You know sometimes we even amaze ourselves. Like with ‘WEE BRU’. How we managed to get all that taste into a 250ml bottle we’ll never know. You could say that it’s a phenomenal phenomenon.
How would you describe the essence of a flavour that only two people in the world know? One that is such a closely guarded secret that it is held under lock and key in a vault in Switzerland? A taste so precious, so unique that it is our chairman Robin Barr, and he alone, who blends the unique combination of 32 flavours that can be savoured in every sip? There is only one word to describe it.
Phenomenal
And if you didn’t get that right you’ve clearly been drinking something else. So go and de-tox your mouth with a can of IRN-BRU immediately.
Better from the bottle?
Many people swear that IRN-BRU tastes even better when served chilled from a glass bottle. Which worries us slightly. Could it really be true that there is such a thing as the phenomenal taste of IRN-BRU, but better?
We hope that this is just the stuff of legend and that all IRN-BRU tastes equally phenomenal. The feeling when you finish a can is bad enough, but if it really does taste even more phenomenal from a glass bottle then that pain would surely be unbearable.
A suffering, for which getting 30p back on your empty would be little consolation.
Carbonated water, sugar (carbohydrate), citric acid, flavourings (including caffeine and quinine), preservative (E211), colours (E110, E124), ammonium ferric citrate (0.002%)
Typical values per 100ml: Energy – 182 kj / 43 kcal, Protein – Trace, Carbohydrate – 10.5g, Fat – 0g
Of an adult’s guideline daily amount
Who’d have thought something without any sugar could taste just as good? Well we did OBVIOUSLY, that’s why we made it.
... that we first launched sugar free IRN-BRU. Which was also the year that:
JR got shot.
Unemployment reached 2million. (Yes things did used to be that good.)
Stonewashed jeans were in fashion. No, really.
St Winifred’s School Choir were lovin’ their Grandmas.
A good night’s telly was something along the lines of Triangle or Juliet Bravo.
And we all went a bit mad for leg-warmers courtesy of the kids from Fame who were all gonna light up the skies with their names. Mmm, like that happened.
So thanks to us at least something good came out that year.
Carbonated water, citric acid, flavourings (including caffeine and quinine), sweeteners (acesulfame K, aspartame), preservative (E211), colours (E110, E124), ammonium ferric citrate (0.002%)
Typical values per 100ml: Energy – 3.1 kj / 0.7 kcal, Protein – 0g, Carbohydrate – Trace – Of which sugars – 0g, Fat – 0g – Of which saturates – 0g, Fibre – 0g, Sodium – Trace
Of an adult’s guideline daily amount
IRN-BRU 32 was so named in homage to the 32 flavours which give it its phenomenal taste. To the 32 mg of caffeine per 100ml which give it its phenomenal buzz. And to the 32 % extra IRN-BRU 32 which took it from a 250ml can to a phenomenal 330ml one.
We can’t tell you how glad we were that 32 was the magic number and not say 27, or 28 - or any other number for that matter. None of them would have sounded anywhere nearly as good:
See?
Carbonated water, sucrose, glucose, taurine (0.4%), citric acid, glucuronolactone (0.24%), flavourings, caffeine (0.03%), inositol, vitamins (niacin, B6, pantothenic acid, B12), colours (E110, E124, E101)
Typical values per 100ml: Energy – 202 kj / 47 kcal, Protein – 0g, Carbohydrate – 11.5g, Fat – 0g, Vitamins - Niacin 8mg (44% RDA), Pantothenic acid 2mg (33% RDA), B6 2mg (100% RDA), B12 2µg (200% RDA)
RDA = Recommended Daily Allowance
Q: What is the secret recipe for IRN-BRU?
A: The recipe for IRN-BRU is known by only two people in the world, former Chairman Robin Barr and one other A.G.Barr p.l.c board director whose identity remains confidential. The secret recipe has been passed down from one generation of the Barr family to another since 1901 when BARRS IRON BREW (as it was then spelt) was launched by Robert Barr and his son Andrew Greg Barr. On the announcement of his retirement from the role of Chairman in 2009, Robin Barr confirmed that he will continue to mix the secret recipe for IRN-BRU at the company’s headquarters in Cumbernauld. In true Barr tradition, he will eventually pass it on to his daughter, the company’s lawyer, Julie Barr – who will keep the recipe a secret for generations of IRN-BRU drinkers to come. Beyond confirming that BARRS IRON-BREW was launched in 1901 containing 32 ingredients I am afraid we can tell you know more.
Q: Is there iron in IRN-BRU?
A: Yes there is a iron in IRN-BRU. Since Barrs original recipe IRON BREW (as it was then spelt) was launched in 1901 the recipe has always contained a very small amount of iron.
Q: Are there any additives in IRN-BRU?
A: Yes. Additives play a fundamental role in providing safe and enjoyable food and drink products for consumers. They may only be used if they have been approved by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the level of use permitted is strictly regulated in the UK. All ingredients used in our products are authorised and entirely safe, and they are independently verified by the FSA.
Q: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has called for the voluntary removal of a number of artificial food colours in the UK – how does this affect IRN-BRU?
A: We have a process underway at the moment to replace two colours in IRN-BRU, Ponceau 4R and Sunset Yellow, in line with the new guidelines set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). These two colours are entirely safe and you can be reassured that IRN-BRU meets all regulations and quality standards and is entirely safe to drink.
When this process is completed there will be no major change to IRN-BRU. All we are doing is replacing two colours. The secret recipe for IRN-BRU and the taste of the product will remain unchanged and Robin Barr will continue to make the IRN-BRU essence as he always has at our Cumbernauld headquarters in Scotland.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
(between the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
FREE PHONE 0800 028 2236
