One of the most impressive things about Guinness is that for over 250 years the company has stuck to churning out one, unaltered, high-quality product -- dry stout with its signature creamy head -- resisting the urge to try new things, which is so often born out of competitive pressure. Guinness just keeps on keeping on, and it's that dependability and commitment to its namesake Arthur's great vision that has made it one of the most popular and recognizable brands on earth. That Guinness has been doing the same thing so well and for so long is partly what induced me to visit the brewery at St. James Gate in Dublin a few years back (where I shot the video below). I'm a sucker for tradition. And great beer.

Just think about it -- generations of brewers have spent two and half friggin' centuries dancing with the date that brung them, with very few exceptions. Guinness gives new meaning to the old axiom, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." So it's quite a big deal when they do introduce something different to market, as they did last month with Guinness Black Lager.

Firstly, don't let the dark color fool you -- Guinness Black Lager has more in common with an outstanding pilsner like Urquell than it does the award-winning Samuel Adams Double Bock. It's not a light beer, per se, but it drinks easy. Something a Guinness lover can turn to when stout slows you down. This brew is meant to be consumed ice-cold, incidentally. And while there is a hint of that traditional Guinness dark roast taste, the crisp citrus and sweet malt flavors are what dominate that palate.

For tradionalists like me, it's doubtless anything out of Ireland will ever top the timeless wonder that is original Guinness stout. But the Black Lager is a welcome newcomer to the family. A fine change-of-pace brew with impeccable lineage.

Guinness Black Lager has an ABV of 4.5%, with a suggested retail price of $8.49/6-pack.