Guinness, Garrett and The Grain
Guinness
On November 21, Guinness Open Gate in Baltimore hosted Garrett Oliver, the famed head brewer at Brooklyn Brewery, for the release of their collaboration brew, Fonio Stout. This beer was the last in a series of collaboration beers highlighting the use of fonio grain as a brewing ingredient. They have brewed collaboration beers with seven breweries worldwide, bringing attention to the use of fonio as a beer ingredient. Guinness was the last of these collab beers.
Fonio is an ancient grain from West Africa that Oliver is creating awareness through “Brewing For Impact,” a program to support local agriculture in that region.
Oliver is celebrating his 30th year as head brewer at Brooklyn Brewery, and to honor that occasion.
Garrett
Beer enthusiasts know Garrett Oliver best as the author of The Brewmaster's Table: Discovering the Pleasures of Real Beer with Real Food. This reading is the staple if you’re planning on cooking with beer or purposefully pairing it with your food. This interest has led him to become involved in the Slow Food movement. He was also the editor of the 2011 Oxford Companion to Beer — a staple for those studying for a Cicerone exam.
Garrett Oliver at Guinness Open Gate Baltimore
The Grain
Fonio is an ancient grain from West Africa that Oliver is creating awareness through “Brewing For Impact,” a program to support local agriculture in that region. Oliver is celebrating his 30th year as head brewer at Brooklyn Brewery, and to honor that occasion, they have brewed collaboration beers with seven breweries worldwide, bringing attention to the use of fonio as a beer ingredient. Guinness was the last of these collab beers. Fonio Stout will be available at Guinness Open Gate and certain Baltimore outlets (checking with sources and may be revised).
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Our contribution to Brooklyn Brewery’s Brewing for Impact Series, focusing on a unique West African ancient grain called Fonio. This stout is brewed in support of the Michael James Jackson Foundation and features notes of white wine, lychee, and tropical fruitiness. As unique a stout as we have brewed, but with a fantastic story.”
Guinness Fonio Stout
Guinness Fonio Stout is available exclusively in New York, Northern New Jersey, and select regional chains while supplies last through December 31, 2024. It's available in four-packs of 16 oz. cans at a suggested retail price of $13.99 and is also available at the local Guinness Open Gate Breweries in Chicago and Baltimore.
Fonio grain
Fonio Stout was brewed and designed in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery and the two Guinness Open Gate Breweries in Baltimore and Chicago. Guinness Baltimore was home to the pilot batch, and from there the full launch quantity was brewed at FX Matt in New York State.
The evening’s event showcased a four-course meal plus dessert, each using fonio as an ingredient. Guinness hosts beer/food pairing events throughout the year. Check for upcoming events at guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com/brewery-calendar.