Guinness to Release Foreign Extra Stout in the USA

[BlackDog]

Here in the USA, for most of our lifetimes, we have only been able to buy Guinness Draught and Guinness Extra Stout. We have been unable to buy the "Holy Grail" of Guinness beers, their Foreign Extra Stout. But on October 1st Guinness will release their Foreign Extra Stout to us here in the USA. The label indicates that FES is made at St. James Gate, Dublin, rather than Canada where the other two products come from. Some of you who have travelled in the Caribbean may have had FES before, as it is available there.

I admit to not caring very much for the nitro-can Draught, but I like the Extra Stout a lot. I'm really excited to try the FES.

Here is the press release from Guinness:

Tuesday, September 28th is National Drink Beer Day! As if you didn't already have reason to raise a pint, GUINNESS(r) Irish Stout is proud to announce its U.S. launch of GUINNESS(r) Foreign Extra Stout (FES) on October 1st. The fullest in flavor of the GUINNESS brand variants, GUINNESS FES is carbonated unlike the nitrogenated GUINNESS Draught with which most Americans are familiar. The specialty beer is 7.5% ABV and possesses strong, roasted aromas followed by a unique bittersweet taste. Foreign Extra Stout is already a favorite of many around the world, making up 45% of GUINNESS sales globally, and is sure to be a favorite of beer aficionados here in the U.S

Fact Sheet GUINNESS® Foreign Extra Stout (FES)

Product Description: GUINNESS® Foreign Extra Stout (FES) is brewed with the highest hop rate of all the GUINNESS® variants. The generous hop additions express fully the beers distinctive character and flavor while also prolonging shelf life in warmer climates, as hops are the best natural preservative for beer. GUINNESS FES is uniquely different from GUINNESS Draught both in taste profile, color and ritual.

Taste
Profile: Big, full‐bodied flavor with enormous complexity and character. Strong, roasted aromas followed by a unique bittersweet taste

Appearance
Deep Brown

Dispense
Carbonated

Ingredients
Malt, Roast Barley, Hops, Yeast, Water

ABV
7.5%

Serve
In a GUINNESS goblet or chilled straight from the bottle; one‐part pour at a 45 degree angle

Five step ritual
Chill, Release, Pour, Toast, Enjoy

Tasting Notes
The sensation of GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout astonishes and activates the palate with the taste buds immediately ignited by a deep, rich sweetness of the malted barley. The strong caramel, coffee‐like character of the roasted barley and the calm impact of the fragrant hops give an aromatic and sensual effect. The finish is perhaps the most important part of the GUINNESS taste experience ensuring these distinct sensations linger in your mouth longer for you to enjoy.

Suggested Retail Price:
4‐pack @ $9.49

History
Brewed for more than two centuries, GUINNESS FES dates back to 1801. Known as West India Porter until the mid nineteenth century, FES was an export beer brewed with extra hops, giving the beer a more intense flavor and higher alcohol strength. The extra hops also acts as a natural preservative for beer, allowing it to survive long journeys overseas.

GUINNESS FES was exported to the U.S. beginning in 1817, but was discontinued in 1920 due to prohibition. The specialty stout will make its return to the U.S. market in October 2010.

http://www.guinness.com

[mosesbotbol]

Wow, Guinness is my go to draft beer at the bar. Can't wait. Thanks!

[awsmith4]

Finally!!!

[WildBlueSooner]

That does look pretty damn tasty

[Doctorossi]

Wow- 'bout time! I'll be stocking up!

[yourchoice]

Awesome news!

[LasciviousXXX]

Excellent! I know where I'll be on the 1st

[replicant_argent]

"you must spread some rep around.. blah blah blah"

Great news, and I am salivating, thanks, Warren.

[ucla695]

[AD720]

I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for this.

[ninjavanish]

Although the label says "St. James Gate, Dublin"...

This is actually brewed in Jamaica.

Believe it or not... it's actually the No. 1 most consumed beer on the whole island... Red Stripe eat your heart out!

[Jbailey]

I'll give it a try.

[b0rderman]

what the hell...sign me up!

Anything like their 250th anniversary beer? Where was that from?

[ninjavanish]

Originally Posted by b0rderman

what the hell...sign me up!

Anything like their 250th anniversary beer? Where was that from?

It may be like their 250th...to paraphrase..."FES was previously marketed in the US as "West Indie Porter""

The 250th was closer a porter rather than a stout... As this is more closely related to a porter...

The main difference I see right off the bat is the 7.5% ABV... can I get a yee-haw? How about a Slainte!?

The 250th was actually brewed in Ireland.

[SD Beerman]

They also will be releasing a Black Lager in some test markets. Bottle only, for places that don't have Guinness draft and for off sale.

[BlackDog]

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

Although the label says "St. James Gate, Dublin"...

This is actually brewed in Jamaica.

The US TTB approved label clearly says "Product of Ireland" and "Brewed in Ireland, St. James Gate". See attachment, and compare this to a Guinness Draught or Extra Stout, both of which say they are products of Canada.

[ninjavanish]

Originally Posted by BlackDog

The US TTB approved label clearly says "Product of Ireland" and "Brewed in Ireland, St. James Gate". See attachment, and compare this to a Guinness Draught or Extra Stout, both of which say they are products of Canada.

The basis of all of the Guinness brews is Guinness wort which is shipped to their many breweries across the globe where it is then added to the local brewery's fermenters. The wort is made in Ireland. The final product is technically "brewed" in other countries. So they can still technically say it was "Brewed in Ireland" because part of it was actually made there. (Like calling a La Gloria Cubana Serie R a Dominican cigar even though the wrapper was grown in Ecuador...)

I would guess that this is almost certainly the case with this. However that's just a guess and there is certainly room for error on my part.

I don't see the feasibility of upkeeping a supply chain shipment from Ireland to the US of a mass produced beer like this. The costs would be far too high and margins would be far too low. It makes more logical sense that they would do exactly what they do in Canada (or Jamaica) since these are locations far closer and far less time in transit between them and the US.

P.S. Not denying the obvious... it DOES say "Product of Ireland" but don't underestimate those marketing guys... they are sneaky little fellas!

Also, after looking a little more closely... the Jamaican Guinness is in fact called FES... it too is an 11.2oz bottle however, it weighs in at a mere 6.5% ABV. So there are some similarities and some obvious differences.

[icehog3]

I am in for a couple dozen cases.

[replicant_argent]

Originally Posted by icehog3

I am in for a couple dozen cases.

I'm with Tom... I really don't care where it is made.

[BlackDog]

Ninja, If that were the case, though, I would think the Draught and Extra Stout would also say "Product of Ireland" rather than "Product of Canada." I certainly agree with your thoughts regarding the supply chain; Jamacia is a lot closer than Dublin. Perhaps the Jamacia plant doesn't have enough capacity for the US volume? Anyhow, it's not terribly important as long as it tastes good.

Cheers!

I want one of those goblets, too.