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Diageo was created by the merger in 1997 of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc, two of the world’s best-known drinks companies.
At the time of the merger, Grand Metropolitan’s major brands included J&B, Smirnoff and Gilbeys, as well as Baileys Original Irish Cream. These strong spirits brands were seen as complementing the leading position held by Guinness in stout and beer.
The company’s history of developing great brands extends beyond these brands, however.
Today Diageo produces a range of fine beers, ales and lagers in a number of locations throughout Ireland where there is an established brewing tradition and where high quality raw ingredients can be locally sourced.
Smithwick’s ale was originally brewed in the St. Francis Abbey Brewery in Kilkenny, which is situated on the site of an old Franciscan Abbey where monks had brewed ale since the 14th century.
Leading ale
Commercial brewing began in 1710 when John Smithwick brewed Smithwick’s for the first time and by the 1920s it had become the largest selling ale in Ireland, a position it holds to this day. Smithwick’s is also sold in North America.
The Great Northern Brewery in Dundalk was built in the late 1890s and produced stout and ale until the 1950s. In 1960, following substantial investment in the site, it became the brewing home of the newly developed Harp lager.
Premium lager
At that time countries such as Germany, Holland and Denmark were best known for lager production. Guinness acquired the expertise of the renowned Cologne brewmaster Dr. Herman Muender, who ensured that continental experience, combined with top quality local raw ingredients created a premium lager for the Irish market.
Harp lager is brewed in the Dundalk Brewery to this day. As well as the beer brands developed in Ireland, Gilbeys Wines have brought the best of new and old world wines to Irish consumers since 1858 |