How to Pour the Perfect Guinness Pint
Consistency equals accuracy… breathe in… breathe out…. positively identify the target... adjust power... lever control...steady breathing... ready... aim... pour. The task of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness may seem mundane, but similar to that of a marine sniper, there’s a science of precision that must take place in order to execute the perfect pour.
Step 1: Preparation is Key
The following 6 steps are pointless if you don’t start with a pristine foundation. Pick out a clean, dry, and Guinness embossed glass that is worthy to hold the liquid of which it is named after. Similar to any trustworthy sidekick, this glass will be the Robin to your Batman; the confidant that you entrust with the success or failure of the mission.
Step 2: Take Aim
Perched just above the famed Guinness logo is a golden harp. Let this symbol be the target for the Guinness beer to cascade down onto. In order to improve your chances of hitting the target, tilt the glass to a 45-degree angle (no more, no less). Once you have a confirmed visual on the target and have the glass in position... move on to step 3.
Step 3: Perfect Pour
You’ve made it halfway. You are now ready to execute arguably the most significant step in this entire mission. Without any sudden movements, grab hold of the beer lever. Once you’ve confirmed a solid grip, slowly bring the lever towards you. The liquid gold will start raining down on the golden harp and collect at the bottom of the glass. Continue to pour until the beer reaches the bottom of the golden harp. At that time, slowly tilt the glass to be vertical. Once the beer level reaches the top of the harp, slowly return the lever to an upright position.
Step 4: Wait an Irish Minute
This step mustn’t be skipped nor overlooked. Similar to the apple in the Garden of Eden, do not succumb to the temptation of continuing on to the next step until you have waited 119 seconds (no more, no less). This time allows for the beer to “surge”. This process allows the nitrogen carbonation to settle and to equally disperse itself throughout the pint. Pro tip: Scroll through our Brendan Vacation's trips that go to Dublin, Ireland while you wait.
Step 5: Complete the Mission
After waiting for 119 seconds, you are now ready to complete the job. Center the glass directly underneath the tap and push the lever away from you. This slight adjustment will slow the flow of beer from the tap to ensure you do not disrupt the surge process from step 4. Once the beer peaks over the top of the glass, return the lever to vertical.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Congratulations or as the Irish say comhghairdeas (/koh-ghawr-jess/)! You have poured the perfect pint of Guinness. Now it’s time for the best part. Bring the pint up to your mouth and slowly drink the fruits of your labor. If you look closely you can see it smiling back at you.
Not interested in pouring it yourself? Have a professional do it for you at the heart and soul of where it all began, The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland.
