Cheers to 200 Years: The Story of Guinness in America

The story begins on October 16th, 1817 with a single line in a brewer’s log. The handwritten note reveals the first eight barrels of Guinness beer – a porter to be exact – meant for America would make their arrival in South Carolina. Ever since then, the bond between America and Ireland has continued to grow, from Irish immigrants searching for a better life to community leaders to, of course, Guinness and the countless pints – shared responsibly – with the people of the United States. The anniversary is a celebration of a 200-year love affair between a brewery and a people: Guinness and America. The Guinness brand says thank you to America by introducing the limited-edition Guinness 200th Anniversary Export Stout; bringing back a few favorite stout releases for a festive variety pack; and hosting a pair of public events in New York City and Los Angeles. 

Guinness 200th Anniversary Export Stout is the latest beer created by the Open Gate Brewery – the pilot brewery located at St. James’s Gate in Dublin – where Guinness brewers experiment with new styles and reinterpret historical brews. Inspired by a recipe Benjamin Guinness – the son of Arthur Guinness – originally developed in 1817, this beer is brewed with Black Patent Malt and Golding Hops and has a 6% ABV. Guinness is also releasing its newest limited-edition Guinness Draught cans, featuring artwork from the legendary Guinness ads from the 1930s and the 1950s that featured various zoo animals. Previous limited edition cans have featured the much-loved Guinness toucan and tortoise, among other works. The 200 Years of Stout in America Mixed Pack – also on its way from Guinness – will bring back a few favorite stout recipes to add to the festivities.

​The full list of celebratory releases includes: 
 Guinness 200th Anniversary Export Stout – A deep, dark, authentic export stout with smooth, rich flavor; brewed with Black Patent Malt. 
 Guinness Limited-Edition Mount Rushmore Cans – Classic Guinness Draught stout in limited-edition cans depicting everyone’s favorite toucans flying across the iconic American monument of Mount Rushmore from a rarely seen Guinness ad from the 1950s. 
 Guinness 200 Years of Stout in America Mixed Pack – A collection of brews in honor of America’s love of stouts – Guinness Original, 200th Anniversary Export Stout, Antwerpen Stout and Foreign Extra Stout – all of which have been exported to the U.S. over the past 200 years. 

While the past 200 years are the reason for celebration, the next 200 years have even more possibility. The newest chapter in this Irish-American story will be set in Maryland, where the first Guinness brewery on U.S. soil in more than 60 years opens in 2018. The brewery’s name, the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House, is a combination of the pilot brewery at St. James’s Gate and a nod to the plan for this new brewery to be a center for barrel-aging beer. The new home for Guinness in the U.S. will also be the permanent brewing site for Guinness Blonde American Lager and other new beers created specifically for the states. Whether you’re celebrating the 200th anniversary of Guinness in the U.S. or toasting to the next 200 years, please remember to drink responsibly.

Diageo Beer Company, USA is the U.S. beer and flavored malt beverage business of Diageo, a global company, with its products sold in more than 150 countries worldwide. Brands within Diageo Beer Company include the iconic Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s and Smirnoff ICE. (All images and information provided by brand)