Beer's new glass has flower power

A new branded Guinness glass is to be made available throughout the on-trade later this month.​The new glass is of the tulip shape currently used in Ireland and has the Guinness logo emblazoned on it twice. It was one of 24 designs considered, six of which were tested with consumers.

Andrew Smith, quality manager for Guinness GB, said the new glasses would add further value to the Guinness "perfect pint" initiative — making the product look better and giving it a better head.

"The shape of the tulip glass has the effect of 'squeezing' the head, which gives it a more pronounced curve above the rim than with the straight-sided conic glass," he said. "The head is also longer-lasting."

He added: "By consistently providing their customers with a beautifully presented, excellent performing pint, pubs will be able to increase loyalty among existing Guinness drinkers and boost trial among non-Guinness patrons."

Although the head appears larger with the new glass, it meets Guinness' guidelines which state that the pint should be at least 95 per cent liquid.

Of the customers involved in research, 91 per cent said they would probably or definitely want to drink from the new glass in the future.

Smith admitted that Guinness was "absolutely obsessed" with product quality, which he said was a continuous process of improvement.

The perfect pour campaign has led to the accreditation of 3,000 outlets as being the best for draught Guinness among the 80,000 outlets for the brand nationally.

Although licensees will have to pay for the glasses — they cost £11 inc. VAT for 24 — a Guinness spokesman said the company was not making money on their sale

"The glasses are good value and will represent a great investment for pubs," he said. The new glasses will be available to all outlets from August 20, through Autobar or the usual suppliers of Guinness.