Innis & Gunn, Edinburgh, Scotland, announced the launch of Tequila Cask Blonde in the United States.

Combining the smooth character of a blonde ale with distinctive notes of tequila, the Innis & Gunn Tequila Cask Blonde is matured using specially selected Mexican tequila casks. The flavors from the casks provide the unmistakable citrus and spice tequila character, while the sweetness from the oak tempers and adds depth, ensuring this beer is as accessible and refreshing as it is original, the company says.

“Innovation always drives us forward, and we relish offering drinkers something they will genuinely like, that's got a real point of difference,” said Dougal Sharp, founder and master brewer of Innis & Gunn, in a statement. “The rise of Tequila has been meteoric, and so we wanted to express some of the attitude and flavors of this incredible spirit category in this beer.

“This is Tequila Beer made properly with real tequila casks as the name suggests,” Sharp continues. “Innis & Gunn Tequila Cask Blonde is the real deal — it doesn't imitate the other tequila beers merely infused with tequila and citrus flavors. We are delighted by the complexity and zest of such a pale colored and wildly refreshing beer.”

Tequila Cask Blonde can be paired with seasonal bites such as crispy fish tacos, spiced chicken burgers and street corn salads, the company notes. The recommended serve is with a slice of pink grapefruit, which accentuates the citrus character of the beer while dialing up its refreshment, it says.

Packaged in 500-ml cans, Tequila Cask Blonde now is available to purchase in four-pack cans for a suggested retail price of $12.99 and can be found at select independent beer and grocery retailers. 

Innis & Gunn also is updating its flagship portfolio range, and The Original and Caribbean Rum Cask now can be found in a new 500-ml can format, replacing the 330-ml bottle pack, in all major states, with a 20% target price reduction to consumers, it notes.