Mindless Beer Trivia - Guinness Turns 250!

Thursday, September 24, 2009 probably seemed like any other day to many of you.....




But did you know that on September 24, 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease for the St James' Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland thus kicking off the 250 year rein of Guinness? Yep, that was "250 years" ago.

Arthur Guinness leased St. James's Gate for £45 per year in 1759 and

it has been the home of Guinness ever since. Guinness, the largest brewer of stout in the world, also claimed the title as the largest brewery in the world for many years. It owned most of the buildings in the surrounding area, including many streets of housing for brewery employees, and offices associated with the brewery. The brewery also made all of its own power using its own power plant. How economical and forward thinking was that?

In honor of Arthur Guinness and Guinness beer, Arthur's Day has been commissioned.

Arthur's Day has been described by Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen as "an excuse for having a great party." Pub-goers across Dublin — as well as cities around the world including Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Cotonou, Hong Kong, and New York — raised their glasses in tribute to Arthur at exactly 17:59 p.m. to mark the year the drink was begun. Ireland has issued a stamp for the event.

I wonder what it looks like???

"Guinness is Good for You"

(Reformed Irish orthography: Is fearr de thú Guinness)

(Literally: Guinness is better for you)

Across the pond, Jim Koch - founder of Boston Beer Company, hasn't been around for nearly as long as Arthur Guinness and Guinness beer, but he's got a few things to say about drawing/pouring beer and the "A,B,C's" of beer.

Thanks for the pointers Jim. Maybe in about 200 or so years they'll have a special day for you too. I doubt that I'll be around.

But it sure looks like I missed a great party this year!