Does Guinness Travel Well?

[n2doc]

Daniel Kotz, Liam G. Glynn, Christian D. Mallen, Jochen W.L. Cals
Article first published online: 1 MAR 2011

DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01986.x
?v=1&s=ac1d8bd531b4ae6815b0b2fc577e6b044fc2fb79
© 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

Journal of Food Science
Volume 76, Issue 2, pages S121–S125, March 2011

Keywords:
beer;Guinness;international survey tasting

Abstract:  This study aimed to test the much-pronounced but poorly supported theory that “Guinness does not travel well.” A total of 4 researchers from 4 different countries of origin traveled around the world for 12 mo to collect data on the enjoyment of Guinness and related factors. The main outcome was measured on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 0 (enjoyed it not at all) to 100 (enjoyed it very much). A total of 103 tastings were recorded (42 in Ireland, 61 elsewhere) in 71 different pubs spread over 33 cities and 14 countries. The enjoyment of Guinness consumed in Ireland was rated higher (74 mm VAS) than outside Ireland (57 mm; P < 0.001). This difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for researcher, pub ambience, Guinness appearance, and the sensory measures mouthfeel, flavor, and aftertaste. This study is the first to provide scientific evidence that Guinness does not travel well and that the enjoyment of Guinness (for our group of nonexpert tasters) was higher when in Ireland. Results, however, are subject to further verification because of limitations in the study design.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01986.x/abstract

[Scuba]

1. Was this done on a government grant? ....

... was it a "blind" test? In other words, did the testers know they were in Ireland when they rated the taste most highly?


Jock-frat Science

[izquierdista]

2. Not possible to adjust for 'pub ambience'

Not unless you have some chunks of peat burning in the pub fireplace. Smoke from a peat fire is well known to bring out the true flavors of a Guinness.

[nonperson]

3. Guinness travels very well

In my belly.