LATROBE, Pa. and DUBLIN -- The first of several Guinness beer extension—Guinness Blonde American Lager—is coming to retail in September.
The line extension from the makers of iconic Guinness Stout is made in the famed American brewing city of Latrobe, Pa. Guinness Blonde American Lager uses American hops and Guinness' world famous 125-year-old Guinness yeast.
"From sports bars in Texas to truck stops in Iowa to backyard barbeques in Montana to trendy Manhattan bars, Guinness Blonde American Lager brings the taste, color and character of great American beers and fuses them with the heritage and artistry of the Guinness tradition begun in 1759 by Arthur Guinness," said Doug Campbell, Guinness brand director.
As lagers continue to gain favor among beer drinkers in the United States, Guinness Master Brewers in Dublin have collaborated with brewing experts in the U.S. to create a one-of-a-kind taste in American Lagers. Guinness Blonde American Lager is a complex, flavorful lager with a floral, hoppy aroma that is a combination of Mosaic, Willamette and Mount Hood hops, according to the company. Combining these American ingredients with the world-famous, 125-year-old Guinness yeast intertwines two brewing traditions—Guinness and American.
"It was great to be a part of the legendary Guinness brewing team for the creation of a unique tasting American Lager and be able to add some of my American influences throughout the brewing process," said Joe Gruss, an American brewmaster who is a member of the Guinness Blonde brewing team. "In the end, we were able to combine Guinness artistry and American brewing techniques for a crisp and refreshing-tasting beer."
Guinness Blonde American Lager is the first release in the Guinness Discovery Series, an innovative concept showcasing a range of new “fusion brew” beer options, all to be released under the Guinness trademark.
"Beer drinkers' tastes are evolving, and people are looking to try different flavors and styles, and we're excited to show what Guinness is capable of beyond the traditional dark stout with Guinness Blonde American Lager," said Campbell. "The beauty of this beer is that we're able to produce a characteristically American-style lager, while fusing the standards of quality and taste expected of Guinness with a taste profile and color characteristics long loved by traditional American beer drinkers."
The Guinness Discovery Series will feature an array of beers that combine the Guinness brand's European brewing expertise with different brewing styles and techniques. The series will release these fusion brews bi-annually, beginning with Guinness Blonde American Lager, providing new ways for fans of the brand and beer drinkers to experience Guinness, responsibly.
Available in a 12-oz. bottle (5% ABV), 6-pack, with a suggested retail price of $8.99, Guinness Blonde American Lager is best enjoyed cold and straight from the bottle or served in a 16-oz. Guinness-branded glass. Guinness Blonde American Lager will be on shelves nationwide beginning in mid-September 2014.
The Guinness brand enjoys a global reputation as a uniquely authentic beer and the best-selling stout in the world. Famous for its dark color, creamy head and unique surge and settle, this distinctive beer originated at the St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland.
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