When was the first pint of Guinness poured

A. Very nearly 250 years ago. Guinness was first produced in a Dubin brewery by Arthur Guinness in 1759.

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Q. Why is there so much mythology surrounding it

A. Lots of reasons. A lot of it has to do with Irish pride. Arthur Guinness deliberately chose the harp logo to appeal to the Irish sense of national identity. Also, it has been around as a brand for hundreds of years before brands were even thought of. It is an extremely popular drink, and a lot of the advertising focuses on the notion that it is 'good for you.'

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Q. Is Guinness good for you

A. No more or less than any other beer or stout.

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Q. What's in it

A. Roasted, malted barley, hops, yeast and water.

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Q. Why does it look the way it does

A. The dark colour comes from the roasting of the barley ,and the creamy head comes about when the nitrogen, present in the barrel with carbon dioxide, is squeezed under pressure through the tap.

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Q. Is Guinness the same the world over

A. No, there are about 20 different varieties exported around the world. But, according to recent research, it tastes exactly the same in England as in Ireland.

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Q. What made its advertising so legendary

A. The Arthur Guinness company didn't do any advertising for 170 yeas until 1929 when they employed a graphic artist calld John Gilroy. He introduced the Guinness Is Good For You and Guinness For Strength campaigns, and drew the girder man ad in 1934 - their most famous icon of the time. He also dreamt up the famous Toucan, which had an advertising lifespan of 50 years.

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Q. Has anyone made his or her name through being associated with Guinness

A. The writer Dorothy�L. Sayers did some copywriting for their first series of Toucan ads, before she became famous in her own right.

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Q. What is all the fuss about pouring a Guinness

A. Taking care of the creamy head is the important bit. If you tip the glass at 45 degrees and fill it three quarters full, then allow it to settle and top it up, you should have the perfect pint. Don't forget to inscribe your shamrock in the top.

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Q. Does the original Guinness family still own the company
A. The Guinness family still has a major stake in Arthur Guinness Plc, now mostly owned by the giant Diageo, formed from Grand Metropolitan. There have been no family members involved in the management of the company since 1992.

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Q. Where can I find out more detailed information about Guinness

A. It has its own website at www.guinness.com.

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By Nicola Shepherd