An astonishing discovery has been made off the coast of Dover, England, where divers have recovered an intact bottle of Guinness stout that is 162 years old. The bottle, unearthed from a shipwreck by Belgian underwater photographer Stefan Panis in 2025, has been sent for analysis in hopes of learning more about the taste of the historic brew.
Panis and his friend, Eddie Huzzey, were exploring a shipwreck when Panis noticed something unusual. Upon surfacing, a quick rinse revealed the familiar Guinness branding on the bottle, which was subsequently identified as dating back to 1864.
"We lifted the artefact, and then on the surface a quick rinse revealed 'Guinness Extra Stout London'," Panis stated.
Researchers are now examining samples from the bottle to understand the composition and potential flavor profile of the stout from that era. The find offers a unique glimpse into the history of brewing and preservation.
The discovery occurred during an exploration of a shipwreck, adding an element of maritime history to the find. The exact location and nature of the shipwreck are not detailed, but the preservation of the bottle suggests a unique environment for its long-term submersion.