Guinness Brewing (Diageo) - Craft Beer in Dublin, Dublin

📜 Short History:

The Guinness Brewery, now a part of Diageo, has a rich and storied history that dates back to the 18th century.

The brewery was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759 in Dublin, Ireland. Arthur Guinness was an ambitious brewer who started his business with a 100-pound inheritance. He signed a 9,000-year lease at £45 per annum for the unused St. James's Gate Brewery, which was a dilapidated property at the time.

In the early years, Guinness produced a variety of ales, but in the 1770s, it began to focus on porter, a style of beer that was gaining popularity in London. By the 1790s, Guinness was brewing nothing but porter and had introduced the beer that would become its trademark: Guinness Stout.

The company continued to grow throughout the 19th century, both in terms of production and reputation. By 1838, the St. James's Gate Brewery was the largest in Ireland and by the end of the century, it was the largest in the world.

In 1886, Guinness became a public company, and its shares were listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company continued to expand, opening breweries in other countries and acquiring existing breweries.

In 1997, Guinness merged with Grand Metropolitan, a British conglomerate with interests in food and spirits, to form Diageo. Today, Diageo is one of the world's largest producers of spirits and beers, and Guinness remains one of its most iconic brands.

Guinness has also been known for its innovative advertising campaigns, starting from the 1930s. The brand's iconic harp logo, which is based on the Trinity College Harp, has been in use since 1862.

Throughout its history, Guinness has been deeply involved in the social and economic life of Ireland. The company has provided housing for its workers, funded scientific research, and made significant contributions to the war effort during both World Wars.

Today, the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin is not only a working brewery but also a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to learn about the history of Guinness and the brewing process.