On New Year's Eve 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for the St. James' Gate brewery in Dublin. In 1778, Guinness began brewing stout porter. Guinness Draught has a deep red-black color with a thick, creamy foam. The aroma is lightly characterized by roasted malt, coffee, and caramel. The flavor is of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt with a slight acidity.