My Goodness

Guinness Ad
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For 250 years, Guinness has been refreshing thirsty beer-lovers across the world. And, on St. Patrick’s Day, no celebration is complete without this Irish legend.

To many, Guinness is so much more than a beer, it’s an experience of pure joy. Envision the Guinness experience: the request, “Guinness please;” the 119.53 second pour; the cascade; the first sip.

What was developed from humble beginnings has become one of the world’s most successful brands. Its advertising from the 1930s is considered art. Fanatics make pilgrimages to Guinness Storehouse for a pint. Its logo can be found on anything from shirts to hats to toy trucks to cufflinks. In Africa, its ads transitioned into a movie called "Critical Assignment" starring a character of its own creation called Michael Power. And, in 2007 it was estimated that 10 million glasses of Guinness were enjoyed around the world each day.

So, this St. Patty’s Day, as you enjoy a Guinness or two (if you're of legal age of course), take some time to savor a little bit of the history in your glass. Sláinte!

"May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live." - Irish toast 


Beer: It's Not Just for Men

As beer consumption decreases, brewers in the U.K. are attempting to attract a new segment of consumers: women. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, a study by Coors found that beer’s biggest competitors are wine and vodka- both of which are largely popular with women. So why don’t women drink beer? A big reason, according to Coors Chief Executive, Mark Hunter, is that most women regard beer as fattening. Another reason is because the beer industry has neglected to advertise to women.

At London pubs in the U.K., Coors recently began aiming its Blue Moon Label toward women, hoping to attract them with fancy orange slices. Some pubs have even tried coating the oranges in brown sugar. The same trend can be noticed here in the United States. Bud Light Lime is probably the biggest and most recent example. While men are drinking Bud Light Lime, women especially like its sweet and fruity taste. Other examples include Michelob Ultra’s line of fruit-infused beers such as Lime Cactus, Pomegranate Raspberry, and Tuscan Orange Grapefruit.

In addition to “girly” flavored beers, women themselves are promoting beer. An article from msn.com states that Jessica Simpson has signed on as spokeswoman for Stampede Light Plus, a beer made by Dallas’ Stampede Brewing Co.

By: Jessica McGrail