A pint of Guinness has come in second in the Lonely Planet’s list of the “world’s best booze.” The pint of Guinness is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of Irishness on a global market.

According to Lonely Planet's booze guide, it takes 199.50 seconds to pour the perfect pint. The famous ‘surge and settle’ should be executed in a two-part pour, served at 6°C (43°F). But the malt-and-caramel flavoured dark body (actually ruby coloured, rather than black) with a creamy head is worth getting right. Guinness is known as a malt-heavy porter (dark, sweet ale brewed from black malt) – so called because it was the favourite beverage of porters.

Here are some of many interesting facts about the black stuff:

- It is a known fact that the Irish love to travel around the world, but did you know that Guinness is brewed in more than 150 countries. These include Nigeria and Indonesia.

Though the Irish obviously love a pint of plain 40 percent of all Guinness is sold in Africa. Who would have thought that in such a hot climate it would go down so well!

- Guinness does not contain oatmeal, contrary to a popular myth. This wonderful stuff is made of roasted malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Also it’s not black. It actually a very nice dark ruby red.

 - The famous advertising slogan "Guinness is Good For You" is still used around the world. Though Guinness has now officially on the record as denying this claim some research does support that Guinness is good for your heart.

It was not so long ago in Ireland that pregnant women were told to drink a glass of Guinness every day to fortify themselves and their baby.

- St. James’ Gate Brewery, in Dublin City, was leased for 9,000 years at an annual fee of about $65.

In 1759 when Arthur Guinness was just starting out in the brewing business he had such confidence in his product that he knew his brewery would still be running in 9000 years time. Well that’s 251 years over with. I’m pretty sure Guinness will make it the next 8,750.

- On September 24, 2009 at 5.50 (or 17.59 in the 24 hour clock) Ireland and the world celebrated 250 years of Guinness with “Arthur’s Day”.