Irn Bru

Made by: A G Barr plc

Origin: Scotland, UK







Irn Bru (pronounced 'Iron Brew') was originally made under the name of 'Strachan's Brew' in Falkirk, Scotland in 1901. The current name came into being in 1946. It remains the best-selling and most popular drink in Scotland. The advertising line 'made in Scotland from girders' is uniquely associated with this drink, and refers to the Ammonium Ferric Citrate it contains.

Irn Bru is a pale, bright burnt-orange colour, clear and intense in the glass. The brisk carbonation soon settles down after the drink is poured.

The aromatic nose takes in concentrated orange juice and fairground candyfloss, before settling on 'Juicy Fruit' chewing gum (imagine a combination of strawberry and banana syrups, vanilla and icing sugar).

On the palate Irn Bru is lively but light (read well-diluted), with tinned citrus making an early impression on the sides of the tongue, followed by sweet orange squash. Those 'Juicy Fruit' flavours then take over again (reminds me of Chantilly cream), before the whole ends in a short finish, leaving a metallic, citrus tang in the aftertaste.

Packaging claims: Original & Best, Bru'd in Scotland to a secret recipe for over 100 years

Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar (carbohydrate), citric acid, flavourings (including caffeine & quinine), preservative (E211), colours (E110, E124), Ammonium Ferric citrate (0.002%)

Price: Should be about £0.50-£0.60 for a 330ml can, widely available