Sir, – Craig Douglas (Letters, April 18th) recalls the days of the independent bottlers of Guinness.
In Waterford back in the 1960s there were three such bottlers: Gallweys, O’Sullivans and Kielys. Serious drinkers maintained that they could taste the difference and many of them would only drink stout from their favoured bottler. Pubs tended to specialise similarly.
The stout trade was also based primarily on the dumpy stout, or large bottle, as it was known.
Mr Douglas also states that “nothing comes close” (to Guinness). In my view, a good pint of Beamish stout not alone comes close but is a superior drink to Guinness any day. The Diageo product benefits from much free publicity generated by the association of the brand with stout in general, giving the impression that stout equals Guinness. Of course it also benefits from the massive promotional effort supporting it.
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Beamish draught stout is creamier and tastier than Diageo’s offering and a better product altogether, in my view. Check it for yourself. – Yours, etc,
BILL POWER,
Tramore,
Co Waterford.
Sir, – In Derry in the 1950s and 1960s, there were two bottlers of Guinness, Carlins and Iriscots. Customers were very fussy and loyal to one only and refusing to go near the other if offered. – Yours, etc,
RORY E MacFLYNN,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.