MEDIA RELEASE 20 SEPTEMBER 2010

Nationwide Search for Perfect Pint of Guinness Begins

Guinness drinkers are set to become a nationwide panel of judges in the third annual Guinness PintMaster competition.

From September 24th to October 31st, bartenders around the country will be aiming for perfect pours as they will be under the watchful eye of customers.

And for the first time in approximately 25 years, customers will be able to savour the worldʼs most famous stout in the new-look Guinness pint glass.

The Guinness PintMaster competition lets customers rate their pint and bartender every time they purchase a Guinness. Results will be tallied and the highest scoring bartenders from the regional finals will qualify for the Guinness PintMaster national final on December 8. Here they will compete against other bartenders for the national title of Guinness PintMaster. Last year, Dermot Murphy and Finbarr Clabby, from D4 bar in Wellington won the title.

Guinness spokesperson for New Zealand, Philip Doyle, says pouring a pint of Guinness is more than filling the glass and handing it across the bar. “It is a ritual. It's theatre. It's about creating an experience,” Doyle says. “There are five steps that must be followed to ensure the customer receives a quality pint. And this is what Guinness is about – perfect pours every time."

Doyle says the newly designed Guinness pint glass is an evolution of the existing, wellloved tulip glass. “The new design enhances the unique settling of Guinness and the curvature of the distinctive new glass is coupled with the unique sculpting which mimics the Harp design. This the ideal vessel for serving a perfect pint of Guinness."

The winners of the Guinness PintMaster title and trophy will also win a cash prize of $1759 each, reflecting the year Guinness was first made.

FIVE STEPS TO POUR THE PERFECT PINT OF GUINNESS

STEP 1: Take a cool, dry, Guinness pint glass checking to ensure that it is clean.

STEP 2: Hold the glass under the tap at an angle of 45 degrees. Pull the handle forward until it is horizontal. Fill the glass slowly straightening it until it is ¾ full. Never put the tap spout into the Guinness.

STEP 3: Allow the surge to settle fully before continuing to complete the pint.

STEP 4: Complete the pint by pushing the tap handle backwards until the head of the pint is just proud of the glass. Do not let the Guinness overflow, and never use a spatula to level the head.

STEP 5: Allow to settle and then serve the pint to the consumer with a steady hand. The glass should be presented with the Guinness logo facing the customer and without spillage.

GUINNESS FACTS

Arthur Guinness signed the lease for the St. James's Gate Brewery on 31st December 1759.

Ingredients
Guinness stout is made from four natural ingredients: water, barley, malted and roasted hops and yeast. No artificial colourings or flavourings are added.

Colour
Guinness stout is actually ruby red in colour. It's the roasted barley that gives Guinness its colour.

Global
Guinness is brewed in 49 countries worldwide and sold in over 150. Guinness owns five breweries in five countries around the world. These are in: Ireland (Dublin), Malaysia, and three in Africa - Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.

Where is Guinness sold? The most Guinness is sold in Great Britain, followed by Ireland, Nigeria, USA and Cameroon.

How much is sold?
10 million glasses of Guinness are enjoyed every day around the world.

DATES FOR REGIONAL FINALS

AUCKLAND
Monday 15th November: Claddagh Irish Pub, Newmarket

WELLINGTON
Tuesday 16th November: Chicago Bar, Jervois Quay

CHRISTCHURCH
Wednesday 17th November: The Craic Irish Bar, Riccarton

QUEENSTOWN
Thursday 18th November: Pog Mahones

NATIONAL FINAL
AUCKLAND
Wednesday 8th December: The Classic Comedy Club, Queen Street

For more information on the Guinness PintMaster 2010 visit www.guinnessnz.co.nz

ENDS

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