What Musical Instrument Appears on the Label of Guinness Beer?
So you’re wondering what musical instrument appears on the label of Guinness beer? Since 1862, the Guinness beer label has featured the iconic harp on its label as a unique symbol of its Irish heritage.
After originally serving the beer on draft in Dublin in the 1700’s, the very first bottle of Guinness ever produced back in 1862 featured this now-famous golden harp, and it’s never been left off the label since!
While the harp featured in 1862 had a slightly more detailed design, the overall image has remained the same throughout the years with only minimal changes. Today, the harp is bolder and without the intricate floral designs, but it remains iconically Guinness!
Where Does the Iconic Guinness Harp Logo Come From, and Why?
The Guinness logo’s iconic harp was inspired by a 14th century harp called “Brian Boru” or “O’Neill.” This harp was famous at the time throughout Ireland, and it retains its cultural presence today as a symbol of Irish cultural and artistry. It can be viewed at Trinity College Dublin where it remains on display.
Funny enough, the same harp is also the official national emblem of Ireland, and Ireland originally used the harp as its emblem way before Guinness. Of course, being the savvy company they are, Guinness trademarked the harp before Ireland did back in 1876.
This meant that Ireland eventually had to reverse the harp logo to avoid copyright claims. Now, Ireland’s harp logo stands with the strings facing on the right side, whereas Guinness’ maintains the original image with the strings on the left side.
A modern take!
When comparing the original harp’s design and the more modern version on Guinness cans, you’ll notice the original has more details including intricate floral patterns on the body of the instrument plus more sharp edges. It also features more strings and is a bit more accurate in portraying a real harp.
The latest changes to the harp were made in 2005, although Guinness had been slowly modernizing the design over the years in subtle ways. The one thing to remain constant on all labels throughout the years was Arthur Guinness’ signature, which graces every can and bottle of delicious beer.
The modern harp design is more streamlined, clean, and a bit more bold. While the original patterns offered a nice touch, the current version luckily doesn’t feature the words “TRADE MARK” as the original did. Both versions are iconic and awesome in their own right, and with the way marketing always changes, maybe the harp will get another redesign in 100 years!
Buying an actual Iconic Harp
While Guinness does not own the original O’Neill Harp, they did acquire a similarly famous harp that was created in 1702. The Downhill Harp, as it’s famously called, was created in Ballinascreen by Cormac O’Kelly, and it was played by the local favorite O’Hampsey who toured through Ireland’s music festivals.
He was a blind musician, and even toured at the age of 97, which made him the oldest harpist in the region at the time. His folk songs lasted well beyond his life, and his harp was purchased by Guinness in 1963 to honor his and Ireland’s creative legacy. It’s currently preserved and on display at the Guinness Storehouse gallery in Dublin.
The Origin of Guinness Beer
Guinness is a dark dry stout that was first brewed in Dublin, Ireland in the 1770’s by Arthur Guinness at the Saint James’s Gate brewery. He originally purchased the brewery in 1759 at the age of 34, and he managed to get a 9,000-year lease to ensure the business lasted.
While he originally brewed local ales, he soon entered the world of English porters which had become quite popular in the 1770’s. This new beer featured roasted barley to add a darker color and subtle burnt aftertaste. Arthur Guinness worked on the recipe and changed it to his liking, and soon enough, the classic Irish dry stout now known as “Guinness” was born!
Should You Drink Guinness Warm or Cold?
Many people wonder, “is Guinness beer served warm or cold?” or “is Guinness beer drunk warm in Ireland as a tradition?” and luckily, the answer is quite simple!
While some stouts are best enjoyed at room temperature, or even slightly warm, Guinness should only be drunk while cold! The historical Guinness should always be cold when served, and it should never be sipped directly from the can or bottle.
What’s that ball in my can?
In fact, most Guinness cans have what’s called a “widget” in the can, which is essentially a hollow plastic ping pong ball to enhance the pouring process. Once a can is filled with Guinness beer in production, a small amount of nitrogen is released into the can and widget.
When opened, depressurized, and poured, the widget releases the nitrogen which then creates a foamier drink upon pouring. This is to authentically recreate the draft experience which is so essential to Guinness, and it’s why Guinness should never be sipped directly from the can.
Best way to enjoy Guinness
To ensure the best taste, pour a chilled Guinness can into a room-temperature mug, and enjoy it as the beautiful reddish-black colors mix together with the nitrogen into a gorgeous white head.
In Ireland, Guinness is generally poured twice from a nitrogen-infused keg. When at home, you can pour the can into the mug just once, or even twice if you wish to watch the cool foaming effect and color mixing more slowly. Pouring twice may also minimize the head so you can enjoy your drink sooner without waiting, but you can also just tilt the glass, pour along the sides slowly, and get the correct ratio.