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The Beer

Their meeting was simple enough. One morning, two youngsters came upon each other in the offices of West Indies Mineral and Table Water Company in Kingston, Jamaica. "My name is Thomas Hargreaves Geddes," said the newcomer. The other smiled. "Glad to make your acquaintance! I've been here a bit. I'm Eugene Desnoes."

And so, for the first time, Desnoes and Geddes (see pic above right) shook hands. Neither of them could have imagined that this would mark the beginning of an extraordinary partnership. A partnership that has lasted 82 years, and has given the world Red Stripe Lager, The Great Jamaican Beer.

Since these early days, Red Stripe Lager has embodied the long, rich history of Jamaica, its music and DIY culture.

Over the last three-and-a-half decades, the beer has become inherent with good music and a spirit of youthful rebellion. Its association with music was cemented in the UK in the late seventies, by the emergence of reggae, punk and ska.

 

The Red Stripe lager story - A time line

1918

Two very dashing gentlemen, Thomas Hargreaves Geddes and Eugene Desnoes form Desnoes & Geddes Company Limited. The Company makes extremely delicious and popular Sodas as well as distributes imported liquors.

1927

Desnoes & Geddes open the Surrey Brewery on Pechon Street in the heart of downtown Kingston. It is a very happy time.

1928

The first Red Stripe lager is brewed! This is an ale-like version, rich and flavourful.

1938

The light, golden, tasty Red Stripe lager that we enjoy today is brewed by Geddes and Bill Martinadale. The beautiful Jamaicans dance in the streets.

1938

By now, Peter Desnoes and Paul Geddes, progeny of the founders, take over the family business. Like their dear fathers, they too, have gigantic and fantastic dreams. Gambling everything, they buy some land and begin construction of a Plant. Soon the old Surrey Brewery on Pechon Street is closed down and the new and very modern Plant at Hunt's Bay goes fully operational. This is the start of something very, very big.

1940

Red Stripe lager has become so successful that the outraged British Government, with it's English beer, unable to compete with the excellent and inexpensive Red Stripe lager, levies an excise tax on local beer and other goods. Envy is very, very ugly.

1941 - 1945

World War II brings large numbers of Canadian and American troops to Jamaica. And when the boys finally settle into island life, Red Stripe lager sales skyrocket into beautiful Jamaican clouds.

1962

Jamaica gains independence from Britain. Many Red Stripe beers are consumed.

1970

Desnoes & Geddes becomes a public company. By now, the almighty company is a bit larger!

1993

Desnoes & Geddes becomes part of Guinness Brewing Worldwide (now Diageo) and is now able to distribute Red Stripe lager goodness all over the world.

TODAY

One of the fastest growing beers is found in excellent shops and bars all over the country - If you see it, don't keep it to yourself. Ask for it.

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