I never bought the idea that bottled Guinness had to be eliminated from the portfolio. Many corporate brands incorporate niche products which boost the credibility of the brand without interfering with the overall marketing process.

Diageo tried to pretend that it was a small conern wich diverted resources, except it couldn't have done. It may have represented a fraction of the output (3 - 4% as I remember) but, iven the volume of Guinness, that would small percentage would have kept a small brewery and bottling line running very happily.

But, as you say, it came at a time when they were trying to get out of the grubby business of making beer entirely, so it probably felt like a first step on a road to that goal.

And given that they're now trying to re-invent themselves as a craft provider, they could try re-making the actual good stuff

keep to the Fen Causeway