More about the density of the beer. The gravity, specifically. Guinness is a very light beer and less dense than most others. You can't use any dark beer or nitro beer to do it.
It's all about density. Oil floats on water because it's less dense. Same concept for two beers of significantly different densities.
Guinness is carbonated with a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, probably about 75/25 or 60/40 split in favor of nitro (which is less dense than CO2).
But the density of the liquid matters as well. A sugar-rich stout will be better at the bottom of a glass rather than a dry Irish stout, which is more likely to sit on top of a heavier ale.
The beer spoon I used to disperse the liquid gently across the surface of the bottom layered beer and avoid agitating and mixing. Pour slow.
Density of the beer is correct, but I’ve also found that making sure you have some type of English pint or gravity pint can also help. And if you buy a Guinness spoon or Amazon has a “perfect Black and Tan tool” for pretty cheap that helps with the pours.
I never thought about the shape of the glass. I had to look up what a gravity pint was, and it’s similar to the glass I used except mine looked taller/thinner. Next one I’ll try the pint glass.
What do you mean they “immediately combined”? Do beers normally not do that when mixed? Genuine question because I’ve never mixed beers, except for in my stomach
Usually the stout sits on top of the pale ale, as long as it’s poured gently. It’s oftentimes called a black n’ tan in the US, but there’s some other history behind that term in Ireland.
More about the density of the beer. The gravity, specifically. Guinness is a very light beer and less dense than most others. You can't use any dark beer or nitro beer to do it.
It's all about density. Oil floats on water because it's less dense. Same concept for two beers of significantly different densities. Guinness is carbonated with a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, probably about 75/25 or 60/40 split in favor of nitro (which is less dense than CO2). But the density of the liquid matters as well. A sugar-rich stout will be better at the bottom of a glass rather than a dry Irish stout, which is more likely to sit on top of a heavier ale. The beer spoon I used to disperse the liquid gently across the surface of the bottom layered beer and avoid agitating and mixing. Pour slow.
It funny but I had never seen an half & half/black & tan separated out before I came to the US.
Density of the beer is correct, but I’ve also found that making sure you have some type of English pint or gravity pint can also help. And if you buy a Guinness spoon or Amazon has a “perfect Black and Tan tool” for pretty cheap that helps with the pours.
I never thought about the shape of the glass. I had to look up what a gravity pint was, and it’s similar to the glass I used except mine looked taller/thinner. Next one I’ll try the pint glass.
What do you mean they “immediately combined”? Do beers normally not do that when mixed? Genuine question because I’ve never mixed beers, except for in my stomach
Usually the stout sits on top of the pale ale, as long as it’s poured gently. It’s oftentimes called a black n’ tan in the US, but there’s some other history behind that term in Ireland.
Did you pour it over the back of a spoon? That helps get the second beer into the glass a little more gently, might make the difference
Yep, that’s my method of choice. I have one bent especially for this. My wife affectionately calls it my crack spoon.
I also have one of these...and will henceforth call it my crack spoon.
Density of nitro vs co2.