Harp Lageris an Irishlagercreated in 1960. It is produced by theGuinness Brewery,an Irishbrewing companyowned byDiageo,Formerly produced at theGreat Northern BreweryinDundalk,it is now brewed at the Guinness Brewery inDublin.It is a major lager brand throughout most ofNorthern Ireland,but is now rarely available in theRepublic of Irelandoutside Dundalk, where most bars offer it on tap.
 | |
| Inception | 1960 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Diageo |
| Website | Diageo.com: Harp lager |
| Notes Pale lager | |
History
edit
Harp Lager was first produced in 1960 as a bottled beer byGuinness,in response to the trend among drinkers in Ireland and Britain towardsContinentallager. Guinness converted its Dundalk brewery into a lager production plant with the guidance of Dr. Herman Muender, a German brewer.[1]Various names were considered for the brand, including Atlas, Cresta and Dolphin, before Harp was chosen.[2]The brand was marketed with theBrian Boru harpas its emblem. The Dundalk or Great Northern Brewery soon became the second largest brewery in Ireland while producing Harp during the mid to late 20th century.[3]
By 1961 aconsortiumof brewers,Courage,Scottish & Newcastle,Bass, Mitchells & Butlersand Guinness, grouped together as Harp Lager Ltd to brew and market the beer.[4][5]Courage's Alton Brewery was rebuilt to produce the lager inGreat Britain.[2]
By 1964, the product was being sold on draught and led in its category for sales. Members of the Harp consortium changed over the years, with Courage and Scottish & Newcastle leaving in 1979, but becoming franchisees.[6]Currently available on draught, and in 330ml and 500ml bottles, its top market isUlster,especiallyNorthern IrelandandCounty Donegalas well as in its original homeDundalk, County Louthwhere it still maintains a cult status due to the company's once significant role in the community through sponsorship at a number of levels, particularly the Dundalk Maytime Festival andDundalk FC.[7]In 2005, Harp saw a makeover as Diageo Ireland separated the brand from Guinness.
The last Harp from Great Northern was brewed in 2013, after which production moved toSt James's Gate Brewery,Dublin.[8]
In Australia, distribution is handled byCarlton & United Breweries.In North America, exports are labelled "imported from Ireland" lager from St. James Gate, Dublin on its packaging.
Marketing
editFor many years the slogan "Harpstays sharp "was used in advertisements. It was written by the advertising executiveRod Allen.[9]Recently[when?]it has used the slogan "Look on theHarpside "and inNorthern Irelandit’s began to use “Harp, Pure here”.
References
edit- ^"Harp medal-winning lager – Diageo Ireland".replay.waybackmachine.org. Archived from the original on 8 February 2009.Retrieved12 March2011.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ab"The Grand Union Brewery - History of Lager".siteset.co.uk. Archived fromthe originalon 1 October 2011.Retrieved12 March2011.
- ^"Dundalk Brewing & Distilling".Louth Whiskey Society.Retrieved20 February2023.
- ^Lawrence A. Wenner, Steven J. Jack (2009).Sport, beer, and gender: promotional culture and contemporary social life.Peter Lang. p. 60.ISBN9781433100765.
- ^Jack S. Blocker; David M. Fahey; Ian R. Tyrrell (2003).Alcohol and Temperance in Modern History: An International Encyclopedia.ABC-CLIO. p. 177.ISBN978-1-57607-833-4.
- ^"Dundalk grows and develops"archive link September 2006 (Wayback Machine),Diageo
- ^"Harp launched in 1959 from brewery with rich tradition in the industry in Dundalk".independent.Retrieved20 February2023.
- ^Irish Independent: Harp brewery shuts up shop after half-century
- ^"Rod Allen – Obituary".The Times.Archived fromthe originalon 29 June 2011.Retrieved12 March2011.