GIVE US A Q. WE'LL GIVE YOU AN A.
Questions, questions. People the world over have questions about Guinness® stout. Here's a selection of those we're asked most often. If you don't see your question here and have a burning desire to know, then get in touch.
We'll do our best to come up with a straight answer.
I’m a vegan. Is it true that Guinness is now suitable for vegans?
Yes, our new state-of-the-art filtration process has removed the use of isinglass as a means of filtration and vegans can now enjoy a pint of Guinness Draught, whether from the keg, bottle or from a can.
Are the other Guinness variants (eg. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout) suitable for vegans now?
Guinness Original, Guinness Extra Stout and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout are now suitable for vegans thanks to our new filtration system.
Did you have to change the recipe to make it suitable for vegans?
No, the recipe for Guinness has not changed and neither has the taste. It is still the same Guinness Draught that it has always been, loved by millions around the world.
What are the key ingredients in Guinness?
Our key ingredients – other than inspiration – are roasted, malted barley, hops, yeast and water.
What is the widget – and how does it work?
Glad you asked. The widget is a plastic moulded device that sits on the top of the contents of each can of Guinness Draught. When the can is opened, a small amount of beer and nitrogen, trapped in the widget, is forced out through the beer, which creates the famous creamy head that you find on a pint of Guinness Draught served in a pub. The widget gives Guinness Draught in cans the taste and texture of a pub-poured pint at home. In Guinness Draught in bottles, the clever little 'rocket' widget floats free in the beer to refresh the creamy head of your Guinness Draught with each swig you take from the bottle.
Why is Guinness black?
Look closely. Guinness beer is not actually black but rather dark ruby red because of the way the ingredients are prepared. Some malted barley is roasted, in a similar way to coffee beans, which is what gives Guinness its distinctive colour.
Why is the head of Guinness Draught creamy white?
The creamy white head is created from the 'initiation' and 'surging' of bubbles of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas as the beer is poured. It's actually the nitrogen that causes the tight white creamy head.
How should Guinness Draught be poured?
In the pub or bar the perfect pint of Guinness Draught is served using our famous 'two-part' pour. First, start with a clean, dry glass. Pour the Guinness Draught into a glass tilted at 45 degrees, until it is three-quarters full. Allow the surge to settle before filling the glass completely to the top. Your perfect pint, complete with its creamy white head, is then ready to drink.
At home, you should let the can chill for at least 3 hours before pouring the contents of the can into a large glass in one smooth action.
Visit The Beer for a more comprehensive guide to achieving a perfect pour.
How should Guinness in bottles be poured?
Bottled Guinness, like Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, also benefits from the 'two-part' pour. Start with a clean, dry glass and your opened bottle. Tilt the glass and the bottle towards each other, starting both at an angle of 45 degrees. Make sure the beer pours gently onto the curved interior surface. As the glass reaches about three-quarters full, and the rush of bubbles begins to form the head, stop pouring. Allow the surge to settle before topping up. Your perfect Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is now ready to drink.
In Ireland, is Guinness made with water from the River Liffey?
No. While the St James's Gate Brewery is situated on the banks of the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin, the water used in our brewing process comes from the Wicklow mountains a little way to the south.
In how many countries worldwide is Guinness stout brewed and sold?
Guinness beer is available in well over 100 countries worldwide and is brewed in almost 50. In the year, to 30th June 2004, the biggest-selling markets for Guinness stout were (in order): Great Britain, Ireland, Nigeria, US and Cameroon.
How much Guinness is sold worldwide?
Over 10 million glasses of Guinness stout are enjoyed every single day around the world, and 1,883,200,000 pints are sold every year – that's 1.8 billion, to put it another way.
Where can I buy Guinness-branded merchandise?
The Guinness company doesn't make its own merchandise, but licenses its trademark to many companies to make merchandise on its behalf. A wide selection of Guinness-branded stuff can be purchased online at the Guinness WebStore.
I'm coming to Dublin. Tell me how I can visit the home of Guinness
Easy. The GUINNESS STOREHOUSE® would love to welcome you to its home at St. James's Gate. The GUINNESS STOREHOUSE is a seven-storey tribute to the black stuff – a unique visitor centre opened in 2000 in the heart of the brewery. There you can learn all about our history, brewing process, advertising and more. And then enjoy a perfectly-served pint of Guinness stout while enjoying one of Dublin's best views.
