Guinness Beer's Thick Con: Why The Creamy, Dark Con?

Guinness is an iconic Irish stout beer with a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. Over the years, it has become one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide, available in over 120 countries. The distinct taste and mouthfeel of Guinness are achieved through a combination of roasted barley, nitrogenation, and a unique pouring technique. While Guinness has historically advertised its beer with slogans like Guinness is Good for You, the company no longer makes explicit health claims. However, Guinness does contain antioxidants, B vitamins, fibre, and prebiotics, offering some nutritional benefits compared to other beers.

Guinness's health benefits

Although drinking alcohol is generally deemed harmful by health bodies, Guinness beer has been associated with several health benefits.

Heart Health

A 2003 study at the University of Wisconsin found that just over a pint of Guinness could cut the risk of blood clots forming in the arteries, thereby reducing the chances of a heart attack. The researchers attributed this to the presence of flavonoids, a plant-based antioxidant found in darker drinks such as stout beers and red wine.

Cholesterol Reduction

Guinness's distinctive colour comes from roasted barley, which contains vitamin B3, or niacin, known to reduce cholesterol. However, drinking excessive alcohol can cause cholesterol levels to rise, so moderation is key.

Nutrients

Guinness is a source of calcium, which is important for teeth and bone health. It also contains iron, which is essential for oxygen supply to the body through red blood cells, and vitamin B, which is beneficial for brain function and energy levels.

Bone Health

Beer contains a plant hormone called phytoestrogen, which contributes to building dense bones. Additionally, the silicon content in beer is important for the growth and development of bone and connective tissues. Moderate beer drinkers are less likely to develop osteoporosis and have a lower risk of hip fractures.

Lower Alcohol Content

Compared to other beers, Guinness has a lower ABV (4.1-4.3% compared to an average of 5% for other beers). Therefore, it is a relatively more responsible choice when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Hydration

Surprisingly, one study showed that people who drank a post-workout pint of beer were more hydrated than those who drank water.

Antioxidants

Guinness contains antioxidants, which provide additional heart health benefits.

Folate, Fiber, and Ferulic Acid

Guinness contains more folate, a nutrient necessary for DNA production, than any other beer. Its high barley content also means it has high levels of fiber and ferulic acid, which is associated with improved immune function.

Anti-Inflammatory

The consumption of hops, an ingredient in beer, has been shown to interfere with inflammation-causing compounds. Additionally, the fiber content in Guinness can help reduce inflammation.

While these health benefits exist, it is important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to both short-term and long-term health risks. Moderation is key, and drinking responsibly is crucial to maintaining overall health and well-being.

Guinness's history

Guinness, the world-famous stout beer, was first brewed in the 18th century by Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. In 1759, Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for the unused brewery, and a decade later, he exported his ale to Great Britain.

In 1778, Arthur Guinness began selling dark beer porter, and in the 1840s, the brewery used the term "stout" for the first time with its Single Stout and Double Stout beers. Throughout most of its history, Guinness produced only three variations of a single beer type: porter or single stout, double or extra, and foreign stout for export.

Guinness became a public company in October 1886, and despite refusing to advertise or discount its beer, it averaged sales of 1.138 million barrels a year. The company continued to grow and, by 1914, was producing 2.652 million barrels of beer annually, more than double that of its nearest competitor.

During World War I, over 800 Guinness employees served in the British forces, and the company supported them by paying half wages to soldiers' families and guaranteeing jobs upon their return.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Guinness launched advertising campaigns with slogans such as "Guinness for Strength" and "Guinness is Good for You," which contributed to its reputation as a healthy beverage. The company also pioneered quality control efforts and introduced welfare schemes for its employees during this period.

Guinness experienced declining sales in the 1970s, leading to a decision to make Guinness Extra Stout more "drinkable." The brand was successfully relaunched in 1981, and in 1986, Guinness acquired The Distillers Company.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Guinness considered removing its harp logo due to the IRA's bombing campaign in London and the rest of Britain. However, the company persevered and, in 1997, merged with Grand Metropolitan to form Diageo, the current owner of the Guinness brand.

Guinness has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new beers such as Guinness Blonde, Hop House 13, and Zero ABV options. The company has also focused on sustainability and supported its transition to regenerative agriculture by working with Irish barley farmers.

Today, Guinness is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide, brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, is a popular tourist attraction, welcoming millions of visitors since its opening in 2000.

Guinness's advertising campaigns

In the 1930s, Guinness enlisted advertising heavyweight Benson to boost sales with a poster campaign. This resulted in slogans like "Guinness for Strength," "Guinness Makes You Strong," and the famous "Guinness is Good for You." The posters, combined with the artwork of John Gilbert, were a huge success, and Guinness saw their sales skyrocket.

In the early 1950s, Guinness introduced the toucan as its mascot, which has become as recognisable as the brand's harp symbol. They brought the toucan to life with a TV advert that ran in the UK, America, and Canada. The ad featured toucans stealing beer from soldiers in an army mess and left a lasting impression on viewers.

The "Surfer" TV advert, directed by Jonathan Glazer and first aired in 1998, is often considered one of the best ads of all time. It features surfers awaiting the perfect wave, only to be surprised by horses rising from the water. The ad's cinematography and emotional appeal, combined with the pounding beat of Leftfield's "Phat Planet," made it incredibly popular.

In 2014, Guinness launched the "Made of More" campaign, which focused on the Sapeurs, or the Society of Elegant Persons of Congo. The lighthearted ad showcased the stylish and vibrant icons of Congo, ending with the quote, "Made of More," reflecting the brand's message of celebrating individuality.

Guinness has also effectively used short, snappy social media campaigns, such as the one for their Black Lager. The campaign used 30-second clips featuring Martians, battle scenes, and more, set to Kanye West's "BLKKK SKKKN HEAD," and the hashtag #MadeOfBlack to create a buzz.

Through innovative and memorable campaigns, Guinness has set itself apart from the usual beer ads, solidifying its place in the highly competitive market.

Guinness's ingredients and brewing process

Guinness is a stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. The company still uses the same ingredients and traditional brewing steps to brew the perfect pint.

Ingredients

The four key ingredients to brew Guinness are:

• Roasted barley
• Malted barley
• Hops
• Yeast

A portion of the barley is roasted to give Guinness its dark colour and characteristic taste.

Brewing Process

The six steps to brewing Guinness are:

• Mashing: The milled barley is combined with hot water, forming a mash.
• Lautering: The mash is boiled with hops.
• Wort production: The resulting liquid ('wort') is cooled and transferred to fermentation vessels.
• Fermentation: Yeast is added, and fermentation occurs.
• Maturation: The beer develops its flavours.
• Nitrogenation: The beer is nitrogenated, providing its iconic creamy mouthfeel.

Guinness's parent company

Diageo is a major distributor of Scotch whisky and other spirits, with distilleries owned by the company producing 40% of all Scotch whisky. Its leading brands include Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys liqueur, Captain Morgan rum, and Tanqueray and Gordon's gin.

Diageo has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It also has a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The company operates from 132 sites worldwide and employs over 25,000 people.

In addition to its core alcoholic drinks business, Diageo has expanded into non-alcoholic beverages, acquiring a majority stake in the non-alcoholic spirits brand Seedlip in 2019. The company has also diversified its product range to include craft beer, with the launch of the Brewers Project in 2015.

Diageo's beverage brands include a wide range of whiskies, gins, rums, tequilas, and vodkas, as well as beer, cider, and liqueur. The company has a strong international presence, operating in 180 countries across Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

Frequently asked questions