Arthur's Day

Happy Arthur's Day

 

In 1755, Arthur Guinness opened a brewery in Leixlip, Ireland. With the 100 pounds that he inherited from his godfather, Arthur Prince, who was the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Cashel. He definitely was on to something of a grand scale which he probably did not know of at the time. In 1759, he left the brewery to be run by his younger brother and headed for Dublin.

 

Today, September 26th is a VERY important day in the history of Ireland and of course in the history of beer. On this day in 1759, Arthur Guinness went to the city of Dublin and opened up the Guinness brewery at St. James's Gate in the heart of Dublin. With the signing of a 9000 year lease on the land, this meant that the brewery would never leave its address. It was on that day that the empire of the modern Guinness brewery was founded.

 

In the first few decades of the brewery, Guinness experimented with brewing different types of beer. After numerous attempts, by the late 1790's he created the recipe that is the mainstay of the brewery. In 1798, the brewery's only type of beer was the famous stout (porter) that is brewed to this day.

 

In the more recent past they have started to brew different varieties of the original beverage including Guinness Black lager (which is a cold-brewed lager), but the main ingredients have always remained. The original famous beer is one of the most produced beers and largest selling brands in the world.

 

So in honor of the 26th of September, at 17:59pm (5:59pm), if possible, wherever you are, raise a glass, have a moment of silence and toast to one of the greatest innovators in the world of beer and brewing. Little did Arthur know what would become of the brand that he created!!!!!

 

I was fortunate enough to celebrate Arthur's Day in 2012 at the Brazen Head Pub in Dublin (actually, The Brazen Head is THE OLDEST pub in Ireland - but you will just have to wait for "Pubs To Have a Pint In: Dublin" for all of the historical goodness and photos of The Brazen Head). This black tie event was packed to the roof with fans of Guinness all willing to drink and pay homage to "Uncle Arthur."

 

While in Dublin, I also took the tour of the brewery and became a "certified pourer" of Guinness on draught. There actually is a trick to pouring Guinness. With the back pour, nitrogen is added to the mix to accurately fill out the head of the beverage. It is supposed to be poured in a certain way so that the foamy head on the beer develops just right. A bit to learn indeed!!!!!

 

Some trivia about Guinness:

 

The color of Guinness is NOT black. It is actually a very dark ruby red which can be seen when tilted into the light at just the right angle.

 

The original 9000 year lease which was signed by Arthur Guinness can still be seen . It is mounted under a glass floor in the center of the Guinness Storehouse to be seen by the masses of visitors.

 

In 2006, Guinness Draught became the official beer for the Irish Rugby team.

 

Contrary to popular belief, Guinness beer is NOT brewed with the water of the Leffe River that flows through Dublin. The water is from the meadow and hills that surround Dublin.

 

Guinness Draught does taste different where you drink it. You can taste a slight different between a pint that is poured in a pub in the USA and in London, but you can still taste a slight difference between a pint that is poured in London and in Dublin.

 

In 1939, Guinness sent all the British troops in the British Expeditionary Forces a bottle of Guinness to be enjoyed with their Christmas dinner.

 

My friend Art's favorite beer is Guinness. (Take that Art!!!!!!!!!!!)

 

HAPPY ARTHUR'S DAY

Enjoy a pint, Cheers - Charles