Innis & Gunn has brewed Smoke & Mirrors on its home soil using the brewer’s beer percolator, which allows the ale to be infused with different flavours.
And the brewer has sent some bottles to both US presidential candidates in the States.
Trio of extra ingredients
This brew includes Innis & Gunn Original along with three natural ingredients, each is said to aid the truth-enhancing process:
- Liquorice root gives the brew a unique and interesting flavour profile. Studies have also shown that over a prolonged time, liquorice helps keep mental skills sharp and improves cognitive functions
- Mullein is commonly used in the brewing process, it is also a natural relaxant that it is believed encourages honest and open behaviour
- Vine essence is allegedly an ingredient for people who know their own minds and are certain of their ability, and helps the drinker to lead or inspire people without force
Founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn, Dougal Sharp said: “Scotland is a straight-talking nation and we’re looking forward to bringing a little part of our Scottish candidness over to the States, along with our most innovative brew to date, Smoke & Mirrors.”
Historical accident
Innis & Gunn started brewing beer by accident after a whisky distiller approached the business for help to season its casks with beer.
It created a custom-made recipe and the resulting brew was put inside the distiller’s barrels. After 30 days, the beer was removed and the whisky replaced it.
While maturing, the whisky gained qualities from the beer-infused wood, which resulted in what the brewery call “a greatly admired dram”.
Months later, Sharp received a call to say people at the distillery had sampled the beer after its time in casks and “the taste was remarkable”. From here, the beer was born.