Let’s be honest—there’s beer, and then there’s Guinness. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just Guinness-curious, you’ve probably noticed that this iconic Irish stout isn’t like other pints. It’s not something you just pour and gulp. There’s a whole ritual behind it, and when done right? It’s pure magic in a glass.
So what actually makes a perfect pint of Guinness? Let’s break it down.
1. The Glass Matters - Look for the Shtick
That classic Guinness pint glass isn’t just for show—it’s designed to enhance the flavour and give the beer the perfect pour and head.
Glass maintenance is not just a myth, its highly important to the process, the pint glasses must be kept sparkling clean.
A great tell-tale sign of a great Guinness is the creamy head should stick (or as we say here in Kerry “Shtick”) to the inside of the glass as you drink it. That frothy residue sticking to the sides means your pint was poured just right.
If your glass comes back clean, with nothing sticking to the sides, something might be off—either the glass wasn’t clean enough or the pour wasn’t up to snuff. So when you see that lovely, creamy pattern trailing down the glass, you know you had a proper, quality pint.
Check out some of our Falvey’s Shtick photos in our gallery here.
2. The Two-Part Pour: The Historical Origin and Why We Still Use It
This is where the magic of a pint of Guinness begins. A proper pint of Guinness is poured in two stages:
The two-part pour is believed to have originated around the 1950s, as Guinness transitioned from cask-conditioned ales to nitrogenated, bottled, and eventually draught stout served from pressurized kegs.
Nitrogenation of Guinness Draught in kegs was launched in 1959, using a nitrogen/carbon dioxide mix. Nitrogen creates smaller bubbles, giving Guinness its creamy head and smooth texture. However, nitrogen also changes the pouring dynamics.
Settling of Nitrogen Bubbles: When poured, nitrogen bubbles cascade downward before settling into a thick, creamy head. The first pour fills about ¾ of the glass and is allowed to settle, allowing the bubbles to form a clear separation between the dark body and creamy head. The second pour “tops up” the pint, ensuring a perfectly domed head that sits just above the rim of the glass.
3. The Settle Time Is Sacred
Good things take time—and Guinness is no exception. The 119.5 seconds it takes to settle are not wasted. They’re part of the experience. This is when the nitrogen bubbles do their thing, creating that smooth, velvety texture and balancing the bitterness and sweetness in the flavour.
Pro tip: Don’t be that person who sips before the pour is complete. Let it finish settling. Trust the process.
4. Keg to Tap: Shorter Lines, Better Beer
Here’s a secret most people don’t think about: how far the keg is from the tap actually makes a huge difference when trying to pour a perfect pint of Guinness.
The best Guinness in Irish pubs typically have their kegs stored just a few feet from the bar, often in a cold room. That means the beer doesn’t have to travel far, and it keeps its freshness, pressure, and temperature right where it should be. We are lucky enough here in Falvey’s that our kegs are stored in our cold room right below the bar so our draw from the keg to the tap is very short.
The longer the journey from keg to tap, the more chances there are for inconsistencies—like slight warming or changes in pressure that throw off that silky texture Guinness is famous for.
5. The Temperature Sweet Spot
Guinness should be served slightly cooler than room temperature—ideally around 6°C. Too cold, and you mute the flavour. Too warm, and it can become a bit soft. In the old days Guinness was served at room tempurature. To this day you can still get pint bottles of Guinness (nicknamed ‘Clockhouses’) and you can choose to have one out of the fridge or ‘off the shelf’. Having a pint bottle of Guinness off the shelf will showcase all the great Guinness flavour
7. The Vibe Is Part of the Pint
Enjoying a pint in a warm and welcoming pub where the Guinness flows regularily is the dream scenario. Don’t forget to sit back, relax, wait for the pint to settle and enjoy your pint over some friendly conversation and a bit of craic.
At the end of the day, a perfect pint of Guinness isn’t just about one thing—it’s a bunch of little things coming together. It’s all part of the experience.
When it’s done right, Guinness isn’t just a drink—it’s a moment. So next time you’re handed a pint, take a second, appreciate the craft, take a sip and enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures.
