http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0618/breaking59.htm

Diageo mulls options for Guinness brewery

Diageo Plc said today it was reviewing brewing operations in Ireland after media reported the drinks giant may quit the Dublin city centre site where Guinness has been brewed for almost 250 years.

"The Diageo brewing business is considering a number of important investment decisions on upgrading and renewing its brewing facilities in Ireland in the coming years," the company said in a statement.

The review was at a "very early stage" and a report in the Sunday Independent newspaper that the company was preparing to move from its landmark St James\'s Gate site on the banks of Dublin\'s River Liffey was "speculation", Diageo added.

"No decisions have been made or will be made until the assessment is completed," the world\'s largest alcoholic drinks company said.

The site, where Arthur Guinness took out a 9,000 year lease on a disused brewery in 1759, has grown into what the brewer now describes as "a prime 64 acre (25 hectare) slice of Dublin".

The Sunday Independent reported the land could fetch as much as ?3 billion if Diageo implements plans to move production to a greenfield site on the outskirts of the capital.

Sales of Guinness, which gets its trademark dark colour from roasted barley, fell about 7 per cent in Ireland in the final six months of last year.

David Gosnell, Diageo\'s managing director for global supply, said it would be 2008 at least before the company completes its review.

"Diageo fully recognises the huge importance of St James\'s Gate in the history of Guinness and Dublin city and this important aspect of our brand and heritage will be fully embraced in the assessment," he said.

Guinness is brewed at almost 50 sites around the world but some 500 million litres of the stout are still produced at St James\'s Gate, which also houses a visitor centre, shop, bars and restaurants.

cliffs notes request=sent

Interesting.

If it is brewed at 50 sites around the world, how would I know the difference of one brewed at St. James Gate?

I assume someone here has been to the Guiness Brewery in Ireland. (I\'m leaning towards Drew Kingsley)

They are still planning on keeping it in Dublin, Ireland so thats good but how can you pass on a 9000 year lease. Definitely thinking ahead or Ireland hadn\'t much hope for more than Guinness.

I went when I visited Ireland and I have to say it was the highlight of my trip. The place is huge-I got some really great pics. But the best was at the end of the tour and you\'re in the bar which is at the very top and you\'re surrounded by windows that look out over all of Dublin. You really can\'t beat that view.

I\'ve been as well and I must say...

Spacey I don\'t like your avatar one bit. Creeps me the **** out. I hate oompa loompas.

No. He is not. He would be doing a lot more lecturing and **** if he was. Trying to teach people lessons etc.

No. He is not. He would be doing a lot more lecturing and **** if he was. Trying to teach people lessons etc.

I do. The lessons are encoded and encrypted in the things I say. Those who listen closely learn more than they could ever hope for.

No. He is not. He would be doing a lot more lecturing and **** if he was. Trying to teach people lessons etc.

you obviously have never spent a good amount of time around this kid, he\'s the Dali Lama of nonsensicle nonsense

The good news for all you Guinness drinkers here is that this has no effect whatsoever on the U.S. Guinness supply.  

Also, plans on shifting brewing locations and capacity (or any type of manufacturing) can take years to make.  If this decision is "in the very early stages", it will be at least 2 years before anything changes.  So no need to panic, but if visiting the original Guinness brewery is on your life\'s to-do list, you might want to start getting the wheels in motion just in case.