St. Patricks Day has to be the biggest day of the year for consumption of Irish beers. And when you mention Irish beer, I am sure most people think only of Guinness. But which Guinness? That depends on where in the world you live.
Here are some facts about the various Guinness beers from a Diageo (Corporate owner of Guinesss) fact sheet:
Guinness Draught:
Including kegs, cans and bottles now represents about 55% of all Guinness sold worldwide. Introduced in 1959, it is the largest Guinness variant across the world. Thanks to the innovation of the widget, Guinness Draught is now available in cans, bottles and an Extra Cold variety.
Top Markets: UK Nigeria, Ireland, US Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Germany
Guinness Extra Stout:
The closest to the Guinness Porter originally brewed by Arthur Guinness. Guinness Extra Stout is also known as Guinness Original. Born in 1820 it now represents under 5% of all Guinness sold worldwide.
Top Markets. US, UK, Ireland
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout:
The fastest growing of all Guinness variants, and is particularly enjoyed in Nigeria, which is the largest market for Foreign Extra Stout and the second largest market for Guinness worldwide. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is the key Guinness variant for the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. First brewed in Dublin in 1802, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is the original export stout.
Top Markets. Caribbean, Africa, Asia
Guinness Extra Smooth:
Ghana is the first market in the world to launch Guinness Extra Smooth. It is a unique product in the world and the first time that nitrogenated bottled beer has been sold in Africa. Part of the Guinness Foreign Extra Stout family, Guinness Extra Smooth is brewed with tiny bubbles to give it a creamy texture and an extra smooth, satisfying flavor.
Top Markets: Ghana
Malta Guinness:
Launched in 2004. It remains the only alcohol free, brewed beverage made with the finest quality natural ingredients that appeal to male and female consumers of all ages. Filled with vitamins and essential minerals
Top Markets: Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya
Guinness Red :
Made from the same raw ingredients as Guinness, however, uses lightly roasted barley to create a substantial beer with a distinctive red color. It also reveals the inherent smoother, sweeter flavors of regular Guinness, topped off with the famous creamy white head.
Top Markets. Currently on test in the UK