Guinness Beer: Meat-Free, But What's The Verdict?

The use of meat in the brewing process of Guinness beer has been a topic of speculation and curiosity for many. While there have been rumours and urban legends about the inclusion of meat, the reality is quite different.

Guinness, an iconic Irish beer, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. Its unique flavour and texture are well-known, and it has become one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide. However, the question of whether meat is used in its brewing process has sparked interest among consumers.

In the past, there were rumours that rats or mice accidentally found their way into the barrels, adding a unique flavour to the beer. These stories, however, are just that—urban legends. While it is true that Guinness once used a meat product in their filtration process, specifically the swim bladders of fish (isinglass), this practice was discontinued in 2017. Guinness introduced a new filtration method that avoided the use of isinglass, making their beer suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

So, to answer the question directly, Guinness beer does not contain meat in its final product. The company has taken steps to ensure that their brewing process is free from animal-derived products, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Guinness is vegan-friendly

Guinness, the Irish stout, is now vegan-friendly. The company announced in 2015 that starting at the end of 2016, its beer would no longer contain trace amounts of fish bladder, an integral part of its filtration process for decades. The company has used isinglass, a gelatinous substance derived from the dried swim bladders of fish, since at least the 19th century to separate unwanted solids like yeast particles from the brew.

The substance is removed from the beer after filtration, and only trace amounts made it into the final product. However, it was enough to deter most vegan drinkers. The company has since found an alternative solution and implemented a new filtration process that avoids the use of isinglass, making Guinness suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Guinness is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide, brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120. It is famous for its distinctive flavour, dark colour, and creamy head. The beer is made from water, barley, roast malt extract, hops, and brewer's yeast, with a portion of the barley roasted to give it its characteristic taste and colour.

While Guinness is now vegan-friendly, it is important to note that the company does not make any health claims about its beer. However, some early studies have found that drinking Guinness may offer protective effects against heart conditions, possibly due to the polyphenols from barley and hops, which have been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, moderate beer consumption, up to one beer per day for women and two per day for men, has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality.

Guinness uses nitrogen and carbon dioxide for its thick, creamy head

The draught beer's thick, creamy head is created by mixing the beer with nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Guinness is unique among beers in that it is brewed with a higher proportion of nitrogen than carbon dioxide. This gives the beer its characteristic creamy head of foam. When Guinness is poured into a glass, the nitrogen bubbles rise to the top and create the foamy head. The bubbles are much smaller in Guinness than in other beers because nitrogen is less soluble in water than carbon dioxide.

Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are used in a nitro pour to give Guinness its exceedingly thick texture and mouthfeel. A nitro pour (a specific type of tap) uses a ratio of 75% nitrogen and 25% carbon dioxide. This means that the beer is predominantly exposed to nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide, making a noticeable difference.

The bubbles in Guinness settle differently than in other beers—they fall to the bottom of the glass before rising to the top. This is due to the nitrogen, which is what makes the beer thick, creamy, and glazed. Nitrogen molecules are smaller and less active than carbon dioxide molecules. Carbon dioxide will always rise to the top of a liquid and attempt to escape into the atmosphere, but nitrogen, which makes up about 80% of the Earth's atmosphere, is in no hurry to break through the "head" of the beer. The perceived lack of bubbles is what makes these beers look and feel so creamy.

The use of nitrogen in the brewing process is the reason why Guinness will always have its own, special tap.

Guinness is lower in calories than the average beer

Guinness is a stout beer that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. It is made from a combination of water, barley, hops, and yeast, with the addition of nitrogen in the late 1950s, giving it its iconic creaminess. While Guinness is known for its dark colour and rich flavour, it is surprisingly lower in calories compared to other beers.

A standard pint of Guinness Draught (568 ml or 20 oz) contains approximately 210 calories, while a 12-ounce serving of Guinness Original Stout has around 125 calories. The calorie count varies across different types of Guinness, depending on their specific recipes and alcohol content. For example, Guinness Draught, the top-selling variety, has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2%, resulting in 78 calories from alcohol per 12-ounce serving. In comparison, beers like Budweiser, Heineken, and Samuel Adams Cream Stout have higher ABV and calorie counts. Budweiser and Heineken have an ABV of 5% and 145-142 calories, respectively, while Samuel Adams Cream Stout has an ABV of 4.9% and 189 calories.

The lower calorie content in Guinness is due to its relatively lower alcohol content. Alcohol provides a significant portion of the calories in beer, with each gram of alcohol contributing 7 calories. Therefore, the different types of Guinness beers, with varying ABV levels, will have different calorie counts.

Guinness, with its unique brewing process and ingredients, has become one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide. Its distinctive taste, innovative advertising campaigns, and dedication to quality have contributed to its enduring popularity. While Guinness may be lower in calories than the average beer, it is important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative health effects.

Guinness was originally brewed with lamb

Guinness stout is a type of beer that was first brewed in the 18th century by Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland. It is now available in over 120 countries and is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide.

The flavour of Guinness derives from malted barley and roasted unmalted barley. The unmalted barley is a relatively modern addition, only becoming part of the grist in the mid-20th century. The draught beer's thick, creamy head is created by mixing the beer with nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

In 2017, Guinness made their beer suitable for vegetarians and vegans by introducing a new filtration process that avoided the use of isinglass from fish bladders to filter out yeast particles.

While Guinness itself does not contain meat, it is often used as an ingredient in stews, particularly those containing lamb. In fact, Guinness was originally brewed with lamb. Lamb stews featuring Guinness as an ingredient are popular, especially around St. Patrick's Day. The beer adds a unique, malty depth and a hint of bitterness that complements the lamb beautifully.

To make a lamb stew with Guinness, you will need the following ingredients:

• Lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper
• Oil
• Aromatics such as onions, garlic, and bacon
• Tomato paste
• Flour
• Guinness stout
• Beef broth or stock
• Bay leaf and fresh rosemary
• Carrots and potatoes
• Peas

The first step is to pat the lamb dry and season it with salt and pepper. Then, you will need to brown the lamb in batches in a large pot. Next, add the aromatics to the pot and sauté until softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.

Return the lamb to the pot and sprinkle with flour. Stir until the flour is completely mixed in, then add the Guinness, beef broth, water, bay leaf, rosemary, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cover the pot and simmer for about an hour and twenty minutes. Then, add the carrots and potatoes and continue to simmer until the vegetables are cooked and the meat is tender. Finally, add the peas and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Your stew is now ready to be served! This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day or warming up on a cold day.

Guinness is one of the world's most successful alcohol brands

Strong Brand Identity:

Guinness has cultivated a strong brand identity over the years, with its distinctive dark colour, thick creamy head, and unique flavour. The use of nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide in the brewing process gives Guinness its signature "creamier" and "smoother" texture. This innovation, introduced in 1959, changed the fundamental texture and flavour of the beer, setting Guinness apart from its competitors.

Effective Marketing Campaigns:

Guinness has a long history of creative and memorable marketing campaigns, dating back to the 1930s. Their advertisements have featured catchy slogans such as "Guinness is Good for You" and "Guinness for Strength." They have also utilised animals in their advertisements, with a toucan becoming as much a symbol of Guinness as the harp. These marketing efforts have helped to build a strong brand image and differentiate Guinness from other beers.

Global Presence:

Guinness is brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120, making it a truly global brand. It has a significant presence in Africa, with about 40% of its total volume being brewed and sold on the continent. Guinness has also expanded into new markets, such as India and China, further solidifying its global reach.

Innovation and Adaptability:

Guinness has continuously innovated and adapted to changing consumer preferences and market trends. For example, in response to declining sales in the 1970s, they relaunched Guinness Extra Stout with a reduced gravity, making it more "drinkable." More recently, they introduced alcohol-free options like Guinness 0.0% and expanded their product line with innovations like Guinness Cold Brew Coffee Beer.

Quality and Consistency:

Guinness has maintained a strong focus on quality and consistency throughout its history. They pioneered several quality control efforts and were early adopters of statistical techniques in brewing. This commitment to quality has earned them a reputation for producing a reliable and consistent product, contributing to their long-term success.

Community Engagement:

Guinness has a history of supporting and giving back to the communities in which it operates. They have implemented welfare schemes for their employees, supported Irish barley farmers' transition to regenerative agriculture, and celebrated African creativity and ingenuity through their "Black Shines Brightest" campaign. This commitment to social responsibility has positively impacted their brand image.

In conclusion, Guinness's success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong brand identity, effective marketing, global presence, innovation, quality, and community engagement. By staying true to their roots while adapting to changing times, Guinness has solidified its position as one of the world's most successful alcohol brands.

Frequently asked questions