Victorian-era Guinness discovered on Dover shipwreck sparks historic brewing project

A bottle of Guinness was discovered on the 'Mindora' shipwreck off the coast of Dover, England prompting the launch of “Project Jurassic Beer”

Bottles of Guinness believed to date from 1864 have been recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Dover, with researchers now embarking on an ambitious project to recreate the stout as it may have tasted more than 160 years ago, according to the Irish Times.

The discovery was made by a team of expedition divers exploring the wreck of the Mindora, a sailing barque that sank following a collision in November 1864 while en route from London to Vancouver. Around 20 bottles of stout were uncovered in remarkably well-preserved condition, resting beneath the seabed in cargo holds approximately 5km off the English coast.

The find has prompted the launch of “Project Jurassic Beer”, led by expedition diver Stefan Panis and technical diver and historical researcher Paweł Truszynski. Their goal is to recreate the original Guinness recipe and flavour profile using modern scientific techniques.

The team has enlisted genetics experts at Leuven University, to analyse the contents of the bottles. While recovering viable yeast after more than a century underwater is considered unlikely, DNA analysis could enable researchers to identify a close genetic relative of the original brewing yeast, offering the best opportunity to recreate the historic stout.

The project has also attracted interest from Guinness. Diageo confirmed that the Guinness Archive team at St James’s Gate has been in contact with the divers to gather further information and assess the discovery. The company described the find as providing “a fascinating window into our past” and an opportunity to deepen understanding of Guinness’s brewing heritage.

The bottles were preserved under exceptional conditions, including constant temperatures of around 4°C, high pressure and complete darkness, factors that may have helped protect both the liquid and packaging.

Historical records supplied by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation strongly suggest the wreck is that of the Mindora, despite minor discrepancies in 19th-century ship records. For the research team, the discovery represents a unique opportunity to combine maritime archaeology, brewing science and one of Ireland’s most iconic brands in an effort to bring a taste of brewing history back to life.