[markomalley]

Instead of Isinglass they could use Polyclar, but still, political correctness ruins everything.

[reaganaut]

Didn’t they learn from the ‘new coke’ disaster?

[knarf]

I am SO out of the loop, having drank a six pack over the last 5 years or so ...

But I'd say that, if beer sales are lagging, it's a social psychology problem, not the beer

Beer is drank/drunk/drinked in quantity at gatherings and people don't gather like they used to (IMO)

A subliminal and general attitude of fear and distrust (coupled with technological advantages ... TV/computers/AEIOUphones (etc.) .. ) has affected the American psyche to where we don't gather every weekend

Now it's maybe once a year or so

[Mikey_1962]

I love Guiness Draught, the Stout is a bit too heavy for me.

[RayChuang88]

Isn’t Guinness usually consumed at wine cellar temperature, usually between 50 and 55 degrees F? That’s why the majority of the world like lager beer, which is usually consumed between 35 and 40 degrees F.

[JJ_Folderol]

I dunno. Do whiny vegan liberal types actually drink stout or is it really about the fish? How much of a market is that clown squad? One percent of the total population or less?

[brewer1516]

Polyclar works great as a fining agent. I’ve used both and gotten great results.

I think the important point here is that they are changing the PROCESS , not the recipe. Using a fining other than isinglass will not affect the flavor. I suspect it has more to do with cost and they are spinning it from a marketing perspective of doing it for the whining vegans. Guinness (and others) have changed their brewing processes over generations to incorporate new tech and lower costs.

[goodwithagun]

I’m vegan (long story) and I’m happy about this; however, I would never petition a company to change something because of my dietary choice. I would prefer the free market sort this thing out. That said, perhaps it’s black velvets this evening with my homemade hard cider!

[W.]

PC must die! That said, I've had this Stout, and it's very tasty, but what surprised me?

The bottle's clear. Didn't realize it until I pour4ed it into a glass. Odd...

[Oratam]

There is a small fishing village on the west coast of Ireland, often referred to as the capital of Irish traditional music. It is Doolin, County Clare, and it is home to three pubs--McDermott's, McGann's and O'Connor's. They all are traditional music venues and they all serve Guinness.

I have enjoyed the black stuff in all three and I must say I prefer the taste of the Guinness they pour in McDermott's Bar. It has a certain "roasty-toastiness" that the other two lack. I don't know why it should taste this way but I assume it has something to do with the taps and the lines that serve them. It's not a funky, or dirty taste. It's more like the Guinness itself is from a different source . . . our time.