The History of Guinness: From 1759 to Today
Guinness was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759, when he signed a lease on a brewery at St. James's Gate in Dublin, for an astonishing 9,000 years at 45 pounds a year. That small operation grew into the best-selling stout in the world.
Who was Arthur Guinness?
Arthur Guinness was born in 1725 in County Kildare. After the death of his godfather, Archbishop Arthur Price, he inherited 100 pounds and began brewing beer in the town of Leixlip. In 1759, at the age of 34, he moved to Dublin and took over an abandoned brewery at St. James's Gate. The 9,000-year lease is on display today in the Guinness Storehouse visitor centre.
From ale to porter and stout
At first Arthur brewed traditional Irish ale. In the 1770s, however, the London fashion for dark porter reached Dublin, and Guinness bet everything on it. From 1799 onwards he brewed nothing but dark beer. The stronger version of porter was named stout porter, later shortened simply to stout. A recipe built on roasted unmalted barley gave the beer its signature colour and flavour.
Key dates in the brand's history
- 1759: the 9,000-year lease is signed, at a rent of 45 pounds a year
- 1769: first export, six barrels of porter shipped to England
- 1862: the famous harp trademark is registered
- 1929: first advertising campaign with the slogan Guinness is Good for You
- 1959: Guinness Draught, nitrogenated, launched for the 200th anniversary
- 1988: the widget for cans is invented, later honoured as a major British innovation
Guinness today
Guinness is brewed in more than 40 countries and sold in 150 countries around the world. Over 10 million glasses of it are drunk every day. The brewery at St. James's Gate still stands, and the Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland's most visited attractions.
There is a little piece of Dublin history in Frydek-Mistek too: at Little Island we have been pouring Guinness since 2009. Drop in for a pint at tr. T. G. Masaryka 1129 and raise a glass to Arthur. Slainte!