Are you supposed to shake Guinness in a can?

Answered by Willian Lymon

Nope, you definitely should not shake a can of Guinness Draught. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Let me tell you a little story about my disastrous experience with shaking a can of Guinness.

So, picture this: it was a hot summer day and I was craving a cold, refreshing beer. I reached into the fridge and grabbed a can of Guinness Draught. Now, I had heard about the famous nitrogen bubbles in Guinness that give it that smooth, creamy texture, and I was excited to give it a try. Little did I know, I was about to make a big mistake.

Without thinking, I gave the can a good shake. I mean, isn’t that what you do with most canned beverages? Well, not with Guinness. As soon as I cracked open the can, it was like a volcano erupting. The beer exploded out of the can, creating a frothy mess all over the kitchen counter and floor. It was a disaster.

After cleaning up the mess (and feeling a bit embarrassed), I did some research to figure out what went wrong. It turns out that Guinness Draught in a Can is nitrogenated, which means it contains tiny nitrogen bubbles that give it its signature creaminess. These bubbles are created during the canning process, and shaking the can disrupts them.

So, the lesson here is simple: do not shake a can of Guinness. Instead, just give it a gentle twist to release the pressure, and then open it slowly. This will help ensure that you get that perfect, creamy pour without any explosive surprises.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – why can’t you shake a can of Guinness, but you can shake other canned beverages? Well, it all comes down to the nitrogen bubbles. Most canned beverages are carbonated, meaning they contain carbon dioxide bubbles. Shaking a carbonated beverage helps release those bubbles and create a nice, fizzy drink. But with Guinness, it’s all about the nitrogen bubbles, and shaking just messes up the whole balance.

So, my friends, remember this important lesson: when it comes to Guinness Draught in a Can, keep it cool, keep it calm, and definitely do not shake it. Cheers to enjoying a perfectly poured pint of Guinness!