1850

1. From father to son to grandson.

   Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, son of Arthur Guinness II, takes over the brewery on the death of his father. Sir Benjamin Lee becomes a Member of Parliament for Dublin City and also serves as Lord Mayor of Dublin.

   

2. Pouring on the other side of the World.

   The first exports of GUINNESS® beer to New Zealand take place.

3. Animal brands are a sign of quality.

   First exports of GUINNESS® beer to Southeast Asia recorded. Distributors’ labels carry a huge variety of brand symbols, including Dog’s Head, Wolf, Drummer Boy, and Lion. They remain in use in some markets today.

   

4. Black Velvet born in London.

   While the city grieves over the death of Albert, the Prince Consort, a bar steward at Brookes Club has an unusual idea. According to legend, he decides that even the champagne should be in mourning, and adds Guinness Extra Stout to the bubbly. With this respectful gesture he has invented 'Black Velvet’ - a drink still enjoyed today.

5. The Harp plays its first bars.

   The trademark beer label is introduced - a buff oval label with the harp and Arthur Guinness' signature. The Harp is registered as a trademark in 1876.

   

6. Family business stays on-track.

   Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness dies and his son Edward Cecil takes over. Under Edward Cecil, the size of the brewery doubles to accommodate a cooperage, a racking shed, a maltings, new vathouse, a storehouse for fermenting vessels and even an internal railway system.

   

7. 'A Little Pint of Guinness History.'

   The first recorded Guinness advertisement in Singapore commemorates the first 138 years.

   

8. 10% of GUINNESS® beer sales are now overseas.

9. Ruling the River.

   The GUINNESS® family commissions a fleet of barges to transport its wares on the River Liffey.

   

10. Liquid investment.

    The GUINNESS® brewery becomes the first major brewery to be incorporated as a public company on the London Stock Exchange. It is now the largest brewery in the world with an annual production of 1.2 million barrels.

    

11. World Traveler begins fantastic voyage.

    The first GUINNESS® "World Traveler" is appointed to report on overseas markets in North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

12. Stout, hope and charity.

    Edward Cecil is appointed the first Lord of Iveagh and establishes the Guinness and Iveagh Trusts to provide homes for the poor in Dublin and London. He makes substantial contributions to Trinity College Dublin and Dublin hospitals. His brother Arthur landscapes St. Stephen's Green and gives it as a gift to the public.

13. Experimental appointment.

    T.B. Case becomes the first university science graduate to be employed at the GUINNESS® brewery. It heralds the beginning of "scientific brewing" at St. James' Gate.