The Art Of The Pour And So Much More At The Guinness Storehouse

Located at the heart of St. James's Gate Brewery, Guinness Storehouse is a seven-story visitor experience dedicated to the history and making of that world famous beer, Guinness. Ireland's number-one visitor attraction, the Guinness Storehouse is the highlight of any trip to Dublin, and is only a short walk from the heart of the City making it an accessible stop for any trip itinerary.

At the Storehouse you can discover 250 years of Guinness history and what goes into the making of each and every pint through a self-guided interactive tour. While inside, you can also experience Guinness-inspired dishes, enjoy panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar, and enjoy live music every weekend at Arthur's Bar. As an added experience, you can also learn how to pour the perfect Guinness pint and get your "Perfect Pint Certificate" from the Guinness Academy.

Can't make it to Dublin in time for St. Patrick's Day? You can learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness anytime at the Guinness Storehouse — or at home.

The perfect Guinness pour is an art, and one that Guinness drinkers take very seriously. From start to finish it takes 119.5 seconds to pour and serve Guinness draught; a science-like system that involves a two-part process with six precise steps.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Glassware

Guinness is typically served in a 20-ounce pint glass imprinted with the brewery's traditional harp logo. The logo glassware is important to the perfect pour because the harp is actually used as a guideline to pouring the draught.

Step 2: The Tilt

Once you have selected the proper glass, position it at a 45-degree angle under the tap.

Step 3: The Pull

Pull the tap towards you to release the draught at full force. The flow of the beer should be aimed at the inside of the glass where the harp logo is. Fill the glass until the beer reaches the midpoint of the harp.

Step 4: The Settle

Now comes the part where you wait, watch, and enjoy the beauty of this artisanal brew. As the Guinness settles, you will see the beer change in color and appearance as gravity pulls the draught into a clear separation between the dark body and creamy white head.

Step 5: The Top-Off

The next-to-last step involves topping it off. For the perfect top-off, you should push the tap away from you, which slows the draught force, filling the glass at a slower stream to keep from destroying the already settled layers. The top layer should be about half an inch of creamy white head.

Step 6: Perfection

Finally, it is time to appreciate your perfect pour and celebrate your efforts. To sip, bring the pint to your lips and lightly suck in the foam followed by the body of the beer. After you have mastered the art of the pour at the Guinness Academy, "graduates" can have their picture taken behind the bar with their perfect pint and a certificate in hand.

Your perfect pint and Academy experience is included in the admission to the Storehouse. Admission fees start at €14 (about $14.75) for adults, and there are various discount and group tickets available.