Couldn't possibly let an event such as this pass by without blogging the heck out of it but where do you start with something as monumental as Guinness?How about a few quick facts:
1. Despite numerous 'findings' and several published articles, Guinness has never been brewed from the water in the River Liffey nearby.
2. 250 years ago Arthur Guinness signed a 9000 year lease for the unused brewery and land @ £45 per annum! It took 10 years for them to start exporting to England and even then it was only 6 barrels. Today the company has an annual turnover over 16 billion.
3. In 2005 the brewing of Guinness in Park Royal, London was canned (pardon the pun) and all brewing was returned to St James Gate, Dublin.
Despite its reputation as a "meal in a glass", Guinness only contains 838 kilojoules per pint which is fewer than skimmed milk, orange juice and most other non-light beers. It is not suitable for vegetarians as the production process uses isinglass (a fish extract) to settle suspended matter in the vats. It is known to have high levels of Iron which can become depleted whilst pregnant, so alot of women drink a pint per week in the last trimester when the risks of alcohol related fetal damage are lower.
Guinness was labeled as a healthy drink in the 1920's from research that showed people felt good after drinking one (wonder why!) The campaign ran for 50 years until someone 'told' them to stop. Today they are very firm about making no health claims for the drink and run advertisements for responsible drinking instead.
Guinness has been sold in a vast number of varieties and packaging over the years and they always remain the forefront of marketing and advertising across the globe. Sadly in Australia we only have access to 2 types, Guinness Draught and Guinness Extra Stout. Note: If you have ever had the misfortune of tasting Guinness Extra Stout, my condolences to you and your family - Please skip to the last paragraph. 3rd in the distribution stakes is Guinness Red which (I believe) is only available on tap, is very common throughout England and how I miss thee!
We checked out the Guinness Factory/Storehouse in November 2003 and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone visiting Dublin. Nothings fresher than a Guinness at their Sky Bar after the tour - sweeeeeeet!
On your way home from the daily grind today, stop off at your local, pick up a few Guinnii and reminisce the night away. Hopefully whoever you're drinking with hasn't read this and you can impress them with your knowledge of Guinness history!
Sláinte!
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3 comments:
Awesome deal on the land rental.
Don't really like the stuff though had a few at the sky bar. The food at the brewery's restaurant was very nice.
Good God man only you could make Guiness sound boring!
I jest, of course. Yes, I purchased some of the black stuff yesterday (not bovril) and it's chilling nicely ready for the weekend.
I know I've said in the past that I'm open to criticism but it was a lie.
Better have a few pints of black gold to soothe my broken feelings
:P
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