It’s been more than a month since pop legend Michael Jackson died, yet I still saw someone walking out of a music store carrying a copy of his Dangerous album. And even his passing away hasn’t been black and white. His death is still being the investigated, the blood line of his children are being questioned, music executives are claiming rights to his unreleased recordings…

Where will you be on September 24th?

Not so controversial but still well remembered 250 years on is a man named Arthur Guinness. Who would have thought something black, white and bitter would have survived the centuries? And Guinness himself may not have considered the possibility of bartenders masterminding, or some purists would claim bastardising, making this drink relevant for throats of today. Come September 24th, the folks at Guinness are hoping fans all over the world will be raising a pint to the man.

If you’re a seasoned Guinness fan, we won’t need to tell you to head to your local Irish pub, where you should find the black stuff on tap. These days, it’s also not uncommon to find variations like Black and Tan, Black Gold, Snakebite, Gold Rush, Black Velvet… one we both like is Guinness with Blackcurrant. It’s Guinness laced with blackcurrant syrup, some pubs also use raspberry, either way, it gives this pint a biting sweet taste, perfect for an after dinner pint. Having tried it in pubs in different countries, I was pleasantly surprised to be served one with a bit of “beer art”. There on top of the black and white drink was a flowered blackcurrant. Even with all the beer goggles I’ve tried on before, never have I seen Guinness look so pretty.

What would Arthur have to say about this?

So being true to the Guinness spirit, here’s a challenge (or a tease), if you find a prettier pint of Guinness, let us know and it’ll be on us.