Guinness discovery in 1864 shipwreck sparks recipe recreation attempt

Divers and scientists have launched 'Project Jurassic Beer' to recreate a Guinness recipe from 1864 after discovering approximately 20 bottles in a shipwreck off the coast of Dover, England.

The bottles were found in the cargo of the Mindora, a vessel that collided with another ship in late 1864. Belgian underwater photographer Stefan Panis discovered the cache, which researchers believe was preserved in ideal conditions due to high pressure, low temperatures of approximately 4°C, and a lack of light.

Microbiologists from KU Leuven University in Belgium are analyzing samples to potentially recover complete DNA and recreate the exact flavor of the 162-year-old stout. While experts note that the original flavor may be a "moving target" because the beer contains live yeast, researchers are also working with Guinness archives to identify the specific ingredients and processes used in the 1860s. Some believe the contents may even still be drinkable if the corks remained intact.