Brewer sells five million bottles

Innis & Gunn said September was a bumper month

The independent beer company, Innis & Gunn, has announced bottle sales of five million in the past 12 months.

The Edinburgh brewer said September was a bumper month with more than 50,000 cases of beer sold - a 50% increase the same period last year.

The company said its brewing processes, including aging the beer in American white oak barrels, were unique.

Innis & Gunn is now the best-selling British bottled beer in Canada and number two in Sweden.

Turnover for the latest quarter increased 12% to £1.21m.

Managing director Dougal Sharp said that speciality beer had remained resilient during the economic downturn.

He added: "People may be spending less on a night out, but they will still indulge in affordable treats at home."

Innis & Gunn was set up in 2003 as a joint venture with the drinks firm, William Grant.

In 2008 there was a management buy-out and the business is now under family ownership.