another shameless product endorsement...

"There is an ancient Celtic axiom that says 'Good people drink good beer.' Which is true, then as now. Just look around you in any public barroom and you will quickly see: Bad people drink bad beer. Think about it." -- Hunter S. Thompson

Anyone who knows me knows that Guinness Extra Stout is a deep dark ray of sunshine for me. It is a shame that most beer patrons want their beer cold and they want it fast. Everyone has heard about Guinness and the "perfect pint" never really understanding the meaning behind the phrase.


The Perfect Pint
Here, for your consideration, is one method to attain the perfect pint of Guinness...
The first requirement is an imperial pint (20oz) glass. The glass should be clean, dry, and room temperature. In no circumstances use a chilled glass, or one that has not been cleaned properly. NOTE: a properly prepared glass will exhibit excellent ring-sustaining features.
Next, make sure the dispensing equipment is in proper working order. Taps and lines should be cleaned once per week at a minimum. The 50 liter (13.2 gallons) keg of Guinness should be stored between 38 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, and served between 42 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Guinness should be dispensed by a gas mixture of 75% nitrogen and 25% carbon dioxide at a pressure of 30 pounds per square inch, so as to produce the creamy head. Finally, in preparation, one must have the proper Guinness tap and spout. You are now ready to pull the perfect pint.
Herein is explained the legendary "two-part pour."
Hold the glass at a 45 degree angle close to the spout to prevent large bubbles from forming in the head. Pull the tap fully open and fill the glass 75 percent full.
Allow the stout to settle completely before filling the rest of the glass. The creamy head will separate from the dark body.
To top off the pint, push the tap forward slightly until the head rises just proud of the rim. Never allow the stout to overflow or run down the glass.
Now that you have pulled the perfect pint, enjoy it. Examine the rich, ruby black color of the body. Smell the creamy white head. Now take a large mouthful. Do not, under any circumstances, sip, as sipping ruins the majestic nature of the stout. When you have finished, notice the rings left on the inside of the glass. Also, notice it is empty. Enjoy another glass as you ponder the meaning of life.