Guinness Beer In Hawaii: Where To Find It

Guinness is a stout that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. It is now available in over 120 countries and is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide. The main product is Guinness Draught, a 4.2% ABV dry stout.

Guinness is available in Hawaii, as evidenced by the existence of a Guinness Hawaii Shirt sold on Etsy. Additionally, there is a Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, which is the brand's Home of the World's Most Popular Stout. The Storehouse offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of Guinness and sample different varieties of the beer.

Where to buy Guinness beer in Hawaii

Guinness beer is available in Hawaii, and there are several options for purchasing it. Here are some places to consider:

Local Retailers

First, you can check with local retailers in Hawaii, such as liquor stores, supermarkets, or specialty beer stores. These stores typically stock a variety of beer brands, including Guinness. You can inquire about their Guinness selection and availability.

Bars and Restaurants

Bars and restaurants in Hawaii, especially those with a diverse beer selection, are likely to have Guinness on tap or in bottles. You can explore establishments in popular areas like Honolulu, Waikiki, or tourist destinations, as they may be more likely to carry Guinness.

Online Platforms

Another option is to utilize online platforms that facilitate the purchase and delivery of alcoholic beverages. Websites such as Drizly, Minibar, or Instacart may offer Guinness delivery services in Hawaii. You can check their availability by inputting your location.

Specialty Beer Stores

Hawaii is also home to specialty beer stores that cater to craft beer enthusiasts. These stores often carry a wide range of local and international beer selections. You can explore stores like Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room in Kaka'ako, Honolulu, which was opened by a certified Cicerone® and beer enthusiast.

Events and Festivals

Keep an eye out for beer festivals or cultural events in Hawaii that may feature Guinness as a participating brand. These events provide an opportunity to sample and purchase a variety of beers, including Guinness.

Hotel Bars and Restaurants

If you're staying at a hotel or resort in Hawaii, it's worth checking the bars and restaurants within the premises. Some hotels offer a diverse range of beer options, and you may be able to find Guinness on their beverage menu.

In conclusion, while the above options provide a good starting point for purchasing Guinness in Hawaii, availability may vary based on location and demand. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check the websites of specific retailers, bars, or restaurants to confirm if they stock Guinness before making a special trip.

The history of Guinness beer

In 1838, Guinness became Ireland's largest brewery, and by 1886, it was the world's largest, producing 1.2 million barrels annually. The business remained in the Guinness family for five generations, with Arthur Guinness II and Benjamin Lee Guinness expanding the business internationally and creating the first trademark label for Guinness stout.

In the early 20th century, Guinness continued to grow and innovate, establishing a laboratory in 1901 to improve the brewing process. During World War I, over 800 employees of the St. James's Gate Brewery served in the British forces, and Guinness supported them by paying half their wages and guaranteeing their jobs upon their return.

In the mid-20th century, Guinness began to face challenges, including a decline in sales and criticism of its hiring practices. In response, the company made changes to its brewing process, including the addition of nitrogen to give the beer a creamier texture and smoother flavour. In 1959, Guinness also introduced a new product, Draught Guinness, which was sold under pressure using a mixed gas dispensing system.

In the late 20th century, Guinness underwent several changes in ownership and continued to face competition and declining sales. However, it remained a popular brand, known for its distinctive advertising campaigns and unique brewing process. In 1997, Guinness merged with Grand Metropolitan to form Diageo Plc, a British multinational beverage company.

Today, Guinness is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide, brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120. The company continues to innovate and experiment with new beers, and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing over 20 million visitors since its opening in 2000.

The different types of Guinness beer

Guinness is a stout that originated in the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland, in 1759. The company has since expanded globally, with breweries in almost 50 countries and sales in over 120. The distinct flavour of Guinness comes from malted barley and roasted unmalted barley, with nitrogen and carbon dioxide added to create the thick, creamy head.

Over the years, Guinness has released numerous variations of its original stout, including:

Guinness Extra Stout

The precursor to all Guinness innovations, this stout has a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a slight sweetness on the finish. It has a higher ABV than the standard Guinness, at 5.6%.

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

Also known as West Indies Porter, this stout has a stronger, bitter taste and a higher ABV of 7.5%. It has a burnt chocolate flavour with caramel sweetness and is popular in countries like Jamaica, Malaysia, and Nigeria.

Guinness Nitro IPA

An experimental beer that infuses nitrogen with an India Pale Ale. While the creamy, smooth texture of nitrogen-infused beers is typically associated with stouts, the combination with an IPA fell flat for most palates.

Guinness Hop House 13

A unique blend of lager and IPA hops, this beer offers a crisp, dull-peach taste with a subtle pine and toasted-biscuit malt finish. It is primarily available in Ireland.

Guinness Black Lager

A complex lager with floral notes from Cascade and Saaz hop strands, balanced with the malty flavours found in stouts and porters. It has a smoother finish and is best enjoyed at room temperature.

Guinness Special Export

First shipped to Belgium after World War II, this stout blends Irish and Belgian flavours, resulting in a robust, burnt toast maltiness with a deep sweetness. It has an ABV of 8%.

Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee

A surprising entry, this coffee-flavoured beer uses nitrogen to create a creamy mouthfeel, mimicking the experience of drinking a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Guinness Zero ABV

A non-alcoholic variant of Guinness, which was briefly withdrawn from sale due to contamination but relaunched in 2021.

Guinness Baltimore Blonde

A blend of Irish tradition and American spirit, this blonde ale is brewed in the Guinness brewery in Baltimore, Maryland.

Guinness BBA Gingerbread Imperial Stout

A limited-edition release, this stout is aged in bourbon barrels, resulting in notes of baking spices and sweet, warming bourbon. It has a high ABV of 11.0%.

Guinness Salt and Lime

Inspired by the tradition of adding a lime wedge and salted rim to beer, this American Pale Ale features key lime puree and Chesapeake Bay sea salt for a refreshing, tart flavour.

These are just some of the many varieties of Guinness beers available, each offering a unique twist on the classic stout.

How to pour the perfect pint of Guinness

Guinness is a stout beer that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. The perfect pour is integral to the Guinness experience, impacting everything from the taste to the presentation. It's all about the famed two-part pour, a process requiring the ultimate blend of patience and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness:

The Essentials of Guinness Pour:

• A clean, dry, and cool Guinness glass, also known as a "tulip glass" due to its flower-like shape.
• A keg of Guinness, chilled at 5-7 degrees Celsius.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pouring Guinness:

• The Initial Pour: Hold your glass at a 45-degree angle and aim the tap nozzle at the gold harp logo on the glass. Pour until you reach the top of the harp, then stop.
• Let the Pint of Guinness Settle: Set your half-poured Guinness down and let it rest. This is the 'surge and settle' phase, where the darker stout slowly sinks under the creamy, white foam.
• Topping Off the Pint: Once your Guinness has settled (typically after about 60-80 seconds), fill up the rest of the glass. This time, the glass stays straight, and you'll fill until the foam forms a slight dome over the top. Now you've got that beautiful Guinness head.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Pouring too quickly and not allowing for the proper 'surge and settle' time.
• Underfilling or overfilling the glass.
• Having the wrong temperature- Guinness should be cold, but not too cold!

The beautiful Guinness pour is a sacred ritual that enhances the entire drinking experience, turning a simple pint into a symphony of flavour, texture, and tradition. So take your time, follow the steps, and embrace the magic of this iconic Irish stout.

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

The Storehouse offers seven floors of immersive experiences, taking visitors on a journey from grain to glass. Visitors can learn about the artful brewing process, view iconic Guinness advertisements, and see the 9,000-year lease signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759. The Storehouse also offers a variety of restaurant and bar experiences, serving classic dishes like Beef & Guinness stew and contemporary fare like stone-baked flatbreads.

One of the highlights of the Storehouse is the Gravity Bar, which offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Dublin. Visitors can relax and enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness while taking in the cityscape.

The Guinness Storehouse also provides opportunities for more intimate experiences, such as the Connoisseur Experience, a tasting and storytelling journey that delves deeper into the origins and flavours of Guinness. Visitors can also learn the legendary six-step ritual of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness or even print their selfie on the head of a creamy pint.

For those interested in experimental brewing, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, just 400 meters from the Storehouse, offers a beautiful new taproom and outdoor space. Visitors can sample innovative beers brewed on-site, including limited-edition draught stouts and non-alcoholic options.

Frequently asked questions