You should drink a Guinness when it looks ready, specifically when you can see a clear division between the white foamy head and the dark black beer.
The Right Moment to Enjoy Your Stout
According to guidance, the key indicator for when a Guinness is ready to drink is its appearance after being poured. It's not about the time of day or the occasion, but rather the state of the beer itself.
Here's the visual cue to look for:
- A clear, distinct line separating the creamy white head from the deep, opaque black body of the stout.
What to Avoid
The reference explicitly states that if the beer still appears murky and brown in your glass, it is not ready. This transitional state, often called "the surge," indicates the nitrogen bubbles are still settling.
Signs It's Ready
- Clear contrast: A stark visual difference between the white head and black liquid.
- Settled appearance: The beer is no longer swirling or looking turbulent.
Signs It's Not Ready (Wait!)
- Murky brown color: The liquid isn't a solid black.
- Indistinct layers: The head blends into the body without a clear separation.
Waiting for this perfect visual state ensures you experience the beer as intended, with its signature creamy texture and distinct layers fully formed.
