BANKS DIH Limited on Thursday in collaboration with Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, officially launched Guinness Smooth, a stout that represents the culmination of meticulous craftsmanship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment aimed at delivering excellence to the consumer.

Diageo’s Head of Beer Commercialisation for Central America and the Caribbean, Marcela Vargas, said that globally, Guinness represents a world filled with optimism, energy and passion.

She noted that while building this new chapter, Diageo reinforces their strong partnership with Banks DIH.

She said that their dedication and commitment, passion for excellence and shared values with Diageo, has transformed Guyana into the number one market for Guinness in the Caribbean region.

“It is a magnetic world, something that we have seen in Guyana since day one, connecting with local consumers through the magnetism of the brand, proudly embedded in the Caribbean culture for more than 260 years,” she said.

Vargas noted that launching Guinness Smooth is a milestone for them, as it represents the possibility of connecting Guinness with new consumers.

“We, together, have a strong ambition of growing our business and we are confident that Guinness Smooth launch is one of the most powerful ways we can do this,” Vargas said.

Additionally, Brew Master Matthew Kendall related that the new product is brewed at Banks DIH in collaboration with the Diageo Global Technical Brand Team.

He explained that Guinness Smooth is a bittersweet mix of hops, malt and roasted barley which gives it its rich chocolate and coffee flavour.

“It is brewed with a robust yeast, and it has one third of the bitterness of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout,” he said.

Noting that the fermentation profile of Guinness Smooth differs from Guinness Stout as it undergoes an early cessation to enhance its full-bodied nature and provide a delicate sweetness, he said it is even compounded by a rich, creamy mouthfeel which comes from the presence of the diacetyl, as a result of the halted fermentation.

Kendall said that Guinness Smooth is being brewed under the watchful eyes of their third-party operations officer who makes certain that there is strict adherence to the numerous operational and quality standards as outlined in the brand’s technical manual.

“This adherence to strict quality-control measures fits well within Banks DIH’s brewery mandate to ensure that we have products of the highest quality,” he said.

In his expert opinion, he noted that the Guinness Smooth is a great addition to Banks DIH line of products, as it serves as a fitting tribute to their values in partnership and what can be achieved through innovative collaborations.

Further, Lee Baptiste, the Guinness Brand Manager at Banks DIH, related that Guinness Smooth has a distinct, smooth and refreshing taste and balanced flavours, which are ideal when catching up with friends.

“The new liquid has the refreshment of a stout with the fine characteristics of a Guinness. Perfectly brewed with the Guyanese consumer in mind, Guinness Smooth is a new expression of Guinness that is perfect for casual social occasions,” he said.

Baptiste said that Guinness, globally, is known for its magnetic experiences and innovations in meeting consumer demands, which Guinness Smooth caters for.

“The Banks DIH Limited objective is for Guinness Smooth to garner its own unique and trendy consumer base, and to be consumed across all genders, either while catching up with some friends or over a delicious meal of barbeque or grilled meats,” he explained.
He stated that the wholesale price of Guinness Smooth is $5,850 per case and the product is in its third week of distribution, and has gotten overwhelmingly positive feedback thus far.

Baptiste encouraged all persons above the age of 18 years old to consume Guinness Smooth responsibly.