Guinness is not jut Guinness
Back in 1992-1993 I set up some hefty draught beer installations on board the ships between Ireland and England
The systems were based on one single centralized walk in cooler, with insulated tubing out to all the bars/dispensing points. The tapping points were fitted with shut-off solenoids and flowmeters, connected to some electronics that captured the dispensed amount of beer and soft drinks and feed the information back to the cash registers for comparison.
We made the first installation on a new ship being built in Holland. The contract was made with the Yard/shipbuilder, but the installation was to be approved of by Guinnees, who were rather reluctant to let their precious brew through our centralized and computerized pipes.
We therefore agreed that Guinness reps should come to Holland and approve the system, by actually dispensing and tasting some pints.
The day was set and the Yard ordered 10 kegs of Guinness from the local ship chandler, we primed the system and awaited the judges to arrive from Dublin…
Upon arrival we walked them round the bars and showed the installation and eventually we got to the walk in cooler , which was our pride with automatic keg changers, fob stoppers, racks and bells and whistles.
One of the Guinness guys went straight over to the kegs and exclaimed: THAT IS NOT GUINNES!
I was stunned - the label looked like a genuine Guinness label to me.
That is not Guinness from the river Liffy , that is continental Guinness, we are NOT testing with that!
Where upon they all went back to Dublin, and said they would come back a week later with some real kegs!
In the meantime I leant that Guinness brews two types of Guinness: Irish and continental Guinness, the main difference being that one is 4,6% alcohol and the other 5,1%.
At the time being I laughed at the Guinness reps, but later I got to recognize that Guinness have built a VERY strong brand and dedicated employees.
Anyway they came back to Holland a week later, with Irish kegs,and the system was approved of, and I leant that Guinness isn’t just Guinness….
And Yes I miss Ireland too