In honor of St. Patrick’s Day I am sharing how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness draught. If you are trying to pour the perfect pint of Guinness from a can or bottle, you will want to follow these steps as closely as possible.
Want to learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness?
Several years ago I traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and the Guinness Storehouse, earning my “Perfect Pint Certificate” from the Guinness Academy. Today, I am sharing the tips I learned to help you pour the perfect pint of Guinness.
Ireland’s number one visitor attraction, the Guinness Storehouse, is located at the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery. The Guinness Storehouse is a seven-story visitor experience and dedicates its mission to the history and making of Guinness.
The perfect Guinness pour is an art and one that Guinness drinkers take very seriously. From start to finish it takes 119.5 seconds to pour and serve Guinness draught. This is a science-like system that involves a two-part process with six precise steps. As mentioned above, if you are trying to pour the perfect pint of Guinness from a can or bottle, you will want to follow these steps as closely as possible.
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How to pour the perfect pint of Guinness in six easy steps.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Glassware
Guinness is typically served in a 20 ounce pint glass featuring the traditional harp logo on the outside of the glass. Did you know that the logo glassware is important to the perfect pour? It is important to keep the logo as a starting point because it is used as a guideline to pouring the perfect Guinness draught. Don’t have a traditional glass? That’s ok. You can also use a pint glass.
Step 2: The Tilt
Using the proper glassware, you will want to position the glass at a 45 degree angle under the tap.
Step 3: The Pull
Once the glass is in its proper position you can start to slowly pull the tap. The flow of the beer should be aimed at the inside of the glass aimed towards the harp logo. Continue filling the glass until the beer reaches the midpoint of the harp logo on the glass. If you are not using a harp-logged glass, stop about 1/2 to 1- inch from the lip of the glass.
Step 4: The Settle
Now it is time for the settle, which is my favorite part. The settle allows you to truly appreciate the beauty of this artisanal brew. As the Guinness settles you will see the beer change in color and appearance. Gravity will pull the draught into a clear separation between the dark body and creamy white head. It can be mesmerizing.
Step 5: The Top-Off
For the perfect top off you should push the tap away from you which slows the draught force. To finish, fill the glass at a slower stream to keep from destroying the already settled layers. The top layer should be about 1/2 an inch of creamy white head.
Step 6: Perfection
Finally, it is time to appreciate your perfect pour and celebrate your efforts. Top sip, bring the pint to your lips and lightly suck in the foam followed by the body of the beer.
After you have mastered the pour, ‘graduates’ from the Academy can have their picture taken with their perfect pint and certificate.
More Guinness Recipes – Try the Black Velvet made with Guinness.
Your perfect pint and Academy experience is included in the admission to the Storehouse. The entire experience is a great way to spend a few hours in Dublin. You can read even more about my time at the Guinness Storehouse and its surrounding area in My Food Tour of Dublin Ireland post.
Cheers!
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