The Great Guinness Shortage of 2024: Glasgow and Edinburgh's Stout Solution Stories

Move over, pumpkin spice lattes—this winter, the hottest drink in Glasgow and Edinburgh is…well, whatever's left on tap. That’s right, folks, the iconic black gold, Guinness, has become harder to find than a parking spot on Sauchiehall Street. With pubs across Scotland feeling the pinch, the city’s beloved institutions are pulling together in the most heartwarming—and hilarious—ways.

The Great Stout Drought: What’s Going On?

Diageo, the masterminds behind Guinness, recently admitted they’ve been overwhelmed by “exceptional consumer demand.” The surge has caused a 25% shortfall in supply across the UK, with Scotland being one of the hardest-hit regions. Edinburgh and Glasgow pubs, which typically account for over 15% of Diageo’s UK Guinness sales, have seen deliveries slashed in half.

Add to this the fact that Guinness’s popularity soared by 18% year-on-year thanks to TikTok trends like the "split the G" challenge, and you’ve got a recipe for empty taps and long faces. Across the UK, reports indicate that more than 60% of pubs have been unable to fulfil their weekly Guinness orders, leaving managers scrambling for solutions.

Pubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh Rallying Together

While some might see a Guinness shortage as a reason to sulk, Scottish pubs are handling it with true Highland spirit. Local legends like The Three Sisters, Kitty O’Shea’s, and Finnegan’s Wake have set an example of camaraderie.

When their pals over at Dropkick Murphy's ran low, these pubs shared their remaining stock to keep Guinness flowing. The Dropkicks even took to their popular Instagram page to thank the vendors, sharing a heartwarming video of kegs being passed around like a relay race for thirsty champions.

As one patron quipped, “If this isn’t Scottish hospitality at its finest, I don’t know what is!”

Creative Alternatives from Local Favourites

In Glasgow, The Solid Rock Cafe introduced a local alternative to keep stout lovers smiling. Their offering? Drygate’s The Duke Nitro-Stout, packed with rich flavours like roasted coffee and chocolate. Meanwhile, The Pot Still took a more direct approach, asking patrons to “just drink literally anything else” while they worked on restocking.

Reports suggest that sales of alternative stouts have increased by 35% in Scotland since the shortage began, as pubs tap into local brews to meet demand. Some establishments, like Edinburgh’s Brewhemia, have even seen a 20% uptick in overall stout sales as patrons experiment with new flavours.

A Stout Sense of Humour

Edinburgh pubs have turned the shortage into a show of resourcefulness. Regulars at Kitty O’Shea’s have joked about adopting Guinness rationing cards, while staff at Finnegan’s Wake put up signs reading, “We’re running low—sip, don’t gulp!”

Meanwhile, over in the heart of the Grassmarket, Biddy Mulligans wasn’t about to let a shortage dampen spirits. The team shared a cheeky Instagram reel featuring a humorous reenactment of "splitting the G" being strictly banned on their premises, complete with slow-motion, somber music, and a customer consuming his Guinness with a spoon.

The humour and camaraderie have helped pubs keep customers engaged, with some venues reporting higher footfall as curious patrons stop by to “see the drama unfold.”

A Call to Action for Bar Managers

For hospitality workers and bar managers in Glasgow and Edinburgh, this shortage presents both challenges and opportunities. Diversifying beer offerings and promoting alternative stouts can keep customers satisfied. Engaging patrons with humour and creativity, as seen with the ration cards and alternative promotions, can also enhance the pub experience during this shortage.

Diageo has pledged to replenish supplies by January, with normal availability expected in time for the Six Nations rugby tournament. Until then, Scottish pubs are encouraged to manage stocks wisely and maintain the festive spirit, even if it means serving a different pint.