Guinness is a stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. It is now owned by the British-based multinational alcoholic beverage maker Diageo and is available in over 120 countries. Guinness is considered Ireland's most iconic beer and is the best-selling alcoholic drink in Ireland. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, is a popular tourist attraction, having received over 20 million visitors since opening in 2000.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Place of origin | Dublin, Ireland |
Year created | 1759 |
Founder | Arthur Guinness |
Colour | Dark ruby red |
Flavour | Roasted coffee, chocolate |
Alcohol by volume | 4.1% to 4.3% |
Ingredients | Water, barley, roast malt extract, hops, brewer's yeast |
Current owner | Diageo |
What You'll Learn
- Guinness is a stout that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century
- Guinness is now owned by the British-based multinational alcoholic beverage maker, Diageo
- Guinness is available in over 120 countries
- The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a popular tourist attraction
- The taste of Guinness can vary depending on factors such as freshness, how it is poured, and the cleanliness of the tap lines
Guinness is a stout that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century
The story of Guinness began with Arthur Guinness, who started brewing ales in 1759 at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. On December 31, 1759, he signed a 9,000-year lease for the unused brewery, agreeing to pay £45 per annum. Ten years later, Guinness exported his ale for the first time, shipping six-and-a-half barrels to Great Britain.
In 1778, Arthur Guinness began selling a dark beer called porter, and in the 1840s, the first Guinness beers to use the term "stout" were introduced: Single Stout and Double Stout. Over time, the meaning of "stout" shifted from referring to the strength of a beer to its body and colour.
Guinness has a strong association with Ireland, and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a popular tourist attraction, having received over 20 million visitors since its opening in 2000. The beer is also brewed under licence in several countries worldwide, including Nigeria, the Bahamas, Canada, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, South Korea, Namibia, and Indonesia.
Guinness has a distinct taste and appearance, with a dark ruby red colour, a creamy head, and hints of roasted coffee and chocolate. The brewing process and ingredients contribute to its unique characteristics, and it is known for its smooth, balanced flavour.
The brand has a long history of marketing campaigns, with some of the most recognisable advertisements created in the 1930s and 1940s, featuring slogans such as "Guinness is Good for You" and "Guinness Makes You Strong." The harp motif, modelled on the Trinity College harp, has become a symbol of Guinness and Ireland.
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Guinness is now owned by the British-based multinational alcoholic beverage maker, Diageo
Guinness originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. It is now the world's number one selling stout beer. In 2011, sales amounted to 850,000,000 litres. Despite declining consumption since 2001, it is the best-selling alcoholic drink in Ireland, where Guinness & Co. Brewery makes almost €2 billion worth of beer annually. It is also the most popular draught beer in the United Kingdom, with about 11% of all sales.
The Guinness Storehouse at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin is the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland, receiving over 20 million visitors since opening in 2000.
Guinness stout is made from water, barley, roast malt extract, hops, and brewer's yeast. A portion of the barley is roasted to give Guinness its dark colour and characteristic taste. It is pasteurised and filtered.
In 2017, Diageo made Guinness suitable for vegetarians and vegans by introducing a new filtration process that avoided the use of isinglass from fish bladders to filter out yeast particles.
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Guinness is available in over 120 countries
Guinness is a stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. It is now owned by the British-based multinational alcoholic beverage maker Diageo. It is one of the most successful alcohol brands worldwide, brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120.
The success of Guinness can be attributed to its unique flavour, which comes from a combination of malted barley and roasted unmalted barley. The unmalted barley is a relatively modern addition, giving the beer its distinctive "tang". The draught beer also has a thick, creamy head, created by mixing it with nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
The global popularity of Guinness is evident in its availability across 120 countries. This reach is a result of effective marketing campaigns and a dedication to quality. The brand has a long history of advertising, from television commercials to beer mats and posters, with some of the most recognisable series of advertisements created by S.H. Benson's advertising in the 1930s and 1940s.
Guinness has a strong presence in Africa, with about 40% of its total volume brewed and sold on the continent. Nigeria is the second-largest consumer of Guinness globally, followed by the USA. The beer is also brewed and sold in several other countries, including the UK, Ireland, China, and India.
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The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a popular tourist attraction
The Guinness Storehouse has been described as a "must-do" experience and has received numerous positive reviews, with many praising the informative and entertaining self-guided tour, the stunning views from the Gravity Bar, and the friendly and helpful staff. The Storehouse also features a variety of dining options, including the 1837 Bar & Brasserie, the Brewers' Dining Hall, and Arthur's Bar.
The Guinness Storehouse is easily accessible, located within walking distance of Dublin's city center or via the hop-on, hop-off bus. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique insight into one of Ireland's most iconic beers.
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The taste of Guinness can vary depending on factors such as freshness, how it is poured, and the cleanliness of the tap lines
Guinness is a stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century. It is now available in over 120 countries and is the best-selling alcoholic drink in Ireland.
Firstly, Guinness is best served fresh. Good keg rotation is essential to achieving this. The first keg in should be the first keg out.
Secondly, the way Guinness is poured has a significant impact on its taste. The manufacturer recommends a "double pour" serve, which takes about two minutes. The glass should be held at a 45-degree angle for the first three-quarters of the pour, then left to settle before being topped up. This two-stage pour is said to create a creamy head and a smooth, balanced taste.
Finally, the cleanliness of the tap lines is crucial. Bars and restaurants should clean their draft lines every two weeks to prevent a build-up of yeast, bacteria, mold, and "Beer Stone," a mix of calcium and mineral deposits that can contribute to off-flavors.
Other factors that can affect the taste of Guinness include the serving temperature and the type of glass used. Guinness should be served between 6-7 °C (42.8 °F) for draught and 3.5 °C (38.6 °F) for Extra Cold. It is traditionally served in a tulip-shaped pint glass, which strengthens the head and provides the ideal amount of thick, creamy foam.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Guinness originated in Dublin, Ireland, in the 18th century.
Yes, Guinness is brewed in almost 50 countries and available in over 120.
No, Guinness can taste different depending on where it's coming from. The age of the beer, how it's handled or poured, and the cleanliness of the beerline (if it's on tap) can all affect the taste.
Some people say that Guinness tastes better in Ireland because it's fresher—people in Ireland drink more Guinness, so kegs are replaced more frequently. It's also said that bartenders in Ireland are more likely to know how to properly clean and calibrate a nitrogen tap, which can affect the taste.