Guinness Welcomes Garrett Oliver
On November 21, Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore played host to Garrett Oliver, the legendary brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, to celebrate the launch of their collaboration beer, Fonio Stout. This release marked the finale of a global series of collaboration beers, each highlighting the use of fonio, an ancient West African grain, as a brewing ingredient. Over the course of the project, Oliver worked with seven breweries worldwide, shining a spotlight on fonio’s potential to create innovative beers while supporting sustainable agriculture in its native region.
Brewing for Impact
Fonio Stout isn’t just another beer release; it’s part of a larger mission spearheaded by Oliver. Through his “Brewing For Impact” initiative, he aims to raise awareness about fonio and promote its cultivation in West Africa. Revered as one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world, fonio is drought-resistant, nutrient-rich, and culturally significant to the communities that grow it. By incorporating this versatile grain into craft brewing, Oliver hopes to foster a deeper connection between beer and sustainable agriculture, giving brewers and drinkers alike a taste of its potential.
“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.”
The collaboration with Guinness not only represents a union of two brewing giants but also stands as a tribute to Oliver’s remarkable career. This year marks his 30th anniversary as head brewer at Brooklyn Brewery, a milestone he is celebrating with a series of collaborative beers designed to showcase fonio’s versatility. The Fonio Stout project brought together the talents of Brooklyn Brewery and Guinness’s Open Gate teams in Baltimore and Chicago, culminating in a full-scale production at FX Matt Brewing in New York.
A Legacy in Craft Brewing
Garrett Oliver is one of the most influential voices in the world of craft beer. His seminal book, The Brewmaster’s Table: Discovering the Pleasures of Real Beer with Real Food, is a go-to resource for anyone interested in beer and food pairing. His passion for elevating beer to the level of fine dining has also made him a prominent advocate in the Slow Food movement, which promotes traditional, sustainable, and regionally based food practices.
Beyond The Brewmaster’s Table, Oliver further cemented his reputation as a beer scholar by editing the 2011 Oxford Companion to Beer. This comprehensive reference is an essential resource for beer enthusiasts, homebrewers, and professionals studying for the Certified Cicerone exam. Now, with the launch of Fonio Stout, Oliver continues to merge his passions for beer, food, and global impact.
Fonio Stout: From Grain to Glass
Fonio Stout was designed and brewed in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery and Guinness’s Open Gate teams in Baltimore and Chicago. The pilot batch was created at Guinness’s Baltimore facility, where the team refined the recipe before scaling up production. The result is a stout that integrates the earthy, nutty character of fonio with the robust flavors craft beer fans expect from a Guinness brew.
For beer lovers eager to try this unique creation, Fonio Stout is available for a limited time in four-packs of 16 oz. cans for a suggested retail price of $13.99. Distribution is limited to New York, Northern New Jersey, and select regional chains, as well as the Guinness Open Gate Breweries in Baltimore and Chicago.
An Evening to Celebrate Fonio
The release event at Guinness Open Gate Brewery wasn’t just about beer; it was an immersive culinary experience. Guests were treated to a four-course meal and dessert, with each dish incorporating fonio as an ingredient. From starters to desserts, the event highlighted how this ancient grain can shine in both food and beer. Guinness frequently hosts events that explore the interplay between beer and cuisine, providing beer lovers with opportunities to savor creative pairings throughout the year. Upcoming events can be found on their website at guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com/brewery-calendar.
A Toast to Innovation and Sustainability
Fonio Stout represents more than just a collaboration between breweries; it’s a celebration of craft beer’s ability to tell stories, build connections, and make a difference. For Garrett Oliver, this beer is the culmination of decades of brewing expertise, a passion for food, and a commitment to social impact. For Guinness, it’s an opportunity to join forces with a brewing legend and showcase the possibilities of innovative ingredients.
As craft beer continues to evolve, collaborations like Fonio Stout remind us that beer is more than just a beverage—it’s a medium for creativity, community, and change. So, raise a glass to Garrett Oliver, Guinness, and Fonio, the ancient grain working to add a new ingredient available for creative brewing while helping grow agriculture markets for African grains.
