Whether you're drinking at an Irish pub or you want to enjoy a craft beer at home, Guinness should be high on your list. This dry stout is one of the world's most popular beers, particularly in Ireland where it was created, but also worldwide. Its characteristic burnt flavor, tang, and creamy head make it a favorite at pubs and restaurants, just as it has been for much of its 260-year history.

Arthur Guinness

The original creator of Guinness beer was born in Celbridge in 1725. He set up a small brewery when he was about 27 but later moved to Dublin to pursue greater opportunities. At the age of 34, he found a disused and run-down brewery at St. James's Gate in Dublin, which he leased for the next 9000 years as the site of his brewing operation.

Various Brews

Arthur's original creations weren't like today's Guinness beers. Instead, he started with ale, which he began to export in 1769, reaching London as well as local Irish pubs. However, a type of beer called "porter" was growing more popular at the time since its invention in 1722. Porter is made from roasted barley and is characterized by a dark, rich color. By 1799, Arthur Guinness had switched entirely to crafting different varieties of porter. One of them, called "West India Porter" at the time, is still sold as today's "Guinness Foreign Extra Stout."

Arthur's Legacy

Arthur Guinness died in 1803, passing the brewery to his son, Arthur Guinness II, who continued to develop it. In the 1830s, what had once been a small, dilapidated brewery had become the largest and most successful beer producer in the country, sending shipments across the globe. The brewery was passed down from father to son for five generations. Today, the same commitment to quality, flavor, and innovation which made the original Guinness ales and porters so successful lives on, providing Irish pubs across the world with an unmatched richness of flavor and texture.

For classic Guinness, shepherd's pie, as well as fish and chips, visit O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill in Plant City, FL. As one of Hillsborough County's most beloved dining spots, they have offered delicious food and entertainment for 12 years, including live music and parties. For more information about the Irish pub’s scheduled events, call (813) 764-8818 or get in touch online.