New Guinness Fonio Stout honours African heritage and Irish tradition

Guinness and Brooklyn Brewery have just announced the launch of Guinness Fonio Stout, a limited-edition beer brewed in support of the Brewing for Impact campaign – a collaborative initiative inspired by Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver’s pioneering work with ancient West African grain fonio.

Now available in select locations in the greater New York area, this beer celebrates the rich global history of Guinness, blending its Irish heritage with the vibrancy of West African culture and the creative spirit Garrett Oliver. He’s enjoyed a 30-year journey at Brooklyn Brewery, driven by a fearless passion to perfect his craft, which has inspired the Brewing for Impact initiative, rooted in beer’s power to unite people, cultures & traditions.

Together, they dive into new ways to highlight Fonio’s versatility in brewing, showcasing how this remarkable ancient grain enhances this Guinness stout with a flavourful combination of roasted coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruits.

“Fonio Stout is an example of the magic that comes from blending the right amount of heritage and innovation, and we’re thrilled about how this collaborative brew has captured the best of both Guinness and Brooklyn Brewery,” said Joyce He, Guinness brand director. “Bringing our brewers together with Garrett Oliver and artist Kervin Brisseaux is a celebration that represents our commitment to pushing boundaries of creativity in brewing and cultivating social impact on a global level. Simply put, grab one while you can!”

Designed by Haitian American artist, Kervin Brisseaux, the beer’s packaging artwork celebrates Guinness’s centuries-long history in Africa, blended with the cultural heartbeats of Brooklyn. You’ll find several nods to both within the illustrations, from subway cars to fonio grains to the likeness of Garrett Oliver himself.

“Guinness is the first beer I ever loved,” said Oliver. “And to be able to share my passion for brewing and for sustainability by creating this Fonio Stout for a brand that’s known for cultivating connections across the globe – well, it’s been a dream realised. Working together, Guinness and I have the same vision – to ensure no matter where you are in the world or how you choose to celebrate, there’s a great beer to help you enjoy yourself.”

In partnership with the Brewing for Impact initiative, Guinness proudly supports The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, founded by Garrett Oliver, with a $10,000 donation via the Guinness Gives Back Fund, to support their efforts in funding technical education and career advancement for Black, Indigenous, and people of color in brewing and distilling.

With an ABV of 6.2%, 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 16oz cans at a suggested retail price of $13.99 and is also available at our local Open Gate Breweries in Chicago and Baltimore.

Guinness and Brooklyn Brewery are celebrating the launch of this limited-edition beer with an exclusive launch event at Brooklyn Brewery in New York City, alongside partners African Chophouse. The public is invited to attend speciality beer dinners to enjoy Guinness Fonio Stout alongside a curated dining experience highlighting the Fonio grain at Guinness’ stateside breweries in Baltimoreand Chicago.

• Guinness Fonio Stout Beer Dinner @ Open Gate Brewery Chicago – Monday 18 November, 6-10pm CT (more information here)
• Guinness Fonio Stout Beer Dinner @ Open Gate Brewery Baltimore – Thursday 21 November, 6-10pm ET (more information here)

About the Brewing for Impact Campaign: 
Launched in celebration of James Beard Award Winning Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery’s 30th anniversary with the brewery, Brewing for Impact is a global initiative that has united breweries from around the world in a mission to drive social change through beer. Inspired by Oliver’s pioneering work with fonio—an ancient West African grain lauded for its resilience and cultural significance—the campaign brings together renowned brewing partners including Guinness along with Maison Kalao from Senegal, Thornbridge from the UK, Omnipollo from Sweden, Carlsberg from Denmark, Russian River from the US, Jing-A from China, and Brooklyn Brewery itself. This year, each brewery has created a unique beer featuring fonio, honouring the grain’s role in African heritage and supporting the livelihoods of West African farmers, predominantly women-led. Through Brewing for Impact, Garrett Oliver and his collaborators are reimagining the brewing landscape, using innovative ingredients to celebrate global heritage and inspire the next generation of brewers worldwide.

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