Guinness: The 250 Year Quest for the Perfect Pint

Guinness: The 250 Year Quest for the Perfect Pint
Bill Yenne
John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 978-0-470-12052-1
Non-Fiction, History
Reviewed by Chris Gerrib

In 1759, George Washington was 27, and a loyal subject of the Crown. The other famous George of that era, George III, was only 21, and still Prince of Wales. In that year, Arthur Guinness started brewing beer at St. James’ Gate, Dublin, Ireland. There’s no street number (none needed) because Guinness beer is still brewed there today.
Bill Yenne, a journalist and historical writer, has produced Guinness: The 250 Year Quest for the Perfect Pint, an entertaining and informative overview of the history of the famed Guinness brand. Since the Guinness brewing company has been in under the family’s control until the 1990s, this history is also a quick history of the Guinness family, which has been influential in British and Irish business and politics since “The First Arthur’ as he’s known started brewing in Dublin.
In the interests of full disclosure, I should note that I am a fan of the Guinness family’s product, as is the author. Although helpful, enjoyment of this book is not conditioned on being a beer drinker. Bill Yenne provides a brief and informative overview of what makes Guinness “Stout,” as well as how it differs from the more common and lighter lager beers. Bill also spends a good deal of time discussing the Guinness “widget”, which is how one can pop open a can of Stout and be rewarded by a head of rich brown foam.
The bulk of the book is taken up with a history of the firm’s remarkable growth, from a small local brewery to one of the giants of the beer industry. It’s also an education in the marketing and distribution of beer. For example, in the 19th century, beer was marketed more by the bottler’s brand then the brewers. For Guinness, this trend wasn’t changed until the late 1920s, in response to sliding sales.
I found this book highly enjoyable and quite inspirational- it inspired me to order a Guinness! Fans of beer, brewing and business history will also enjoy this book.