Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn has partnered with four unique Scottish brands to launch ‘Project Ampersand’, a diverse series of items which celebrate the story of its flagship ‘The Original’ barrel aged beer.
Launching between now and the end of October 2019, each carefully selected collaborator has re-imagined versions of their own flagship products inspired by The Original; its story, ingredients and the unique barrel aging process Innis & Gunn uses to create it.
The collaborators and items are:
Product design studio, INSTRMNT – INSTRMNT are a Glasgow-based, multi-disciplinary design studio focused on creating industrial-led products with an emphasis on quality, simplicity and attainability above all else. Their ethos as a design studio is built around three key elements – narrative, material, and function – in dictating concept and form.
INSTRMNT have created a fully bespoke Swiss-quartz watch inspired by elements of The Original’s brewing process.
Menswear designer, Kestin Hare – Kestin Hare is a Scottish menswear brand with a focus on making the highest quality garments for everyday that last, championing Made in the UK manufacturing. Founded in 2015 by designer Kestin Hare with over 17 year’s industry experience, versatility, durability and sustainability are key with around 70% of every collection being produced in British factories.
Kestin has reimaged the Arbroath Jacket as the Arobois Jacket, re-working it with details from the Original’s brewing process.
Digital audio device manufacturer, Revo – Driven by function and quality, Revo blend the highest design principles with the latest digital audio technology to create products that leave a lasting impression and stand the test of time. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in the small market town of Lanark, Scotland, REVO is a pioneer in digital radio and audio streaming and the recipient of multiple Red Dot and iF product design awards and eight coveted What Hi-Fi? awards.
Revo has taken oak staves from the Original barrels and hand-crafted them into solid hardwood cabinets for their signature SuperConnect audio system.
Craft Chocolate Company, COCO – The Art of Chocolate is a chocolate brand and manufacturer based in Edinburgh. Its visionary team of chocolatiers has free rein to create unique flavour combinations, delivering extraordinary experiences that change the perception of chocolate forever.
COCO has crafted three chocolate bars inspired by Innis & Gunn’s barrel-aged beers, each wrapped in a design created by an artist who will repurpose items from the brewing process to create a unique artwork.
David Moule, Senior Brand Manager at Innis & Gunn, said: “We’re working with some of Scotland’s leading creative and contemporary lifestyle brands on Project Ampersand. They, like us, are born and built in Scotland but actively embrace an international outlook and consumer. We took each collaborator through the processes we use to create the beer that started it all for Innis & Gunn, then asked them to apply elements of it to the products that they consider to be their own original or best loved items.
“The resulting items are incredible and reflect the ingrained belief in quality, craft and innovation that we share with our partner brands. Project Ampersand is a celebration of The Original – our best loved beer – and of what we feel are some of the other hugely exciting brands currently showcasing Scotland to a worldwide audience. We can’t wait to get these collaborations into the hands of our (and their) fans over the next few months.”
The Original is the most awarded bottled beer in Scotland and a six-time Grand Gold winner at the world-renowned Monde Selection. Over 15 years, Innis & Gunn have developed a unique barrel ageing process using first fill bourbon barrels to enhance the complexity and depth of flavour in the beer. Complex, smooth, rich, smoky and spicy with notes of vanilla, The Original has succeeded in consistently defying convention to earn its reputation as the choice for those looking for a beer that’s a little bit different.
