Arthur Guiness was born in Celbridge, County Kildare in 1725. Arthur first learnt the art of brewing from his father Richard, whose job as a land steward included brewing beer for workers on the estates of Dr. Arthur Price, later Archbishop of cashel.
In 1759 at the age of 34 Arthur Guiness signed a 9000 year lease for the St. Jame's gate Brewery, Dublin at an annual rent of L45. The brewery was small and had little brewing equipment. But in only 10 years, despite competition from Imported English beers, Arthur Guiness began to export his beer to England. Thus began the long history of Guiness.
Great post Silvio. I didn't know that Guinness was the world's first brewery. I wonder if the lease is still good or if Guinness has outgrown the scope of the original property? You have to admit that spirits is quite the social builder. I think many deals had a little alcoholic lubrication to get them done. Bars and Pubs have also played a large part in our society.
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