Quest for the perfect pint of Guinness

The undisputed champion of St. Patrick’s Day libations is Guinness. However, after two trips to Ireland and extensive “boots on the ground” pub-by-pub research through the Emerald Isle, a “pint of plain” here in San Diego County can leave one, well, underwhelmed. 

Some may believe there’s no such thing as a lousy glass of Guinness, but I assure you these folks have not put in the exhaustive research around town that I have. I wish they were right, but sadly they are mistaken. For the good of all, I have put in the time and tastings to point you to the proper pint. 

Guinness served correctly should taste, in a word, balanced. It should be roasty, with malt sweetness perfectly juxtaposed with hop bitterness. For the discerning palate, there are notes of coffee and chocolate, all delivered in a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. 

For the uninitiated, don’t let the black, velvety color of a pint of the good stuff dissuade you. Guinness stout is only 4.2% abv and 210 calories. To put that in context, a pint of Corona Extra is 4.65% abv and 232 calories. So, the slogan “Guinness is good for you” isn’t totally without merit. I suppose it’s a relative goodness, but then again I don’t need a lot of encouragement to order one up. 

That brings up the next point about appreciating Guinness. Another company slogan — “Good things come to those who wait” — is key to a perfect pour and enjoyment once served. 

A well-trained beertender knows the formula. Partial pour, wait 92.5 seconds, and then top off the pint. Let those magical nitro bubbles do their thing for another minute or so until there is a clear line between the head and the dark body of the beer. 

One can receive a tutorial on proper pouring at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Yours truly came in second place in the pint pouring contest, bested by my wife — a certified Guinness expert! 

All of this to get back to the trouble I’ve had finding that same delicious experience here at home. Padraig Humby, owner of the Chester Beatty Inn in Wicklow, Ireland, was the West Coast quality expert in the states for years. Humby said that the biggest problem with American Guinness isn’t the water, hops or malts. 

“It’s the same beer,” Humby said. “It’s the freshness that makes the difference. I go through several kegs a week, where in the states a keg might sit for a month.” 

According to Dermot Owens, co-owner of Copper Kings Burgers, clean keg lines also are essential. “Lines that need cleaning will give your Guinness a slightly metallic taint,” Owens said. 

So, back to my quest for a perfect pint here at home. There’s no reason to cast aspersions on those struggling to get their Guinness right, so let’s celebrate the places doing it right. Here are my top spots for a quality pour. 

Top honors must go to Copper Kings Burgers in San Marcos. Owens serves up a fantastic pint replete with shamrock foam art. Owens and the other bartenders expertly poured the beers. I paired my first pint with a shrimp cake sandwich. Delicious! 

Hennessey’s Tavern in Carlsbad also proved expert at pouring a pint. Rob, the bartender on the afternoon of my visit, had clearly studied the craft of the careful pour. He advised me to come back when his co-worker Grady was working to get the shamrock foam art, but there was no reason to worry on Rob’s part. The pint was creamy goodness served in proper Guinness glassware. 

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Escondido has long been touted as home to the best Guinness. O’Sullivan’s is the place if you’re looking to enjoy a glass of the “black stuff” in what feels like an authentic Dublin pub. My pint wasn’t quite the pour I got at Copper Kings or Hennessey’s, but it was solid and the Irish Pub vibes worked the rest of the magic. 

On the 101 in Oceanside, I was delighted to find another excellent pint at the PCH Sports Bar. Amy O’Donnell, the owner, has been serving Guinness since the bar first opened. She poured it herself, and it was clear that the advice Humby and Owens had given was followed at PCH Sports Bar. 

Jeff Spanier is the co-host of I Like Beer the Podcast. Take a listen wherever you get podcasts. Follow Spanier’s adventures on Instagram @ilikebeerthepodcast.