The Art of Pouring the Perfect Guinness: Learn at Flaherty’s

If there’s one beer that has crossed borders to become a universal symbol of Irish culture, it’s Guinness. With its unmistakable deep black color and dense, creamy foam, this beer stands out not only for its flavor but also for the tradition and technique behind it. Pouring a Guinness correctly is no accident, it’s a skill.

At Flaherty’s, this tradition is honored and shared with every customer. Each pint is the result of a precise and meticulous process that guarantees the authentic Guinness experience it deserves. Today, we reveal the secrets to pouring the perfect Guinness, whether from a professional tap or from the comfort of your home. Get ready to discover a technique that turns every sip into a unique experience.

How to Pour a Guinness from a Tap

Pouring a Guinness from a tap isn’t just about filling a glass—it’s a process that combines technique, patience, and respect for Irish tradition.

Here are the 5 essential steps:

• Choose the right glass

The first step is crucial. Use a traditional Guinness pint glass, clean and at room temperature. Do not chill or freeze it, as ice can cause unwanted bubbles to form, affecting the quality of the foam.

• The perfect tilt

Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle under the tap. This angle allows the beer to flow smoothly down the side of the glass, reducing air bubbles and ensuring a creamy, long-lasting foam.

• The first pour

Fully open the tap and allow the beer to flow uninterrupted until the glass is 75% full, or until it reaches the top of the golden harp printed on Guinness glasses.

• The wait: patience is key

This step is essential. Let the beer rest for 90 seconds. This is when the famous “cascade” effect happens, as bubbles move downward before the Guinness settles into its iconic deep black color, with a natural foam layer forming on top.

• The final pour

Place the glass upright and push the tap handle forward (never downward) to create a smoother flow. Fill the glass to the brim, forming a foam crown of 12 to 18 mm. The creamy, pure white foam is the ultimate sign that everything has been done correctly.

Why is the process so important?

The nitrogen present in Guinness is what creates its iconic creamy foam. If it’s poured incorrectly, the foam won’t form properly, and the flavor experience changes entirely. At Flaherty’s, this process is a ritual that our bartenders have mastered to perfection.

How to Pour a Guinness from a Can

While Guinness from a tap is a favorite for many, canned or bottled Guinness is just as enjoyable. Thanks to the widget technology (a small device inside the can), it’s possible to enjoy a Guinness with a quality similar to that from a tap. At Flaherty’s, we follow a specific process to guarantee an unmatched flavor experience.

The 5 steps to pouring a Guinness at home

• Perfect chilling

Before opening it, the Guinness must be perfectly chilled. At Flaherty’s, we keep cans and bottles refrigerated at the ideal temperature. This step is essential to maintain the creamy texture and intense flavor.

• Precise opening

Open the can slowly to activate the widget. The characteristic sound of gas being released means everything is ready to begin.

• The pour: choose your technique

(You have two options to pour your Guinness into the glass.)

Classic method: Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour the beer slowly along the side of the glass, allowing it to flow continuously.

Twist technique: Place the can upside down directly on top of the glass and slowly lift it as the beer pours. This method allows the liquid to flow continuously while naturally forming the foam.

• Rest time

Just like with Guinness on tap, patience is essential. Let the beer rest until it becomes fully black, and the foam settles at the top.

• Ready to enjoy

Your Guinness is ready. The foam crown should be creamy, dense, and pure white. The flavor experience will be almost as authentic as a Guinness from a tap.

What makes the widget so special?

The widget is a small plastic capsule inside the can that releases nitrogen when you open it, replicating the action of a tap. Thanks to this technology, you can enjoy a high-quality Guinness.

The Art and Tradition

Mastering the art of pouring a Guinness, whether from a tap or a can, allows you to experience the true character of this iconic beer. Every step, from selecting the right glass to allowing it to rest, is designed to highlight the creamy texture and deep flavor that make Guinness an unparalleled experience.

But there’s something that goes beyond technique: the atmosphere. Enjoying it in an authentic Irish pub, surrounded by music and laughter, turns every pint into a celebration of Irish culture.

Come to Flaherty’s and experience it for yourself

Not only will you enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness, but you’ll also have the chance to learn from professional bartenders who will be happy to teach you the art of pouring. We’re waiting for you!