What to Watch: ‘House of Guinness’ – The Beer World’s Answer to ‘Succession’
A new Netflix series titled House of Guinness offers a gripping look at the historic power struggles within the Guinness family, commonly known for their iconic beer. Created by Steven Knight, renowned for projects like Peaky Blinders, the show merges family drama with corporate maneuvering and is frequently compared to HBO’s Succession for its thematic depth and intrigue.
The narrative kicks off after the death of the family patriarch in 19th-century Dublin, igniting fierce rivalries among his children—Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne (Emily Fairn), and Benjamin (Fionn O’Shea). Each child harbors secrets that could lead to blackmail, drawing viewers into a world of scheming and subterfuge as the family navigates their legacies and the burgeoning business of Guinness both in America and Parliament.
This historical soap opera is packed with the engaging production values Knight is known for, ensuring it’s not only entertaining but also visually striking. House of Guinness boasts eight episodes, all released on September 25 on Netflix, and has received strong early reviews, earning 3.5 out of 4 stars.
Other notable weekend releases include:
-
Hotel Costiera: A Prime series where a former Marine, played by Jesse Williams, tackles various crimes in a magnificent Italian hotel. The series balances humor with mystery, showcasing stunning Amalfi Coast scenery. (3 stars)
-
Eleanor the Great: Scarlett Johansson’s poignant directorial debut focuses on a 94-year-old woman (June Squibb) whose life changes dramatically when she shares a fabricated story in a support group. While the film’s premise has some inconsistencies, Squibb’s performance shines. (3 stars)
-
Dead of Winter: Emma Thompson stars in this tense thriller centered on isolation and abduction, set against the harsh Minnesotan winter. Though gripping, it suffers from plot weaknesses. (2.5 stars)
-
All the Devils Are Here: A dark, character-driven crime story that keeps viewers captivated, despite its familiar setup. (3 stars)
-
Night of the Reaper: This horror film combines nostalgic elements with contemporary twists but ultimately falters in narrative coherence. (2.5 stars)
For more on this series and other releases, explore the links provided.
Unveiling Secrets: Did the Hidden Sexuality of Beer’s Butch Icon Almost Topple His Empire?
The new Netflix series House of Guinness explores the dramatic and often tumultuous history of the famous brewing family, presenting a fictionalized account that intertwines genuine family events with creative storytelling. Developed by Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, the series incorporates elements of sex, intrigue, and political maneuvering.
The story begins with the death of the Guinness patriarch, prompting a power struggle among his four children. Each sibling has distinct ambitions—Arthur the Fourth desires a political career, Anne aims to use her inheritance for social good, Benjamin battles substance abuse, while Edward is devoted to running the family business. The sibling dynamics reflect a historical backdrop where gender roles and societal expectations heavily influence their actions.
As the narrative unfolds, Arthur’s sexuality becomes central to the unfolding drama. His relationship with a man named Bonnie Champion creates tension not just in his personal life but also in his political ambitions. Meanwhile, Ellen Cochrane, an activist in the Irish independence movement, complicates matters further by demanding Arthur’s political commitment in exchange for her silence about his sexual orientation.
To further his political legitimacy, Arthur marries Olivia, the daughter of an aristocrat, in what is termed a marriage blanc, primarily for societal status rather than romance. Their relationship, surprisingly, thrives under this arrangement. However, Arthur’s penchant for risk remains, leading him back to reckless behaviors that could jeopardize both his personal and the family business’s future.
The series deftly blends historical facts with fiction, enriching the narrative by examining the Guinness family’s impact on the brewing industry and its entanglements in the sociopolitical fabric of Ireland during a time of significant upheaval.
As Arthur and Edward navigate their conflicting ideologies regarding Guinness’s operations and branding—especially concerning the inclusion of symbols appealing to Irish Nationalists—the show explores the tension between Unionist sentiments and the emerging nationalist movements of their time.
In a separate thread, Anne’s journey reveals personal struggles as she confronts unexpected realities about motherhood and personal identity, exacerbated by her connections to fictional characters entwined in the brewing empire’s legacy.
In essence, House of Guinness encapsulates the chaos of family loyalty, societal expectations, and personal desires within the rich tapestry of Irish history, albeit through a lens polished with dramatic flair and imagination.
Discover Verdure Kitchen and Cocktails: A Fine Dining Oasis of African Cuisine
Verdure Kitchen and Cocktails is an African fine-dining establishment in Midtown Atlanta, celebrated for its vibrant decor and rich culinary offerings. The restaurant recently marked its second anniversary under the guidance of Executive Chef Jean Louis-Sangare, whose journey in cooking began in Côte d’Ivoire, inspired by watching his mother prepare traditional dishes.
Sangare pursued culinary arts in Paris and later served as chef de cuisine at Le Bilboquet in New York for 15 years before relocating to Atlanta. When he collaborated with restaurateurs Aïda Lemma and Jacob Ilkner to establish Verdure, he aimed to elevate African cuisine and share its flavors with a broader audience.
“It’s a blessing to see that the first African fine dining opening in Atlanta has success,” Sangare remarked, indicating his long-held aspiration to bring African cuisine to the same prestigious level as French culinary traditions. The restaurant has become a favorite among guests for its environment, complete with culinary delights presented alongside live music, making it a perfect venue for special occasions.
Sangare’s philosophy revolves around showcasing the diverse ingredients and dishes from African nations, such as the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco, while experimenting with Western culinary techniques. He emphasizes that African cuisine distinguishes itself through fresh, bold flavors derived from local landscapes, and aims to elevate these dishes to new heights.
The menu features a variety of inventive and traditional dishes, including shrimp and avocado plantain bites, Nigerian spiced crab cakes, and Ethiopian honey-glazed sea bass. Each recipe reflects Sangare’s cultural heritage and dedication to innovation.
“I use all the ingredients that we have in Africa…to bring that to fine dining,” Sangare explains, emphasizing the uniqueness and beauty of African culinary traditions. His ambition extends beyond Atlanta; he hopes to expand Verdure to cities like Miami and New York in the future, aiming to represent African cuisine more broadly across the United States.
Elevate Your Tailgate: Introducing ‘Grit City’ Canned Cocktails for Lions Fans!
Lions fans can now elevate their tailgating experience with a new collection of canned cocktails, launched by Grit City Spirits in collaboration with the Detroit Lions for the 2025-2026 season. These craft cocktails are perfect for game days and come in flavors such as “Tailgate Tea,” “Peach Pride Tea,” “Half & Half,” and “Michigan Mule,” each blended with Grit City Vodka or Grit City Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The eye-catching can designs feature the Lions’ signature Honolulu blue and silver colors, along with bold Detroit typography. This new collection celebrates the Lions’ recent successes, specifically acknowledging their consecutive NFC North Division Championships in 2023 and 2024.
The canned cocktails are available in four-packs priced at $14.49 and variety eight packs for $27.99 at various retailers across Michigan.
In sports news, the Detroit Lions (2-1) recently secured a thrilling 38-30 victory against the Baltimore Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. Fans can catch the Lions back at home as they prepare to face the Cleveland Browns this Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX.
Introducing Jack Daniel’s New Whiskey: A Rare Sweet Mash Bottling to Savor
Jack Daniel’s Distillery has introduced a unique offering titled the "Distillery Series Selection #15," which stands out due to its use of a sweet mash process, a departure from their usual sour mash technique. The sweet mash method involves fermenting without backset, requiring greater precision and control, making it more challenging than the sour mash approach that most American whiskey producers, including Jack Daniel’s, typically employ.
This particular whiskey is sourced from the beginning of the 2016 distillation season and has been aged for nearly nine years in a high-temperature environment within the brand’s barrelhouses. Kathy Thurmond, the Quality Control Manager and Whiskey Taster, personally selected the barrels used for this limited release. Bottled at 117 proof, the whiskey maintains a traditional mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye.
Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher, expressed excitement regarding the depth and complexity imparted by this process, highlighting the richness that comes from extended aging. Tasting notes for the whiskey describe flavors of butterscotch, with hints of pecan, berry, and caramel.
The Distillery Series Selection #15 will be available exclusively at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop in Lynchburg, Tennessee, in 375 milliliter bottles, priced at $44.99. This unique whiskey presents an opportunity for distillery enthusiasts to experience the flavor variations resulting from different production techniques.
2025 Ryder Cup Beer Prices Unveiled: Social Media Goes into Frenzy!
All eyes are set on the 2025 Ryder Cup, which will take place at Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, New York, from September 26 to 28. As the excitement grows, details about ticket and beverage prices have sparked reactions online.
Tickets for the event are reportedly exorbitant, with single-day passes averaging around $750. However, the shocking aspect is not just the ticket prices but also the steep costs of alcohol at the venue. A 12-ounce Michelob Ultra Zero will set attendees back $12, while cocktails approach $20. Those interested in a souvenir cup will face an additional $7 charge, prompting comments about the exorbitant pricing for drinks.
While the prices may serve as a deterrent for overindulging, attendees prepared to spend on a ticket can likely afford to shell out a few more dollars for refreshments. The outrageous pricing has caused quite a stir on social media, highlighting the facets of event attendance that may be considered less than fan-friendly.
For those looking to enjoy the 2025 Ryder Cup experience, managing expectations regarding expenses will be key.
ASA Raps Au Vodka for Allegedly Marketing Alcohol to Under-18s
Au Vodka has faced criticism from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) due to its social media advertisements that allegedly targeted underage audiences. The controversy arose when a complainant pointed out that two paid Facebook ads showcased influencers who were younger than 25, which raised concerns about their appropriateness for a demographic that includes children.
One notable ad featured YouTuber Kai Cenat, who was 23 at the time, unboxing a bottle of Au Vodka Juicy Peach and consuming the product. Although Au Vodka had applied specific location targeting for the ad to ensure it reached U.S. audiences compliant with local advertising laws, it was still visible to users in Great Britain during the ASA’s review.
Another Facebook advertisement, which included a 24-year-old woman inviting viewers to try Au Vodka, also violated advertising regulations according to the ASA. While the brand argued that TikTok influencer Lucinda Strafford’s post wouldn’t appeal to those under 18, the ASA concluded that the content, linked to popular culture and television shows, could attract underage viewers.
The ASA ultimately upheld the complaints, declaring that ads related to alcoholic beverages must not be directed at individuals under 18 years of age. They emphasized that, given the age restrictions on TikTok accounts and the widespread appeal of the Love Island series among younger audiences, there was a strong chance that users underaged could engage with this content.
Au Vodka has been contacted for further comments regarding this ruling.
For more details, visit the ASA’s ruling.
Molson Coors Appoints New CEO to Propel Beyond Beer Strategy
Rahul Goyal has been named the new CEO and president of Molson Coors Beverage Company, set to take over on October 1 from retiring CEO Gavin Hattersley. Goyal, who has been with the company for 24 years, plans to leverage his extensive experience to help the company adapt to the declining demand for traditional beer.
During his tenure, Goyal has held several key positions, including chief information officer for Molson Coors UK and chief financial officer for Molson Coors India. More recently, he has led initiatives to diversify the company’s product offerings, focusing on non-alcoholic beverages and expanding the company’s "Beyond Beer" strategy. This includes partnerships with brands like Fever Tree and The Coca-Cola Company to enhance their beverage portfolio.
The decision comes as the beverage industry faces a shift, with a significant decrease in alcohol consumption among Americans. A recent Gallup poll indicated that 54% of Americans now report drinking alcohol, the lowest rate recorded since polling on the topic began in 1939. The changing consumer preferences prompted Molson Coors to seek new revenue streams beyond traditional beer sales.
Goyal emphasized his readiness to address future challenges and opportunities, stating his intention to maintain the company’s legacy while driving it toward new growth avenues. As he assumes his position, investors are eager to see how he will approach this transition and potentially reshape the company’s market strategy.
While analysts view Goyal’s appointment as a safe choice, they await clearer communication regarding his plans for the company’s direction, particularly concerning the shift from premium light beers amid an evolving market landscape.
The Hidden Issues with Whiskey Stones: Why They Might Not Be Worth the Hype
Whiskey stones have become a trendy alternative to traditional ice for chilling drinks, but their usage warrants caution. While they effectively cool your beverage without dilution, they could also pose risks to your glassware and teeth.
Caitlin Bartlemay, a master distiller at Hood River Distillers, highlighted that whiskey stones, made from materials such as soapstone or steel, are denser than ice. This added weight can damage glassware, especially if stones have sharp edges that may scratch or chip the interior of more delicate glasses. Bartlemay advises against using them with crystal glassware due to this risk.
Another consideration is safety while consuming drinks. Unlike ice, whiskey stones won’t clump together, potentially leading to an unpleasant encounter if they slip into your mouth unexpectedly during a sip. Bartlemay emphasizes being mindful to avoid these accidents.
For those concerned about dilution but still wanting to enjoy their whiskey at the right temperature, solutions exist beyond whiskey stones. Storing whiskey in a temperature-regulated wine fridge allows for precise cooling without risking harm to your drink as ice does. A wine refrigerator can be a cost-effective investment compared to multiple visits to the dentist for mishaps associated with whiskey stones.
Read more about whiskey care and enjoyment here.
Navigating Global Recognition, Climate Change, and the Russian Wine Market: Insights from Abruzzo’s Famiglia De Cerchio – Part Two
Federico De Cerchio, the fourth-generation head of a historic Abruzzo wine estate, has made substantial investments to enhance the standing of Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. In our discussion, he elaborates on the challenges he faces in marketing Torre Zamba wines amidst changing global dynamics.
The Significance of Villamagna
Villamagna is not just the birthplace of Federico; it has a unique terroir shaped by its geography and winemaking expertise. The area has cultivated Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes since the 1950s and boasts a microclimate created by its proximity to the sea and mountains. The DOC designation received in 2011 highlights its status as the most prestigious area for quality wine production in Abruzzo, with strict regulations concerning vineyard practices and yields.
Challenges of Global Warming
The impact of climate change has been particularly evident since 2020, complicating vineyard management. In response, some vintners have returned to the traditional Abruzzo Pergola system, which offers protection from environmental stressors, demonstrating a resurgence of vintage techniques.
Shifting Demographics in Wine Consumption
Federico observes a generational shift in wine preferences, emphasizing the need for the wine industry to adapt marketing strategies to resonate with younger consumers. He believes that 2025 may be pivotal, urging producers to listen and respond to new consumer habits.
Importance of Media and Restaurant Coverage
For Federico, media exposure is critical as it allows restaurateurs to discover new wines, thus driving customer interest. He noted that while both media coverage and restaurant features are essential, reaching the right audience through media often comes first.
Export Trends and Market Changes
Famiglia De Cerchio exports over 95% of its production, with a notable shift towards Canada as a significant market due to U.S. tariffs. Although there has been a decrease in the U.S. market share, Federico believes it will regain prominence in the coming years.
Ethical Dilemmas Regarding Russian Sales
Although it’s illegal to sell luxury wines to Russia due to current regulations, Federico clarifies that wines priced below €300 can be legally sold. He grapples with the moral implications of continuing sales in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the personal relationships he maintains with Russian customers who are not involved in political issues. Federico feels a responsibility to support these friends during difficult times, even amid the broader geopolitical tensions.
Future plans for Expansion
With five estates, three located in Abruzzo, Federico aims to enhance the Torre Zambra estate and promote Villamagna DOC through tourism. Plans include expanding accommodations and opening a new restaurant showcasing traditional Abruzzo cuisine.
Through these efforts, the Famiglia De Cerchio continues to navigate the complexities of modern wine production while keeping roots in tradition and community ties.









