Nothing quite hits the spot than that first pint of Guinness. A perfectly poured fresh cask should go down like no other beer. Finally, Guinness is getting its due respect in America, and there are good reasons why.
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The black stuff has slipped in and out of popularity throughout the US since its introduction in 1817. Varying factors have contributed to its success and failures. Before the Germans arrived in the US, Americans were firm fans of stouts and ales. But, when the Germans introduced the much lighter, hoppy lager, they switched. Guinness took a back seat in America, and the US became a lager country.
Besides this, Guinness, as fantastic as it is, does not travel well. Like any food product, it is always better fresh. Any Guinness Draught Stout bought and drunk in America is brewed in Ireland, and it loses some luster.
Americans preferred something homegrown, opting for local craft ales instead. The freshness really does make a difference. Despite all of this, Guinness is making a huge comeback in America.
Guinness Rise To Greatness In America
But, a new era of boozers are hitting the bars, and their preferences are being known. This year Guinness confirmed that their sales jumped by a huge six percent. YouGov also reported that Guinness is America's most popular beer among all drinkers for the third quarter of 2024.
There could be a few factors contributing to this, such as younger people's new attitude to alcohol. Guinness is notably lower abv than other beers, coming in at only 4.2% compared to the average 5%. Newer drinkers are markedly less excited about getting wasted, making the black gold a perfect choice.
However, I think the real rise to popularity has come from the social media and advertising push Guinness has made in America recently. Many famous faces put their names to the drink, giving it a new image. Guinness isn't just for your grandad anymore, even Kim Kardashian splits the G here and there.
Never mind Leo Varadkar in the White House, Kim Kardashian drinking Guinness and Baby Guinness in London is doing more for us and protecting the GFA than any St Patrick's Day political trip ever could pic.twitter.com/0GmTNT9y1I
— Sorcha ???? (@sorcham12)
