GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout Arrives in the U.S. / New Stout Offering Features Full-Bodied Flavor, Rich Character and Strong Heritage

DUBLIN, Ireland, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- GUINNESS® Irish Stout announced today the U.S. launch of GUINNESS® Foreign Extra Stout, the fullest in flavor of the GUINNESS brand variants. Deep brown in appearance, GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout 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 that beer aficionados can enjoy responsibly.

The history of GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout involves a long brewing tradition of crafting great GUINNESS beer as well as the rich history of Guinness global exports. GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout dates back to 1801, when it was first brewed at St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin. Originally known as West India Porter, it was developed to enable GUINNESS to be shipped around the world. In order to accomplish this, it was brewed with extra hops, giving the beer a more intense flavor. The extra hops also acts as a natural preservative for beer, allowing it to survive long journeys overseas. GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout made its debut in the U.S. in 1817. Export to the U.S. was discontinued during prohibition and the variant is now making its return to the market.

GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout is brewed at a higher hop rate than GUINNESS Draught and its fullness of flavor and character have remained unchanged. Known for its unique taste, GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout has an initial effervescent impact leading to a dry finish and a full bodied palate of roast character. It is produced using four basic ingredients: grain, water, hops and yeast. Yeast from each brew is transferred on to the next, so the original yeast's descendants are still in the GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout we drink today.

"GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout appeals to beer drinkers who love to explore beer and are looking for a serious stout," said Patrick Hughes, Brand Director, GUINNESS. "It is a unique beer with a distinctive taste, aroma and color and offers GUINNESS fans another way to enjoy the high quality, rich, satisfying GUINNESS experience that is the core of our brand."

The carbonated stout should be served in a branded GUINNESS goblet, but can also be enjoyed chilled straight from the bottle. To enjoy the perfect goblet of GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout it requires a one-part pour at a 45-degree angle and a five step ritual: Chill, Release, Pour, Toast, and Enjoy Responsibly. GUINNESS and its parent company Diageo, the industry leader in social responsibility advocacy, implore responsible consumption of GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout just as they do with each of the GUINNESS offerings.

A favorite of many around the world, GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout makes up 45% of GUINNESS sales globally. GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout will be found in retailers that sell specialty beer in October 2010 with a suggested retail price of $9.49 for a 4-pack.

Please visit http://www.guinness.com/ to learn more and remember to always drink responsibly.

About GUINNESS®

GUINNESS® enjoys a global reputation as a uniquely authentic Irish beer and the best-selling stout in the world. Famous for its dark color, creamy head and unique surge and settle, this distinctive beer is brewed at the St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Over 10 million glasses of GUINNESS beer are enjoyed every single day around the world, and 1.8 billion pints are sold every year. GUINNESS is available in well over 100 countries worldwide and is brewed in almost 50. Also from the makers of GUINNESS, SMITHWICK'S, Ireland's oldest and best selling ale and HARP Lager, whose name pays tribute to the GUINNESS logo and the national symbol of Ireland. Additional information about GUINNESS can be found at http://www.guinness.com/.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. Media Contacts: Christine Gonsior, Taylor [phone] [e-mail] Jim Sias, Guinness 646-223-2305 [e-mail]

Diageo

CONTACT: Christine Gonsior, Taylor, [phone],
[e-mail], or Jim Sias, Guinness, [phone],
[e-mail]

Web Site: http://www.guinness.com/