Guinness Launches Seasonal 'Red Harvest' Stout

Guinness is hopping on the seasonal train, it seems. New reports say that Guinness, the maker of your beloved stout, is mixing it up with a red-hued beer, called the Red Harvest Stout.

According to a release, the beer will "[provide] a change of pace from the array of pumpkin beers often available this time of year while incorporating centuries old Celtic traditions." (But we love our pumpkin beers!) While it's not quite a red ale, the Red Harvest Stout (at 4.1 percent ABV) uses lightly roasted barley to impart flavors of caramel and toffee. And the beer is deeply rooted in Celtic folklore; from the release:

In centuries past, Samhain (pronounced saw-wen) was the festival held every year on All Hallows' Eve in celebration of the end of the fall harvest and the coming of winter. Legend tells that on this night, restless spirits are beckoned from the darkness with bonfires and sweet offerings from the bountiful fall harvest.

So you know, a different kind of Halloween-themed brew. The newest Guinness offering will be available in six-packs in stores and in bars in September.