I need the benefit of your extensive knowledge of all things intoxicating, gentlemen.
Several years ago, whilst living in Dublin. I tripped over beer from what was then, a recent start-up in Edinburgh.
That beer was Innis & Gunn. About all they produced then was Original (6.6%abv) and Rum Aged(6.8%abv). And they sold both in large bottles of just under a litre in size. Both are ruby beers.
Original was good. But, Rum Aged was head and shoulders above anything else that you could buy in off licences at the time in Ireland. I&G stopped producing Rum Aged in large bottles soon after and large bottles of Original were hard to get.
Eventually, I became so frustrated with I&G's patchy distribution, that I threw in the towel and tried other beers.
I ended up settling on King Goblin (6.6%abv). Also a ruby beer and produced by the Wychwood Brewery. Its stocked by Tesco and is almost permanently 'on offer' at £6 for four 500 ml bottles.
I feel like a change. Nothing wrong with King Goblin. But a man craves variety now and again
Unfortunately, its slim pickings for beer on this side of the water. Hardly anyone brews above 5% abv because of the higher tax rate applied to 'strong beers'. I cannot stand white beer. Nor anything tasting strongly of citrus.
Something strong, with rum / toffee / chocolate and very mild citrus notes, would be ideal. By strong I mean, above 6% abv. It needs to be readily available. If not on the high street, then by mail order. I'm not price sensitive. Up to a point.
Any beer related suggestions / recommendations gentlemen?
I am thinking seriously about brewing my own I&G clone beer over this winter. Using one of the new all grain machines, like Grainfather.