Dear Reader,
Taking a walk down memory lane, Craig Douglas, in his letter dated 18th April, reminisces about the golden era of independent Guinness bottlers. During the 1960s, there were notably three independent bottlers in Waterford – Gallweys, O’Sullivans and Kielys. It was widely believed by seasoned drinkers that they could distinguish between the tastes, and many would only select stout from their preferred bottler, leading pubs to adopt similar preferences.
Douglas further suggests that he found no match for Guinness. While many concur with this view, I hold a different opinion. I dare to assert that a well-brewed pint of Beamish stout not only rivals Guinness but outshines it. Despite the heavy promotion and the common association of Guinness with stout in general that gives it a kind of monopoly, Beamish stout holds its own. Demonstratively creamier and richer in taste, Beamish draught stout eclipses Diageo’s Guinness in my estimation. I urge stout enthusiasts to try it for themselves.
Similar preferences were witnessed in Derry in the 1950s and 1960s. Two local bottlers of Guinness, Carlins and Iriscots, had very discerning and loyal patrons who would not entertain the idea of switching allegiances.
Standing by my claim,
BILL POWER,
Tramore,
Co Waterford.