Crafting Guinness Beer: A Step-By-Step Guide To Brewing Perfection

Guinness is a world-famous stout with a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It has a distinctive flavour and a creamy head that has made it a favourite among beer enthusiasts worldwide. For those who want to enjoy a perfect pint of Guinness at home, there are a few options to consider, such as getting a Nitro stout system or converting an existing kegerator with a Guinness kegerator conversion kit. In addition to the equipment, it is essential to follow specific steps for cleaning and preparing the beer lines, adjusting the gas pressure, and pouring the beer at the right temperature and angle to achieve that signature creamy head. The process may seem intricate, but with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can master the art of building a perfect Guinness beer at home.

Choose a space for your bar

Choosing a space for your bar is a crucial step in the bar-building process. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a location:

Location and Space Requirements

Start by considering the amount of space you will need for your bar. The space required will depend on the type of bar you plan to open, such as a beer hall, sports bar, or wine bar. Each style has unique requirements in terms of product offerings and necessary space. As a general guideline, the back-of-the-house typically accounts for 30-40% of the total building area, while 60-70% is designated as the front-of-the-house for customers.

Front-of-House and Back-of-House Considerations

For a sports bar, the bar and dining areas might account for a significant portion of the front-of-the-house, while a fine dining establishment would require more kitchen space. If you plan to have a large number of beer taps, ensure you have adequate space for the draft system. Additionally, consider the placement of your beer taps on the bar; they should ideally be front and centre for ease of access and to advertise the selection to customers.

Well Space and Setup

The well is a crucial part of your bar design and will require careful planning. Depending on the style and capacity of your bar, you might need multiple wells. If you offer table service, ensure the well that services this area is well-stocked with items your bartenders will need during service.

Primary or Service Well

The primary or service well should be strategically placed, preferably close to the draft system and slightly away from crowded areas to facilitate smooth service. It should include adequate space for liquors, liqueurs, garnishes, mixers, juices, syrups, and other ingredients. Consider having a separate ice well to store these items at the correct temperature.

Secondary Wells

Your secondary wells can be placed around the bar area, with a more minimal setup, including popular call liquors and ingredients for well drinks and classic or craft cocktails.

Backup Storage

Include a space for backup storage of popular items, such as well liquors and call brands. This storage area should be easily accessible, either under the front bar, in a back bar cupboard, or on an inconspicuous shelf. This ensures that bartenders don't have to waste time retrieving items from a distant storage room during busy service periods.

Other Considerations

Pay attention to the smallest details when planning your bar space. Consider the size of your fridge to accommodate beer, wine, cut fruit, juices, and syrups. Think about the height of your highest bar shelf and whether your employees will need a step or ladder to reach it. Plan for easy access to drains in case of spills or backups. Determine the placement of your POS (Point of Sale) system for optimal efficiency.

Remember, the design of your bar space significantly impacts the speed and quality of service. Always ask yourself, "Is this efficient?" when making design decisions.

Research the setup

The first step in setting up a Guinness beer tap at home is to conduct thorough research. This involves understanding the different components and equipment needed, as well as the specific requirements for Guinness beer. The research phase is crucial to ensure a successful setup and a smooth-flowing pint of Guinness.

When it comes to dispensing Guinness at home, there are two main options: using a Nitro stout system or converting an existing kegerator. A Nitro stout system includes all the necessary components, such as a stout faucet, nitrogen regulator, U-system keg coupler, and adapters. On the other hand, converting an existing kegerator involves using a Guinness kegerator conversion kit, which also includes the required components.

One of the key differences between serving Guinness and traditional draft beer is the type of gas used. Guinness utilizes a blend of nitrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2) to achieve its signature creamy head. This mixed gas blend usually comes in a nitrogen gas tank with 75% nitrogen and 25% CO2. It is important to source this gas blend from a reputable dealer to ensure proper mixing.

In addition to the gas blend, other essential components for setting up a Guinness tap include a gas container, keg coupler, keg, tap, gas line, beer line, and connections. These components work together to deliver the perfect pint of Guinness.

When it comes to sourcing the equipment, online research is a valuable tool. Many of the required components can be purchased online, including the bar furniture and decorations to create an authentic pub atmosphere. It is beneficial to compare prices and read reviews to find the best deals and ensure the highest quality.

Another important aspect of the research process is understanding the ideal conditions for storing and serving Guinness. The keg should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally at a temperature below 10 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the glassware used for serving Guinness should be "beer clean," free from any oily residue that could affect the head and taste of the beer.

In summary, the research phase for setting up a Guinness beer tap involves understanding the equipment, gas requirements, storage conditions, and serving techniques. By conducting thorough research and sourcing the right components, individuals can create an enjoyable at-home Guinness experience.

Source the bar and furniture

Sourcing a bar and furniture for your Guinness-themed bar is a crucial step in building your Guinness-themed bar. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions to help you get started:

The Guinness Home Bar:

The official Guinness Home Bar is a great option to consider as your main bar fixture. It features a moisture-resistant MDF finish, a contemporary design, and two shelves for storing drinks and glasses. This bar is designed to be a natural focal point for entertaining and can be customised with various accessories. The dimensions are W: 109cm x H: 101cm x W: 39cm, making it a perfect fit for most spaces.

Bar Furniture:

Guinness offers a range of bar furniture, including bar stools and bar tables. You can choose from different styles, such as the swivel bar stool with back support or the padded swivel bar stool, both featuring iconic Guinness designs. These stools provide comfort and functionality for your guests.

Bar Accessories:

To complete the look and functionality of your bar, consider the following accessories:

• Engraved pouring spoons: These spoons add a touch of elegance to your drink preparation and can be engraved with the Guinness logo or other designs.
• Bar mats: Signature label bar mats with the Guinness logo will protect your bar counter and add a touch of authenticity to your setup.
• Glassware: Invest in personalised Guinness glasses to serve your drinks in style. You can even add monogrammed initials or a custom message.
• Bottle openers: Choose from various options, including the Toucan 3-in-1 bottle opener or the exclusive Girder magnet bottle opener.
• Coasters: Protect your bar surfaces with stylish coasters, such as the Guinness Toucan ceramic coaster or the cork coaster set.
• Mirrors: Decorate your bar with mirrors featuring Guinness designs, such as the Notre Dame Toucan or Helmet mirror.
• Wall decor: Add some Guinness-themed wall art, such as the Toucan wooden sign or the My Goodness My Guinness metal sign.

Remember to visit the official Guinness Webstore or Storehouse to purchase these items and create the ultimate Guinness-themed bar experience.

Install the keg and coupler

To install the keg and coupler, you will need the following:

• A kegerator
• A keg of Guinness
• A U-system keg coupler
• A stout faucet
• A filled Nitrogen gas tank
• A Nitrogen regulator
• A CO2 regulator
• A CO2 wrench
• A combination hex nut and spanner wrench
• A standard flathead screwdriver or nut driver
• A faucet wrench
• A rubber washer
• A beer line
• A gas line

First, ensure that you have a kegerator and a keg of Guinness. Next, you will need to disconnect your current CO2 system. To do this, turn off the airflow from the previous keg and remove the keg coupler by lifting up the handle and turning it counterclockwise. Then, use a CO2 wrench to disconnect the CO2 regulator from the CO2 tank inlet nut and the air line.

Now, you can begin setting up your new Guinness draught system. Attach the stout faucet by screwing it directly into the beer tower using a beer faucet wrench. Then, connect the beer line to the U-system keg coupler, using a rubber washer to create a tight seal. Attach the air line to the U coupler and the Nitrogen regulator, again using a rubber washer to ensure a secure connection.

The next step is to attach the Nitrogen regulator to the Nitrogen air tank. The regulator screws into the inside of the tank and can be tightened with a CO2 wrench. Now, attach the coupler to the Guinness keg by fitting it into the grooves and rotating it to create a firm seal. Pull the coupler handle out and push it downwards until it locks into position.

Finally, open the Nitrogen air tank by turning the hand wheel counterclockwise and moving the shut-off valve to the ON position. Set the regulator to 30-35 PSI and carefully place the air tank in the kegerator fridge. Set the temperature to 42°F and you're ready to pour your first pint of Guinness!

Pour the perfect pint

Pouring the perfect pint of Guinness is an art form, and one that is hotly debated among beer lovers. But there are some key steps to follow to ensure your pint is picture-perfect.

Firstly, it's important to use a Guinness-branded glass. Hold the glass at the bottom, with your pointer finger on the golden harp logo. Position the glass at a 45-degree angle and aim the spout at the logo as you begin to pour. Fill the glass to three-quarters full and allow the beer to surge or cascade for around 1.5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy head.

Next, push the tap away from you to fill the glass to the top. The ideal Guinness head should be a slight dome just above the rim of the glass. This two-step pouring process ensures the proper taste, air, and mix of the beer.

It's also important to note that the glass must be "beer clean". Do not wash your glasses with oil-based dish soap, and avoid contact with milk or greasy food. The residue from these products can create a film on the inside of the glass that will affect the head of your pint and cause ugly bubbles. Instead, clean your glasses with hot water only and by hand.

The ideal temperature for serving Guinness is between 42°F and 42.8°F (4.4°C and 6°C). At this temperature, you'll achieve the perfect balance of flavour and the iconic creamy texture.

Frequently asked questions