by Steve Lonsway
Guinness Irish Stout is one of the most iconic beers in the world. From its humble beginnings in 1759 by its creator, Arthur Guinness, who was so confident in the brand that he signed a 9,000-year lease on the space in which he created this iconic brand. St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland, still produces this dark, magical beer today and it is served all over the world. Being very proud of their Irish heritage, they instituted a golden harp as their logo. The harp is known as the national emblem of Ireland and appears on Irish coins and even Irish passports.
Another very recognizable feature of Guinness is the way the beer is poured. A special blend of gas, often called “Guinness gas” is utilized. This special blend consists of 75% nitrogen and 25% carbon dioxide. The two gases react in such a way that millions of tiny bubbles are formed and rush to the surface when poured. As the liquid cascades into the glass, a lava-lamp-like effect develops, creating a thick, dense head with an authentic creamy texture that can be classified as velvety. As the beer is consumed, the foam doesn’t break down and will leave significant lacing on the interior of the glass with every sip and oftentimes leaves a foam mustache on the consumer’s upper lip. The flavors that one experiences is of coffee, chocolate and roasted barley. There is enough hop bitterness that it shines through into the finish and has a unique, yet pleasant dryness. Because it is a very dark beer, many people believe it is full bodied and “heavy.” On the contrary, it is a medium bodied brew with only 4.2% alcohol by volume.
When ordering a properly poured Guinness, please be patient as it is a 119.5-second experience.
The barkeep places the glass at a 45-degree angle and pulls the special handle forward. When the glass is 75% full (or to the top of the harp on a Guinness glass) the faucet is shut and the beer is left to settle, upward of one minute. The bartender then finishes the pour in the middle of the glass. Some specially trained barkeeps will actually create the image of a harp in the foam head, which really amplifies the experience!
Guinness in cans can also allow you the draught experience with what is known as a widget or “smoothifier.” The idea was spearheaded in 1969 and took years to perfect. A small disc is placed within the can during packaging, and when the atmospheric pressure changes as the can is opened, the beer and nitrogen react and the beer flows through the tiny holes in the widget to create the patented Guinness appearance.
It is truly a lovely day for a Guinness!
This article was originally published in the September 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
