Guinness gone fancy: Irish brand introduces a $35 beer

spinrsx · Post by **spinrsx** » Fri Mar 06, 2015 10:56 am

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/guinne ... =rss&rss=1

looks interesting

Craig · Post by **Craig** » Fri Mar 06, 2015 11:00 am

A 9% amber ale? So...a barley wine?

G.M. Gillman · Post by **G.M. Gillman** » Sat Mar 07, 2015 3:39 pm

Frankly, this new release leaves me cold, in that in Ontario, we have seen exactly one new Guinness release in recent years: the Black Lager. The newish bottled West Indies Porter and Dubin Porter, the Guinness FES, the Guinness Special Export Stout - nowhere to be seen. (Perhaps the American Blonde Lager is an understandable exception).

I find it really sad, as well, that Guinness has not re-introduced (anywhere, AFAIK) naturally-conditioned stout despite all the changes in the beer scene since the regrettable discontinuation of unfiltered and unpasteurized Guinness Extra Stout some 15 years ago or more.

Guinness is just not on my radar until some of this is remedied.

Gary

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:32 pm

Well said Gary!

They're the original macro... I haven't had the FES for a while, but it use to be really good. Otherwise, there a far better options. I use to order a draught every year or so, whenever there were few options, but don't even remember the last time I resorted to that.

Bobsy · Post by **Bobsy** » Sat Mar 07, 2015 9:18 pm

Derek wrote:Well said Gary!

They're the original macro... I haven't had the FES for a while, but it use to be really good. Otherwise, there a far better options. I use to order a draught every year or so, whenever there were few options, but don't even remember the last time I resorted to that.

I'll third the FES. I remember seeking it out when it rated highly in one of the BA categories and it didn't disappoint. Unlike regular Guinness, which is just crap. I'm still shocked when I hear people describe Guinness as filling - I just find it such a light and empty stout. A shell of a beer more than anything.

MatttthewGeorge · Post by **MatttthewGeorge** » Sat Mar 07, 2015 10:10 pm

The last time I had Guinness I dropped a shot of espresso in it, and it was fabulous. I call it a "Black Eye" (*TM Matthew George)

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:57 pm

+4 Bobsy, the FES was one rare super-good beer discovery in the Caribbean. Guinness must see zero market to sell it here, but is there not a varied immigrant consumer base that would support it?

Wikipedia wrote:Originally a bottle conditioned beer, FES has been pasteurised to ensure quality consistency since 1948.[8] Since 1950, in an attempt to recreate the flavour profile of bottle conditioned FES, the beer has been produced by blending fresh FES with 2 per cent FES that has been aged for up to 100 days, which has developed a high lactic acid content.[8] Finally, the beer is allowed to mature in the bottle for 28 days before being sent out for distribution.[26]

G.M. Gillman · Post by **G.M. Gillman** » Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:53 pm

Belgian wrote:+4 Bobsy, the FES was one rare super-good beer discovery in the Caribbean. Guinness must see zero market to sell it here, but is there not a varied immigrant consumer base that would support it?
Wikipedia wrote:Originally a bottle conditioned beer, FES has been pasteurised to ensure quality consistency since 1948.[8] Since 1950, in an attempt to recreate the flavour profile of bottle conditioned FES, the beer has been produced by blending fresh FES with 2 per cent FES that has been aged for up to 100 days, which has developed a high lactic acid content.[8] Finally, the beer is allowed to mature in the bottle for 28 days before being sent out for distribution.[26]

Regarding if FES would find a sale here, maybe yes or no but it would be a gesture to people who care about beer. Quality beer. It would acknowledge their history and roots. Have they forgotten what that is and means..?

Gary

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:43 pm

Quite some time ago (I'm thinking maybe 7 years ago?), and I'm not sure where (might've been discussed here?), they stated that they wouldn't bring the FES here because it would cause confusion with their consumers.

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 1:04 am

Derek wrote:Quite some time ago (I'm thinking maybe 7 years ago?), and I'm not sure where (might've been discussed here?), they stated that they wouldn't bring the FES here because it would cause confusion with their consumers.

Now Derek I know you would not really buy that would ya?

The name and label would set FES apart, and there are plenty of popular legends telling of different or maybe better versions of Guinness available elsewhere. I call BS on their reason, FES would not interfere with Guinness Draught consumers enjoyment of that popular version which is no doubt far cheaper to produce and a big cash cow Guinness does not wish to mess with.

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 1:04 am

Derek wrote:Quite some time ago (I'm thinking maybe 7 years ago?), and I'm not sure where (might've been discussed here?), they stated that they wouldn't bring the FES here because it would cause confusion with their consumers.

Now Derek I know you would not really buy that would ya?

The name and label would set FES apart, and there are plenty of popular legends telling of different or maybe better versions of Guinness available elsewhere. I call BS on their reason, FES would not interfere with Guinness Draught consumers enjoyment of that popular version which is no doubt far cheaper to produce and a big cash cow Guinness does not wish to mess with.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 1:08 am

Well, they do already have the Export stout here... But I'll decline to comment on the intelligence of their consumers.

on edit, it's actually Extra stout that's brewed in Ontario, but we don't even get that in BC

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 1:11 am

G.M. Gillman wrote:Regarding if FES would find a sale here, maybe yes or no but it would be a gesture to people who care about beer. Quality beer. It would acknowledge their history and roots. Have they forgotten what that is and means..

Well Guinness FES is pretty much the most "ancient" recipe they still have. They could make the brand look different enough so that it and regular Guinness would not be confused in our market. It is unfortunate that Guinness has become so successful at being bland.

G.M. Gillman · Post by **G.M. Gillman** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:50 am

On the point of FES here and its perception in the market, it has been nationally distributed in the States for years now... And it seems it is in B.C. too now if I read Derek's comment right.

We already have various forms of Guinness here: draft, shaped widget bottle, widget can, Black Lager, and hard glass bottle version brewed locally.

One more can't hurt and I think it would be the opposite, it would create renewed interest in the regular forms of Guinness and support the brand, not take away from it.

Gary

El Pinguino · Post by **El Pinguino** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:55 am

I saw Guinness Foreign Export Stout listed on a menu at a bar on College St last year...was happily surprised...ordered it. Got the regular old boring Guinness. Tried to explain the difference / wrong listing...but it wasn't a beer bar so they were clueless.