# I pit bartenders who do not know how to properly pour a pint of Guinness. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 26, 2013, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451 "2013-01-26T18:11:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/41 "2013-01-27T05:49:34Z")
> [@SCAdian](#): > > I would say that the proper way to pour Guinness is into the toilet. > > The same with any other beer. It’ll get there eventually – what’s your hurry? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/42 "2013-01-27T07:12:26Z")
I worked as a bartender in an English pub for a few months when I was 18. I was just thrown back there and expected to deal with whatever. Mostly, it was simple: rum and coke, gin and tonic, pint of lager, half of bitter, measure of scotch, easy stuff. Nobody ever asked for sex on the beach or a harvey wallbanger. But the Guinness pour was nerve-wracking. Those fuckers would just stare and stare, waiting for me to fuck it up somehow. But I learned, and it does make a difference. Should be a basic for any competent bartender, if they’re selling the stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/43 "2013-01-27T11:28:30Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > It’ll get there eventually – what’s your hurry? 😉 Well, if it’s Coors or Budweiser, it’s already there, just canned. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/44 "2013-01-27T12:11:26Z")
> [@friedo](#): > > It is possible to achieve the correct amount of head without resorting to absurd rituals promulgated by the manufacturer. That’s what I keep telling her, but nooo… ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/45 "2013-01-27T14:08:08Z")
> [@Condescending\_Robot](#): > > It’s marketing nonsense, part of the usual mythologizing of alcohol to hide the fact that you’re drinking to get drunk. Yeah, I’m sure the exact height of the glass and pouring in 119.53 seconds (never 199.02! you idiot!) is something that would totally affect the taste in a double-blind experiment :rolleyes: > > You want to get blitzed, fine, none of my business. But let’s not pretend you’re drinking a work of art here. It’s fucking beer that you can buy at Wal-Mart. Get over it. It takes a big man to threadshit in a beer thread. Just sayin. ---
**Author:** ![Shoujin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoujin/32/3884_2.png) [@Shoujin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoujin)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/46 "2013-01-27T14:38:36Z")
[Just pour me this and I’ll be ok](http://www.allagash.com/beer/year-round/curieux) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/47 "2013-01-27T16:58:20Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > It takes a big man to threadshit in a beer thread. Just sayin. Big asshole, you mean. I’ve never seen **CR** post anything worthwhile yet, and I doubt I ever will. In the words of Gunny Hartman, the best part of him ran down his mama’s leg. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/48 "2013-01-27T17:27:22Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > Sure, just like cookery is marketing nonsense, part of the usual mythologizing of food to hide the fact that you’re eating to get full. Let’s not pretend you’re eating a work of art here. It’s fucking food that you can buy at Wal-Mart. Guinness _is_ food. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/49 "2013-01-27T19:07:20Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Well, if it’s Coors or Budweiser, it’s already there, just canned. Hmmm, true. My dad has a recipe for bread that’s just beer and flower. Damn, it’s good. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Imp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Imp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Imp)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/50 "2013-01-27T19:20:45Z")
> [@bump](#): > > the head takes up space in the glass that could better be used for liquid beer. Hell yeah. Now I’m thirsty ☹ ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/51 "2013-01-27T19:30:21Z")
> [@skdo23](#): > > [Is it really that hard?](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness#Pouring_and_serving) Apparently it is, as you couldn’t be bothered to write it out or even cut & paste. Anyway, it’s nonsense. It tastes perfectly fine even if consumed directly from the bottle. Now yes, it’s true if you don’t take some care & time you end up with too little beer and too much foam, which _if I am paying for beer_ is a crime. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/52 "2013-01-27T19:59:18Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Hmmm, true. > > My dad has a recipe for bread that’s just beer and flower. Damn, it’s good. What kind of flower? Daisies? Carnations? 😃 ETA: I imagine that bread has a really nice bouquet! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/53 "2013-01-27T20:41:59Z")
[Stella Artois Nine Step Pouring Ritual.](http://www.bebendobem.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/9Step_Pouring_Ritual_Poster1.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/54 "2013-01-27T21:05:14Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > If the bartender makes a little shamrock in the head, you are allowed to stab him in the throat with a fork. In several counties in Ireland this is mandatory. What’s mandatory - the shamrock, or the stabbing? ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/55 "2013-01-27T21:14:13Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > I probably have over a thousand dollars worth of Scotch on my bar right now. It’s a good bet **Bricker** has at least $1500 worth. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/56 "2013-01-27T21:19:10Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > [Stella Artois Nine Step Pouring Ritual.](http://www.bebendobem.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/9Step_Pouring_Ritual_Poster1.pdf) Now THAT’S some good fucking pretentious twaddle! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/57 "2013-01-27T21:23:15Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Now THAT’S some good fucking pretentious twaddle! But a beautiful poster. I don’t like their beer, but they do cool marketing. I own a few Stella chalices, and a special fancy knife for cutting the head. 🆒 [Over the top video of the nine step ritual pour.](http://m.hypebeast.com/2011/10/stella-artois-9-step-pouring-ritual) ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/58 "2013-01-27T21:27:07Z")
> [@SCAdian](#): > > What’s mandatory - the shamrock, or the stabbing? Both. Makes a good show for the tourists. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/59 "2013-01-27T21:32:57Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > But a beautiful poster. I don’t like their beer, but they do cool marketing. I own a few Stella chalices, and a special fancy knife for cutting the head. 🆒 > > [Over the top video of the nine step ritual pour.](http://m.hypebeast.com/2011/10/stella-artois-9-step-pouring-ritual) That’s awesome … that SA created it makes it priceless. ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2013, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451/60 "2013-01-27T21:33:22Z")
Guinness = ambrosia Yes, too big a head is a waste. I admit I haven’t shopped around America for a better stout. There is a nice fairly cheap bottled half and half from Yuengling that I enjoy with many meals. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-bartenders-who-do-not-know-how-to-properly-pour-a-pint-of-guinness/648451.md?page=4)