Make Mine a Double

posted by Hilary on Mar 3

So in preparation for going off to Dublin on Tuesdays I thought I would top up on my knowledge of the black stuff!!!

What I never really understood was just how Guinness has the monopolized the market over the years, and dominated the Irish brewing scene. The rival Findlaters closed in 1949 and by the mid-1960’s they had rounded up the last few stray ale breweries.

The only challenge to total control was in Cork, where Murphy’s and Beamish & Crawford kept Guinness at bay, at least for a while. Under pressure from their own landlords (who wanted to sell Guinness), the Cork brewers gave up in the 1970’s. But good news for the little man was on the horizon. Foreign investors snapped up the local brands, eager to own an Irish stout brand. Their stouts are now often easier to find oversea than in their native country!!!

Fact: Did you know that it originated in Arthur Guinness brewery in Leixlip, Co Kildare but it then moved to Dublin, Ireland. The beer is based on the porter style that originated in London in the early 18th century.

Fact : Did you know that rumor has it beer makes up are portion for the recipe to give a sharp flavor, but Guinness has refused to comment where this still goes on but there is no disputing the unique tastes comes from the roasted barley which in unfermented.

Fact: Did you know that despite the Credit crunch Guinness & Co. makes almost €2 billion a year?

Any more?