Guinness in Asia

Rightfully described as the "Number one stout in the world" it should be of no surprise to any beer drinker that Guinness is the number one stout in Asia as well. There are two types of Guinness available in South East Asia.

The first is the imports from Dublin. Brewed thousands of miles away in Guinness's homeland of Ireland it is flown by plane all around the world, including Thailand. With modern transportation as fast and as efficient as it is a pint of imported Guinness poured in Asia will actually be around the same age as a pint poured in a bar in mainland Europe or America, estimated to be about two weeks old after leaving the factory. Now while this might not be as good as a pint of Guinness in Dublin that left the factory a few hours prior it is still quite an achievement and, of course, a most enjoyable tipple.

Irish and English pubs throughout Asia serve Guinness at prices that are about equal to what you would pay in pub in Dublin, expensive but fair in my mind considering the quality of the drink and the lengths it takes to reach Asia.

The second type of Guinness available is the quite different but most excellent Guinness Foreign Extra Stout that is brewed in Malaysia by Guinness Anchor Berhad. The taste of the brew is stronger and more bittersweet that normal Guinness. The body of the beer is a touch syrupy and the alcohol content is significantly higher at 8%.

It is a well-liked tipple in Malaysia made popular with the average working man thanks in part to its world famous slogan that enthuses that "Guinness is good for you". However, with such a high alcohol content I have to say that while maybe a little Guinness is good for you more than a few cans will likely knock you for six.

The cost of Foreign Export in Malaysia is relatively high but in all fairness alcohol is expensive across the board and Guinness here certainly offer alcoholic value for money.

While my preference is firmly set on the Dublin brewed Guinness in Asia beggars cannot be choosers with regards to Stouts so I wholeheartedly drink Foreign Export at any given opportunity.

From what I gather Guinness in Thailand will remain imported from Dublin rather than brewed domestically or imported from Malaysia as the market here is aimed squarely at farangs with lots of cash to spend and the 100 (complete estimate) or so pubs and bars that sell Guinness here manage quite well as they are although increasing free trade and ASEAN agreements in the Asia-Pacific region could really open up the booze market.

Chang and Singha beware!

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