Guinness Beer Celebrates 250th Anniversary

At the time, Arthur had no idea what he had stumbled upon, but he knew he needed a name for his Stout beer. He simply named it Guinness. A wise young man, that Arthur Guinness.

I was only 18 when I had my first taste of Guinness Beer, and I wasn't crazy about it. I thought it bitter and way too thick. But now, after years of refining my taste, I've come to love the dark stout as much as any German beer.

Although the most popular and recognized Guinness beer is Original Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks are also consumed in mass quantities. In April, Guinness launched a limited-edition carbonated beer, 250th Anniversary Stout. It was good, but didn't compare to the beloved Original Guinness.

Studies claim that Guinness can be beneficial to the heart. Researchers found that antioxidant compounds in Guinness, similar to those found in certain fruits and vegetables, are responsible for health benefits because they slow down the deposit of harmful cholesterol on the artery walls.

Guinness ran an advertising campaign in the 1920s which stemmed from market research - when people told the company that they felt good after their pint, the slogan was born – "Guinness is Good for You". Guinness was told to stop using the slogan decades ago – and the firm still makes no health claims for the drink.

There have been many heated discussions over how-to-pour a pint of Guinness properly. Here's an expert opinion if I ever heard one. Irish Central.com, "Experts say It should be poured three-quarters full, and then left to settle until the head (known as the Bishop's Collar because of its foamy white appearance), settles on top. Then the pint is topped-up and served. The entire process should take 119 seconds, according to the Guinness master brewers. For many, it is well worth the wait -- the anticipation building as the seconds tick down to the top-up .With a flick of the wrist, a good barman can even imprint a shamrock symbol on the top of the pint."

Although Guinness is the best-selling beer of all time in Ireland, it's also extremely popular worldwide, as 10 million people in 150 countries can attest to every day. Because Guinness is so loved, 250th Anniversary celebrations will be taking place around the globe today. The largest of festivities will no doubt take place in Dublin, the home of Guinness, and will attract thousands of Guinness worshipers.

As Plato once observed, “He was a wise man who invented beer.” So, if you happen to be celebrating at your local Irish pub today, raise a pint for Arthur Guinness, and have a pint of Guinness for me as well!

source: wikipedia.com