Beer School Session 12: Guinness Rules

Our first stop in Dublin: the Guinness brewery. The tour gives visitors an overview of the ingredients used, the brewing process, and a short history of the company that makes and distributes this world famous Irish stout.

The Guinness Storehouse, which is the official name of the Guinness factory tour, received its name because it was the location on the company's fermentation original plant. Here is where the brewery originally stored the beer while it was fermenting.

In 1988 the building was re-purposed and the interior was remodeled to resemble a pint glass. The Guinness “experience” is a fun, highly designed, interactive museum that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin. It’s worth the visit — even if the 15 Euro entrance fee does seem a bit excessive.

Don’t expect an authentic brewery tour. This tour is nothing like seeing a working brewery in action. (For a great tour of a brewery in action, visit the Cantillon brewery in Brussels.) Instead you’ll learn about the beer’s production and history.

In the entrance space the 9,000-year lease that Arthur Guinness signed securing his right to the property is on display. The first exhibit shows visitors the four ingredients used to make Guinness: barley, hops, water and yeast.

Next is information about the brewing process. Followed by a history of the Guinness family and the growth of the company. And finally, the tour ends at the top of the building at the Gravity Bar where you get a complimentary pint. The Gravity Bar also offers a 365-degree view of the city.