser12345
Reviewed by helloloser12345 from Northern Ireland

3.15/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Serving Type: Standard clear Innis and Gunn bottle

Appearance: Light amber, off white head with a nice head, decent retention and lacing

Smell: Butterscotch, almonds, nice well rounded whiskey notes. Seaweed and salty.

Flavour: Creamy texture with faint malt flavours leading to a subdued finish which is almost souring.

Overall: I think this beer has not stood up well to its almost 2 years of aging. I remember drinking quite a few when it was initially released in 2006 and was never greatly impressed with it, that's why I choose to age one and see if the flavours developed. Unfortunately my experiment has not paid off (maybe I gave it a bit too much age? - probably, considering the relatively low ABV and the fact that it is not bottle conditioned)

I must admit to being quite a fan of this brewery and commend their efforts, unfortunately neither the fresh or aged version of this is remarkable.
Jun 17, 2008
Photo of biegaman
Reviewed by biegaman from Canada (ON)

4.2/5  rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
2007 Limited Edition IPA. 330ml clear bottle from inside a fancy, almond coloured box. One of 68,000 produced. ABV of 6.4% Best before December 2008 and enjoyed 30/05/08.

The beer was poured down the middle of the glass which resulted in a circular tornado of bubbles that stormed up into a peachy white foam. Tiny dots of carbonation steadily climb upwards making the head increasingly thicker on the edges. Perfect clarity. The brewers describe the colour as "sunshine"; I might say 'honey' is a little closer.

The aroma is rather alluring - an incredibly mellow oak character that blends perfectly with notes of honey, hops, and orange peel. The wood stands out immensely although does nothing to hamper the delicate hops and biscuit malts. Actually, the wood seems to bring balance to the duality of citrus tang and sweet butterscotch.

A slight warming sensation begins each sip. A tiny zing of carbonation zaps the roof the mouth. Beyond these initial sensations, the beer is nothing but mellow. The texture is rich, silky, and very smooth. Innis and Gunn allow you to make no mistake - they are, indeed, masters of oak aging.

The taste, like the aroma, blends a delicate balance of citrus tang with dry, refined oak. Flavours include lemon zest, orange peel, sweet honey and pure vanilla. The malts introduce a hint of butterscotch and doughy biscuits.

This was incredibly mellow, and I suppose as result, mellowing! It reminds me, slightly, of a buttery chardonnay. The zestfulness made this unexpectedly refreshing. Like a fine scotch, however, this can also be contemplative. It is a refined beverage, one which only became better and more complex as it warmed.

The brewers boast this to have a "sublime balance of flavours, textures, and aromas" ... indeed, it does! Innis and Gunn deserve far more credit for their craft. They continue to do wonderful things with the barrel.
May 30, 2008
Photo of IronDjinn
Reviewed by IronDjinn from Canada (AB)

3.65/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Comes in a fancy caramel coloured box, with an explanation of their brewing process/decisions on one side, and a break down of characteristics on the other side. Regular clear Innis & Gunn bottle inside. Pours out a clear light amber, the clarity is rather impressive for an IPA. Two-finger cream-coloured head that recedes quickly to a very thin cap.

Rich toffee malt on the nose, with trademark vanilla bean combined with oak presence that is the signature of this brewery. Very faint citrus zest.

Flavour is refined yet faint. Malt, alcohol and hops seem to blend into one. Hops are very mild, only really becoming independently apparent in the aftertaste as a slight herbal presence.

Mouthfeel is on the light side, even watery at times, but fills out on the finish.

This was enjoyable, but didn't quite live up to the hype and description of it on the box. Not hoppy in the least, yet the oak and vanilla add a nice touch. For the price I'll stick to the regular Innis & Gunn, this is a one shot deal for me as far as I'm concerned.
May 05, 2008
Photo of swizzlenuts
Reviewed by swizzlenuts from Wisconsin

3.25/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2
The colour of the beer is a light brown/copper colour, with a small head that stays very well. There isn't much carbonation from the looks of it.

The beer has a vanilla smell with some oak, and it's quite complex. I can't quite pick out all the of the smells in it though. The hops are very sweet in this beer and it's very balanced. The flavours are constantly changing on you. It tastes like a spirit, and it's quite odd. The mouthfeel is what I expected.

The flavours of the beer are too much and I would not want another.
Apr 14, 2008
Photo of Naerhu
Reviewed by Naerhu from Japan

3.94/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Date not on box, but bottle stamped D7 Dec D8.

Thanks to RobBeer for bringing this beer all the way to Japan.

Split this bottle with a mate who hated the oak aged influences in this beer, but I enjoyed it.

Golden color. Zippy vanilla and hops dominate aroma. Light body with nice balance of light toasty malt (with Islay-like background) vanilla and clean delicious bitterness.
Apr 06, 2008
Photo of allergictomacros
Reviewed by allergictomacros from Canada (ON)

3.7/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A - Pours a clear copper with a dense, but not especially stiff white foam.

S - Oaky and whiskey-like with vanilla, butter and toffee notes.

T - Buttery and woody/oaky. There's a touch of tartness on the tongue. Bitterness is very low. There are hints of lemon/citrus hopping but the taste profile is mostly about the oak and malt.

M - Very smooth, medium body and carbonation. Really nice feel.

D - Not bad. Similar to regular I&G (granted I haven't had one of those in a while). Interesting oakiness, but doesn't really pop.
Mar 31, 2008
Photo of elricorico
Reviewed by elricorico from Canada (AB)

3.41/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Clear copper in colour with a two finger white head. Recedes but leaves lacing.

Strong scent of vanilla in the nose, coupled with a slightly citrus hop aroma. Too much vanilla for my tastes, but not offensive.

A vanilla sweetness and scotch impression are most notable in the front of the tongue. Finish is like a hard liquor. Interesting, certainly out of the ordinary.

Prickly carbonation and a little bit of liquor like body. A little more coarse than I like, but not bad.

Certainly not what one expects when pouring an IPA. Worth checking out, I like it a bit better than the standard Innis and Gunn.
Mar 29, 2008
Photo of Antilochus
Reviewed by Antilochus from Canada (ON)

3.65/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Best before December 2008. 6.4% abv, 330mL bottle.

Found this at a Kingston, Ontario LCBO while searching for St. Ambroise Vintage Ale 2007. Clear bottle but BOXED!

Poured into a nosing glass. Modest white sudsy head, rich whisky-like amber colour. Streaming bubbles fizzing on the surface into nothing. I guess sitting in a oak cask for 60 days doesn't help the carbonation.

Aromas of maple syrup candy, brown sugar and Shreddies, carmelized sugar, dry sherry, molasses, vanilla, slight grassy hop notes. More vegetal than the original. Why does a Scottish IPA smell like bourbon? Next time peat it why don't you. Lots of barrel here, with less complexity but more cleanness than the original. of course with more hop notes and less maltiness. Some lemon juice in there. Maybe lager yeast? Alcohol noted on the nose.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied, moderate carbonation stings the mouth a bit. Lots of malt on the palate... is this actually an IPA? There is something like bitterness here but it is more just sharpness, like an aged cheese. Sour fruity apple vinegar backhanded finish, medium to short length. Diacetyl. A bit hollow but retains some twigginess (like eating wood chips). Gosh, I really hope they don't chip this beer. Oak is much more mild in this than in the original.

I like these oaked beers because they have a unique and interesting flavour profile. Sure, they have their faults, but each of them is a joy to drink every once in a while. This gets better and better as I drink it!
Feb 29, 2008
Photo of wjimson
Reviewed by wjimson from Antarctica

3.64/5  rDev +4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
I only rate this beer with this score because the beer does taste "good". The smell is "good", and its quite drinkable. However, this beer does not represent the IPA style. The bitterness is hardly strong enough and its body is rather light. I will likely have this again once in a blue moon, or perhaps if I should invite female friends with premature taste for beer over.

I only bought this beer as a Christmas gift to a friend, but kept this one in the end because I had decided to give away something better (Aventinus Eisbock). So I am left with this bottle of beer that is wrapped in a pitifully pretty box, with a beautifully embellished bottle (a pretty gift for $4.75). I wonder if the beerstore will take the bottle back and give me my 10 cent return.

Smell is of fragrant oak, very sweet, with the vanilla like scent already coming out. The head was weak, around 1cm.

The taste is unique and over powering with oak flavour, with a cloying vanilla scent and sweetness. The aftertaste has a slight tanginess that one would expect from the oak profile. The malt taste is not at all evident, and is only present in the aftertaste. Perhaps the hop profile is nicely "absent" in order for the oak to be accentuated.

This is still not an IPA, it taste good however. The drinkability is only good if one is accustom to beer which tastes like potpourri. Still, another beer with a winning malt and hop profile would easily be more acceptable than this beer.
Feb 02, 2008
Photo of CanuckRover
Reviewed by CanuckRover from Canada (ON)

3.84/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Aggresive pour results in medium foamy head, quickly disapears. Quite pale, clear, with a little tint of orange.

Oak really comes out on the nose. Lovely vanilla aroma with some nice caramel sweetness from the malt. Very nice smelling beer.

Surprisingly subtle taste. Sweet english malt up front with a little bit of grain more suited to a continental lager. A little bit of typically English fruit, but not that much really. Hops are very floral and offer a hint of honey, quite nice and very Scottish. Oak is there all the way through with vanilla at the forefront, but not the same whiskey character you get from the usual IG.

Quite thin but because of the lack of any real bitterness, not as nice in the mouth as other English ales. Quenching though.

An IPA from Innis and Gunn? I was nervous about this one, I thought the oak would be overpowering. It wasn't, at all, in fact it was much lighter than their normal ale. This is a good one, glad I got my 3/68,000!
Feb 01, 2008
Photo of grub
Reviewed by grub from Canada (ON)

3.78/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
330ml clear bottle packaged in a copper coloured box. best before 06 Dec 08. bottle says that it is one of only 68,000 produced. sampled jan 25/08.

pours golden yellow with a small dense white head. the head drops fairly fast and leaves spotty lace behind.

aroma is good. big vanilla and bourbon nose. alcohol. caramel sweetness. bit of grapefruit and tangerine. bready malt. red wine. bit of raisin.

taste is nice. vanilla and bourbon again. i still get a bunch of red wine character too. toffee. caramel. light grapefruit. light orange and tangerine sweetness. bready malt. light alcohol. low bitterness level - too low for the style. slightly earthy hops.

mouthfeel is good. medium-low carbonation level. medium body.

drinkability is great. well balanced. a nice english beer with great barrel character, but it just doesn't taste like an ipa to me. the bitterness is lower than expected, even from an english ipa. the hop presence seems muted, though i'd expect that from the extended time in the barrel. however, it's still an enjoyable beer. i really think that the barrel character is much more balanced and enjoyable than the regular I+G, which is just a giant vanilla bomb.
Jan 31, 2008
Photo of DrJay
Reviewed by DrJay from Texas

3.58/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
This one poured a clear, dark gold with a fine, bright white head. The foam lasted quite a while, eventually settling to a solid ring and leaving some spotty lacing behind. The aroma was big in the oaky/whiskey department, fairly earthy and woody with a light vanilla. In the background was a bit of hop fruitiness and tropical fruit character. Moderate bitterness with a lot of fruit, pineapple and apple skin, with a bit of oak and alcohol. It finished quick and balanced. Medium/light bodied with soft carbonation, there was a light warmth and dryness that worked well. Not bad at all. I was a little surprised at how mild the oak was in the flavour after the intense character it gave to the aroma.
Jan 17, 2008
Limited Edition IPA from Innis & Gunn
Beer rating: 81 out of 100 with 33 ratings