162-Year-Old Guinness Bottle Retrieved From Shipwreck: Scientists Probe Its Secret Brew

Divers working off the Kent coast have lifted a glass bottle that once held Guinness stout, its contents dating back to 1864. The vessel, recovered from a submerged wreck near Dover in 2025, may offer a rare glimpse into 19th‑century brewing practices.

Belgian underwater photographer Stefan Panis spotted the object among scattered debris while exploring the site with colleague Eddie Huzzey. A brief rinse at the surface revealed the unmistakable Guinness logo, prompting Panis to alert the brewery about the extraordinary find.

Centuries‑Old Guinness Unearthed from a Sunken Cargo

“We lifted the artefact, and then on the surface a quick rinse revealed ‘Guinness’,” Panis said.

Analysis of the glass dates it to 1864, suggesting the liquid inside would be 162 years old if any remained. Panis believes the bottle was part of a larger consignment, noting a nearby wooden crate that could have originally housed 24 bottles.

“Seeing the size of the case, I think it is definitely a case of 24 bottles,” he said. “But there might be more cases.”

While only a single bottle has been retrieved so far, Panis plans to resume the search when conditions permit, hoping additional containers may still lie beneath the sand.

Scientists Probe the Contents of a 19th‑Century Stout

The discovery attracted the attention of microbiologists at KU Leuven. After Panis’s associate Pawel Truszynski reached out, samples were sent to the university for genetic and chemical analysis. Researchers aim to determine which components of the original brew have survived the prolonged submersion.

“There is always a chance that we can recover the complete DNA, and then we can do a small re‑brew of the exact beer that was found in the 1860s,” Panis explained.

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Beyond flavor, the sample could illuminate historic production techniques, offering brewers a template for recreating an authentic 1864 Guinness, should the laboratory results prove viable.

Could the Sunken Stout Still Be Drinkable?

Speculation quickly turned to whether the liquid could be safely consumed after more than a century and a half underwater. Panis notes that the bottle’s seal integrity is the crucial factor, particularly the risk of seawater infiltrating through the cork.

“There is a possibility that it’s still drinkable,” he explained. “The question is if the sea water has come into the bottles through the corks.”

If the container remained airtight, experts suggest a tasting could be feasible after thorough laboratory evaluation. While Panis admits he is not a devoted Guinness fan, he expressed willingness to sample the brew if safety were confirmed. Public reaction in Belfast ranged from curiosity to caution, with some locals eager to try the historic pint and others preferring a fresh draft.