If you had to name a beer brand, it doesn’t get more iconic than Guinness.
Dark, dramatic and full of rich, smooth flavours, the stout has fans across the world, from its native Ireland to sunny Nigeria, which is famously the second largest consumer of Guinness in the world.
The story starts in Dublin’s St James’s Gate, where on New Year’s Eve 1759, one Arthur Guinness signed a 9000-year lease to establish a brewery that made a serve now found in every reputable pub in the world.
It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into Guinness, you don’t just like it: you love it. Fans rate the lack of carbonation — “it’s savoury, I can drink a lot of it, and it’s not fizzy” —, the unique flavour — “Somewhere between lager and wine” or as one lover put it: “Chocolate milkshake adjacent.”
“It teaches you patience!” is another reason given, because a properly poured pint of draught Guinness needs time to rest before you should touch it to your lips — 120 seconds.
And let’s not forget the supposed health benefits, namely, the iron content. While it’s true Guinness does contain iron, there’s only 0.3 milligrams of the element; men would have to drink 29 pints and women 49 pints to meet the recommended daily allowance.
Still, back in the day, some doctors would prescribe the Black Stuff: “I’ve been a solid Guinness girl since my early 20s,” Cheryl Ward, 42, from South London, tells me. “I used to faint a lot, and the doctor told me half a Guinness now and then wouldn't hurt. I was low in iron, so he suggested supplements or a little Guinness — I picked the alcohol option. I like it because it's not gassy like beer, has health benefits, and if you find a good pint, the creamy bitterness is absolutely delightful.” Her favourite place to enjoy a pint in London? “The basement bar at Bradley's on Hanway Street.”
Guinness’s secret to success lies not just in its flavour, but in masterful marketing. Every tenth pint poured in the capital is a Guinness; it’s shaken off its ‘old man’s drink’ reputation to such an extent that pubs ran dry before Christmas 2024. There is a silver lining, though: “I like how it’s trendy now because pubs are keeping cleaner lines,” explains Johnny Edwards, 42 from Harefield. “There’s nothing worse than having a pint that hasn’t been pulled through in a while”.
And where there’s kudos, merch isn’t far behind. Guinness’s playful and dramatic ad campaigns - “Good things come to those who wait”, “Lovely day for a Guinness” and “Guinness is good for you” — have slipped off billboards and onto t-shirts and caps. Chefs have included the stout in recipes for chocolate cake and soda bread. Guinness memorabilia is everywhere.
If you’re looking to start or boost your collection — and what better time than with St. Patrick’s Day approaching? — I’ve rounded up the best and most unusual Guinness collectables to get your paws on.
Shop now
Amazon Spring Deal Days 2026: Dates, deals and what’s actually worth buying
Best home brewing and beer making kits to shop in the UK
Best books about Irish history to read in 2026
Best UK beer subscriptions for pints you won’t find in the pub
Best lagers in the world taste tested, including alcohol-free options
Sláinte! The best Irish whiskeys to sip this St Patrick's Day 2026
Guinness Nitrosurge
This gizmo from Guinness purports to put the power of the pump in your hands.
It’s designed to be used on tins of Guinness using ultrasonic technology to recreate the classic Guinness pour. Clip it onto the top of the can, hit the button, tilt the glass, and then pour to watch the creamy swirls settle into your favourite beer.
It’s not a match for the ceremony and flavour of a proper pub-pulled pint, and purists may sneer, but if all you’re looking to do is improve the taste of the canned stuff, this will help.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Abercombie & Fitch Guinness Half-Zip Sweatshirt
Didn't think the quarter-zip could be improved? A&F make this one ready for the weekend, off-duty days, and a great option for St Patrick's Day celebrations.
Buy now £75.00, Abercombie & Fitch
Guinness Rugby Ball Shaped Easter Egg
If your interests include Guinness, chocolate, rugby and Easter, welcome to the chocolate egg of dreams. This luxe rugby-shaped Easter egg is made with dark chocolate and Guinness’s characteristically stouty flavours with liqueur-filled truffles lying in wait inside. It will make the perfect gift for a fan and comes with a free Easter card too.
Buy now £16.99, Selfridges
UO Guinness Jumper
For truth-speakers only. This sweatshirt is made from soft knit with a slouchy, relaxed fit.
Buy now £54.00, UO
JW Anderson x Guinness Logo Sweater
High fashion came calling for Guinness in late 2024 when US designer JW Anderson released a collection in honour of Guinness. The line of t-shirts and knits pluck inspiration from the brand’s vintage adverts. My favourite is this black jumper with an oversized Guinness logo, complete with the Irish harp.
Buy now £650.00, JW Anderson
Abercrombie & Fitch guinness graphic premium heavyweight t-shirt in green
We are all oversaturated with the word iconic, but I ask you, what other word is there to describe the Guinness toucan?
The cheerful fellow, named Gilroy, made his debut in 1935 and remains a playful brand mascot. Abercrombie & Fitch agrees, giving the exotic bird pride of place on its green Guinness tee.
Festival fields will be awash with the top this year, mark my words.
Buy now £45.00, ASOS
Ginis Pod Classic tee
Looking for a way to express your love for the dark stuff in a cool, indy way? Head to Everpress where you can find this fan-made tee that features a drawing of your favourite pint - or is it? We’re sure it’ll start to make sense after a couple of drinks.
Buy now £25.00, Everpress
Corduroy hat with Vitamin G pint design
Every wardrobe needs a good baseball cap, and for Guinness aficionados who don’t want to seem too try-hard, this Etsy version offers both a pun and a nod to the serve. The design is embroidered on corduroy, which makes it seem more luxe.
Buy now £22.50, Etsy
Next Guinness Embroidered Socks 4 Pack
If you're looking to add a subtle drop of Guinness to your wardrobe, this multi-pack hits the mark.
Buy now £16.00, Next
The Official Guinness Cookbook by Caroline Hennessy
A drink-inspired cookbook written by an author with a drink-related surname - can it get any more perfect? Caroline Hennessy takes Guinness beyond the bar, showing home cooks just what you can do with the stout. Recipes include a savoury braised short rib, traditional Irish soda bread with a twist, and a beefy stew enriched with a glug of the good stuff.
Buy now £16.77, Amazon
Exclusive Guinness Coffee '232' Brew
Many people have noted the close resemblance in flavour of coffee and Guinness. This packet of roasted coffee from Tiki Tonga Coffee Roasters makes it acceptable to enjoy a Guinness-style brew for brekkie.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Guinness Square Wall Calendar 2026
Admire old-school Guinness marketing all year round with this 2026 calendar.
Buy now £10.44, TGJones
Guinness Toucan Playing Cards
Gilroy the Toucan is back on this set of vintage-looking playing cards, an officially licenced product. The standard pack is perfect for playing a few hands while you wait for the next round to settle.
Buy now £7.50, Amazon
EAST END PRINTS Natalie Cass 'Guinness' Framed Print
A minimalist nod to the world-famous stout, artist Natalie Cass puts her spin on the pint with this giclée print.
Buy now £65.00, John Lewis
King McGaw Guinness - 'G' Poster
Another jewel from Guinness’s advertising archives, this print is worthy for the home bar. It was originally designed by Abram Games and published in 1956, so if you’re after a midcentury print, this clever artwork will hit the spot.
Buy now £45.00, King McGaw
