Oats star in a timely new beer for St. Patrick’s Day

Published 9:30 am Friday, March 11, 2022

Irish Whiskey Cask Scottish Oatmeal Stout, a beer celebrating Celtic culture, is now available in the U.S. 

Originally developed a decade ago by Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn to mark St. Patrick’s Day, this limited-edition beer hadn’t been available in the U.S. until recently. Abroad, it received numerous international distinctions including “Best in Class-Porters and Stouts” at the Alberta Beverage Awards and Grand Gold at the Global Monde Selection Awards last year.

Dougal Gunn Sharp, Founder, Innis & Gunn said: “Ireland is known for its great stouts, and Scotland for its great whisky, and of course, both nations share Celtic culture, character and an innovative spirit. To celebrate this, we set out to turn convention on its head by brewing an incredible Scottish stout, then aging it using the best Irish Whiskey Casks. Our Irish Whiskey Cask Stout is brimming with Celtic attitude.” 

Don’t let the dark black color of the beer fool you, the stout is purposely matured for mellowness. The oats give it a slightly sweet creaminess and rounded mouthfeel according to beer industry magazine Brewbound. Described as “warming and perfect for the winter months” the beer is complex yet smooth, its bitterness balanced with a long, chocolatey finish. 

Read here for other ways to get your oats, or go inside with one of western Pennsylvania’s last remaining estate-grown oat farms.