Famous for its Irish provenance and exceptional colour, this most prestigious of black beers is brewed in over 50 countries and enjoyed in around 150 worldwide. Over 260 years in the making, it's safe to say Guinness is adored on all four corners of the Earth.
Starting Off Right at Home: Dublin!
Ireland, with its rich brewing legacy, has had a long-standing love affair with its iconic stout, Guinness. The journey of this beer began in 1759 when Arthur Guinness initiated operations at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. Over the years, this velvety brew has come to be a favourite tipple of many in Ireland. A report by the Irish Times noted that nearly 40% of all adult drinkers in Ireland prefer stout. So, the bond between the Irish and their beloved stout? Unbreakable!
Just Across the Pond: The UK
Oh, the Brits and their passion for good ale! With every pub corner echoing with laughter and cheer, they're savouring around 2.2 million pints of Guinness every day. For the first time ever, in December 2022, Guinness became Britain’s number one beer in the on-trade.
Nigeria’s Romance with the Black Drink
Here's where things get interesting. The 19th Century saw Guinness Stout imported into Nigeria for the very first time. Fast forward to 1962 and the first Guinness Brewery outside of Ireland and Great Britain is built in Lagos. By 2007, consumption of Guinness in Nigeria was neck-and-neck with Ireland's consumption. And Nigeria’s own twist? The Guinness Extra Stout. It’s darker, bolder, and has found its home in Nigerian celebrations.
USA’s Stout Game
The American dream, for many Irish immigrants, came with a pint of home. Fast-forward to now, and the US consumes about 950,000 pints of the black stuff daily.
The Irish and American's passion for good beer resulted on the creation of the Guinness Baltimore Blonde. This light brew that’s big on flavour was originally born from a collaboration between the brewers in St. James’s Gate in Dublin and their counterparts at the legendary Latrobe Brewery in Pennsylvania. Now brewed in Baltimore, this brew is the first fusion beer in the Guinness Discovery series and has resulted in an American pale lager akin to that of the 1930s.
An African Surprise: Cameroon's Budding Interest
Cameroon might not be the first place you'd think of, but there is a long history of Guinness in Cameroon. It is the 5th largest Guinness market globally and the 2nd largest in Africa.
Honourable Mentions: Other Guinness Lovers
Shout out to Canada, South Africa, and Kenya! These countries, with their unique cultures and backgrounds, are embracing Guinness in their own special ways. Festivals, gatherings, or just a chill evening – Guinness is in the mix.
What Makes It So Irresistible?
Is it the deep roasted flavour, the history, or the iconic creamy head? Maybe it’s the way Guinness manages to capture the essence of Ireland in a glass. Whatever the reason, from Africa to the America, Guinness is a hit. Which also explains why visiting the Guinness Storehouse is one of the best things to do in Dublin.
Whether you're a Guinness fan or just exploring, remember, it's more than a drink; it's a tale of cultures and connections. Cheers and enjoy responsibly!