King Charles III showcased his brewing skills during a recent visit to the newly launched Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden, London. The event marked the brewery’s official opening, and the King received praise for pulling what many termed the “perfect” pint of Guinness. This unique experience engaged the monarch in a traditional brewing ritual under the guidance of Guinness experience ambassador Leo Ravina.
During the tour, Charles stood behind the bar, where he was instructed on the precise technique required to pour a Guinness. Ravina emphasized the importance of holding the glass at a 45-degree angle, stating, “It’s not 46 or 44, precisely 45.” Following this instruction, the King expertly pulled the pump towards him, halting the pour when the glass was about three-quarters full.
The pouring process for a pint of Guinness is well-known for its meticulous nature, requiring a waiting period for the drink to settle before topping it off. According to Guinness tradition, the entire process can take up to 119.5 seconds. As he engaged in conversation with Ravina, Charles completed the final steps of the pour. Upon finishing, Ravina declared, “That’s a perfect pint of Guinness,” to which the King humorously replied, “If you say so.”
After pouring, King Charles observed as a machine printed the words “Merry Christmas” along with a sprig of holly on the pint’s surface using edible dyes. This festive touch added a personal element to the experience before he took a sip.
The King also sampled various beers produced by a microbrewery located in the basement of the facility. He tasted a porter, a winter warmer, and an apricot sour, remarking that the latter “did not taste like a beer.”
Ravina expressed his satisfaction with the King’s performance, stating, “He did great, that was an ideal pint of Guinness. He’s got the job – he’s hired.”
This event not only highlighted King Charles’s engagement with traditional brewing but also marked an important moment for the Guinness brand as it expands its presence in London, further enhancing the city’s vibrant cultural and culinary landscape.
