Sláinte In Dublin, Ireland, 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for St. James's Gate Brewing with the intent on producing a variety of beers. An inheritance from his godfather had allowed Guinness to pursue his passion for brewing. The asking price? £45 per year. The emphasis, rightfully so, would be on ales. However, only 40 years after its founding in 1799, Arthur pivoted in what would be a legacy-defining decision—opting to focus on an unexpected front-runner—the stout.