Scientists explain why Guinness defies the laws of physics - and why you’ve been pouring it wrong

  • William Lee
  • Simon Kaar

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Description

When it comes to pouring the perfect pint of plain, it looks like we have all been doing it wrong. Most beers are carbonated using carbon dioxide, but Guinness bubbles are filled with nitrogen. This is what gives the stout that iconic silky texture in your mouth and distinctive creamy head resting above the dark beer. When you look closely at a Guinness while it's settling, the bubbles are actually falling instead of rising

Subject

 

Period3 Jun 2018 → 11 Aug 2018

Media coverage

3

Media coverage

  • TitleA new way to drink Guinness
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletFacebook - Seeker (San Francisco science network specialising in explainer videos)
    Media typeOther
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date11/08/18
    DescriptionGuinness in a cocktail glass? Science suggests that the cocktail glass maybe the best glassware to drink the brew because it allows the beer's bubbles to settle faster.
    URLhttps://www.facebook.com/SeekerMedia/videos/10156192789603387/
    PersonsWilliam Lee, Simon Kaar
  • TitleScientist claims the shape of the Guinness pint glass is wrong and suggests controversial new design
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletJOE.ie
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryIreland
    Date4/07/18
    DescriptionThe composition of the bubbles in a pint of Guinness aren't best suited by the current 'tulip-shaped' pint glasses that we all know.

    Unlike other beers/lagers that have bubbles composed of carbon dioxide, Guinness is unique because their bubbles tend to sink in a glass.
    URLhttps://www.joe.ie/life-style/scientist-claims-shape-guinness-pint-glass-wrong-suggests-controversial-new-design-631948
    PersonsWilliam Lee
  • TitleScientists explain why Guinness defies the laws of physics - and why you’ve been pouring it wrong
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletIrishcentral.com
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date3/06/18
    DescriptionWhen it comes to pouring the perfect pint of plain, it looks like we have all been doing it wrong. Here's your complete guide to a good ole Guinness.
    URLhttps://www.irishcentral.com/culture/guinness-defies-laws-of-physics
    PersonsWilliam Lee