You Toucan collect Guinness

Some global brands have their own following – and Guinness is among them. It even has its own collectors’ club. Andrew Burnyeat reports

Guinness is possibly the best known beer brand across the world. And it’s by far the most distinctive-looking pint.

Its Irish heritage and a long history of smash hit advertising have helped to create one of the most loyal brand followings there is. The fact that the Irish have travelled far and wide over the years helps spread the word, too.

So much that the Guinness Collectors Club has hundreds of members spread all over the globe.

The main reason for joining is to buy collectible items, and there is a long list, including ashtrays, bottles, playing cards, posters, badges, clocks, toys and calendars.

Standard membership is free but for £7 membership can be upgraded.

Possibly the best bit on the site is the Around the World section, where members based overseas tell their collecting stories.

Guinness collector Michael Good lives in The Lebanon. Aged 60, he started his collection around 12 years ago. He says: “Being Irish, I have had an interest in the national drink since a very early age. My collection is at my home in United Kingdom but I spend 60 to 70 per cent of my time in Beirut.”

It’s a family affair for Michael, whose wife Jacky and daughter Miranda have bought many of the items in his collection. He says: “I believe my wife holds the record for paying the highest price ever for Guinness Flying Toucans at Christies!”

Michael’s dedication to the cause, however, has not been matched by Guinness itself. Exports of Guinness to The Lebanon have ceased, so he dri.....

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By Andrew Burnyeat

Section : Collecting Beer

Page number : 61