The Guinness nitrogen ball is a pub-friendly way to produce a pint of Guinness that has the same creamy texture and delightful head as one that is poured out at a bar. The nitrogen ball is a stainless steel ball filled with highly pressurized nitrogen gas, and when the bartender inserts it into a properly chilled keg of Guinness, the ball acts as a diffuser, releasing the nitrogen gas into the beer.
When the nitrogen is released, the carbon dioxide that is naturally present in the lyte beer creates nitrogen bubbles – which look like tiny pearls rising up through the beer. These tiny bubbles give Guinness its signature creamy texture, and its head of dense, creamy foam.
And because the nitrogen ball is pressurized, it’s able to ensure that this texture and head is replicated in each pint of Guinness.
Not only does the nitrogen ball allow bartenders to pour a perfect pint of Guinness every time, it also speeds up the process significantly. When done correctly, pouring a pint of Guinness can take up to two minutes.
By using a nitrogen ball, the same perfect pint can be poured in a mere 10 seconds – making it ideal for busy pubs and bars.
What is the Guinness secret ball?
The Guinness Secret Ball is a full-size beer-ball style dispenser of Guinness Draught. It is made from stainless steel, and certified to the highest international standard of food safety. The Guinness Secret Ball dispenses the same draught Guinness enjoyed in the pub, but in a convenient, and easy to use design that makes it perfect for both at-home and outdoor gatherings.
The Secret Ball is equipped with two Guinness-branded taps, a flow control valve for a consistent pour, and a five litre (approx. 1.3 gallons) capacity. It is easy to set up and operate, and the Guinness logo on the front of the ball lets everyone know what they’re drinking.
The Guinness Secret Ball is the perfect way to share the magic of Guinness in anywhere – it takes the pub to you!.
Why a plastic ball in Guinness beer can?
The plastic ball in Guinness beer cans is actually part of a widget, which is a device that allows the beer to have a creamy and smooth head when it is poured out. The widget is filled with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which are naturally occurring gases.
The plastic ball helps to release the nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas when the beer can is opened, creating the creamy head that Guinness beer is renowned for when it’s poured. The widget also helps to keep the beer fresh, as it helps to maintain the appropriate pressure within the can.
Overall, the plastic ball is an essential part of the unique experience Guinness beer provides.
Are you supposed to shake Guinness in a can?
No, you shouldn’t shake Guinness in a can. A can of Guinness shouldn’t be shaken because it’s a nitrogenated beer, meaning that the beer has nitrogen in it. This means that if you shake it, the foam and nitrogen will turn into bubbles that will escape, hurting the flavor and texture of the beer and giving it an off-taste.
Additionally, shaking a can of Guinness causes a lot of pressure to build up, which can potentially cause the can to explode. For the best flavor and taste, Guinness should be poured from a can or bottle into a glass.
What does a widget do in beer?
A widget (or “beer widget”) is an add-on device inserted into some beer cans which injects nitrogen gas into the beer to add a creamy head of foam. The effect created by the widget is similar to the head found in draft beer.
It also gives the beer a smoother flavor, a creamy texture, and a subtle aroma of malt and hops. The widget is usually a hollow, plastic ball filled with CO2 that is inserted into the can while it is being filled.
When the can is opened, the pressure inside the can quickly equalizes and the CO2 is released and creates those beautiful, creamy bubbles.
While widgets are not necessary for making a beer, they do add to the overall experience by creating a better taste and texture. They also ensure that each and every pour you get from a canned beer is consistent.
This creates a more enjoyable drinking experience for everyone.
Why Does Guinness taste like coffee?
The distinct, rich flavor of Guinness beer is due to its unique brewing process. The unique blend of malted and roasted barley are what gives Guinness its signature coffee-like taste. Roasted barley is a key ingredient in the beer’s recipe and gives it the dark color, bitterness, and distinct flavor.
Adding this roasted barley to the mix of malted barley brings out more of the coffee and chocolate-like flavors in the beer.
Furthermore, Guinness is nitrogen-infused beer, meaning that there is nitrogen added to the beer during the brewing process. This nitrogen makes the bubbles in the beer smaller and results in a smoother, creamier body for the beer.
With the nitrogen, these smaller bubbles cause a burst of flavor on the tongue as you drink it, amplifying the already present coffee-like notes in the beer.
All in all, the combination of Guinness’ inimitable brewing process, the presence of roasted barley, and the nitrogen infusion all conspire to give Guinness its signature coffee-like taste.
What country drinks most Guinness?
Ireland is the country that drinks the most Guinness in the world. According to Diageo, the company that owns Guinness, the annual volume of Guinness sold in Ireland is approximately 10.6 million hectolitres.
This figure shows the strong attraction of Ireland to the iconic dark beer. Guinness was first brewed in Ireland in the late 15th century, before becoming a mass-market international brand. The stout ale has deep cultural and historical connections to Ireland, and can be found in nearly every bar throughout the Emerald Isle.
In addition, Guinness makes up 30 percent of the draught beer sales in Irish pubs, and more than 20 percent of beer sales throughout the nation. Guinness also has an immensely strong presence in the Irish food scene, such as steak and Guinness pies, potato and Guinness casseroles and Guinness-flavored ice creams.
This shows that Guinness is deeply embedded in the culture of Ireland, from its beer to its food.
What does the widget do in a can of Guinness?
The widget in a can of Guinness serves two purposes. The first is to help create the signature Guinness head, which is that creamy, foamy top that many people associate with the beer. The widget is essentially a plastic ball with small holes in it that release nitrogen gas when the can is opened.
This gas helps create small bubbles in the beer, which in turn create that characteristic Guinness head.
The second purpose of the widget is to help keep the beer fresh. Guinness is a nitrogen-infused beer, which means that there is more nitrogen than carbon dioxide in the beer. This nitrogen gives Guinness a smoother, creamier taste than other beers.
However, it also means that Guinness must be stored and served differently than other beers. The widget helps to keep the beer under pressure, which prevents it from going flat.
How does nitro beer work?
Nitro beer is brewed using an infusion of nitrogen gas instead of carbon dioxide. During the brewing process, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are mixed together and forced into the beer. This creates a creamy texture as it gives the beer a more stable head while giving it a unique, smooth flavor.
The nitrogen also provides more body and fullness to the flavor of the beer, creating a unique pour that is similar to the sort of creamy texture you get from a milkshake. The process of nitrogen infusion involves the beer being forced through a chamber full of tiny holes that infuses the beer with small nitrogen bubbles.
This produces a double pour effect as the beer cascades down the glass, resulting in a creamy crema head and light texture. The beer is typically served cold so that the nitrogen gasses remain and create the signature creamy texture.
How long will a keg of Guinness last once tapped?
Once a keg of Guinness has been tapped, it will typically last 6-8 weeks before it loses its freshness and taste. In order to ensure the beer stays at its freshest, it should be kept between 36-38°F and served from a CO2-pressurized system.
Also, it is important to keep oxygen out of the draught line once the keg has been opened. This can be done by making sure all seals are tight and that any breaks in the equipment are remedied right away.
Finally, it is important to check the lines often for blockages and exchange the lines every two weeks. Following these guidelines should help ensure your keg of Guinness stays fresh and enjoyable for 6-8 weeks.
Does the Guinness Nitrosurge work on normal cans?
No, the Guinness Nitrosurge will only work on specially designed Nitrosurge cans. These cans are designed to have a more draft-like taste with creamier foam and a smoother texture. By including nitrogenated bubbles inside the can, this innovative new beer delivers a taste and texture more akin to a regular draught beer that you’d get straight from a tap.
All of the original Guinness beers (Extra Stout, Foreign Extra Stout, Dublin Porter and more) have been given the Nitro Surge treatment, allowing those looking for a more authentic tasting Guinness beer to enjoy this treat.
How do you get Guinness to stick to the glass?
To achieve a proper Guinness head and make it stick to the glass, there are several steps that should be followed. Firstly, ensure the glass is clean and dry and not cold as cold glasses can affect the head.
Secondly, make sure you pour the Guinness correctly – tilt the glass at a 45 degree angle and slowly pour the top third of the Guinness, then fill the remaining two-thirds. To produce the perfect head, use a steady hand and allow the glass to overflow slightly.
Finally, let the head settle. The thickness and retention of the head depend on how dry the glass is and how carefully you’ve poured the Guinness. Allowing the Guinness to sit for a minute or two allows nitrogen bubbles to combine to produce a creamy head that should stick to the glass nicely.
Avoid stirring the Guinness as this will break down the gas bubbles.
What do I need to have Guinness on tap?
In order to have Guinness on tap, you will need a few specific items:
1. A keg of Guinness – Depending on where you live, you may need to order a keg of Guinness from a local beer distributor. Make sure to check what size keg is right for your setup.
2. An appropriate tap or faucet – There are two types of taps usually needed for draft beer: short draw and long draw. Depending on the length of your beer line, you’ll need the corresponding type of tap.
Your local beer distributor can help you determine the best type of tap for you.
3. CO2 tanks – A few CO2 tanks filled with CO2 gas will be needed to pressurize your keg in order for the beer to flow out. Pay attention to the size of your tanks as some may be too small for the amount of beer you plan to have on tap.
4. A refrigerator with a built-in draft tower – Choose a refrigerator with a full opening in the top that’s big enough to fit your tap. If your refrigerator doesn’t have a built-in draft tower, you’ll need to purchase one to attach to the the refrigerator.
5. Beer lines – Beer lines are designed to transport beer from the keg to the tap. Make sure you get the right amount of lines for the number of taps you want.
6. Picnic tap – If you don’t plan to use a regular tap, you can purchase a picnic tap or a growler tap that pumps beer out of the keg.
7. Keg coupler – In order to attach the beer lines to the keg, you’ll need a keg coupler. Your local beer distributor can help you determine which type of coupler is the right one for your setup.
8. Plug Wrench – In order to secure the keg coupler to the keg, you’ll need a plug wrench.
Once you have all these items, you can assemble the keg and taps, install the CO2 tanks, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a pint of Guinness. Cheers!
What is gas for Guinness?
Gas for Guinness is a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The two gases are injected into the beer after it is pulled from the keg, creating the iconic creamy texture and creamy head. To create the perfect long pour of Guinness, typically the ratio used is 75% nitrogen and 25% carbon dioxide.
The nitrogen causes the bubbles to be very small, which help create that creamy texture. The carbon dioxide provides a bit more lift and a bit of a fizz to the beer. In addition to adding gas to the beer to make it more enjoyable to drink, it also helps to keep the beer fresher for a longer period of time once it is pulled from the keg.
How do you pour a Guinness Nitro?
Pouring a Guinness Nitro is easier than you might think. Start with a glass that is clean, dry, and at room temperature. Tilt the glass at a 45 degree angle, and carefully fill it to the top with Guinness Nitro.
When the glass is almost full, start to slowly straighten it up until the liquid almost reaches the top. Wipe away any foam on the rim of the glass with a cloth.
Once the glass is full, let the beer settle for about one minute so the Nitro cascade can fully develop for the full experience! The ‘champagne-like’ bubbly foam should break the surface of the beer and rise towards the top.
Once that starts to happen, slowly and carefully bring the glass to table level and let the foam settle, creating an impressive creamy texture of the beer. The liquid should also darken slightly as it settles.
Once your beer is fully poured and settled, it’s time to enjoy! Guinness Nitro has a smooth, creamy texture and a fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory meals. Cheers!
