This Year's Benficiaries!

This year, we are pouring with purpose under our official theme: PINTS FOR PUPPIES!

We are proud to announce that proceeds raised throughout this year's competition will go directly to The Humane Societies of the Mohawk Valley: Herkimer, Utica, and Rome!

A large number of our members are animal lovers with all sorts of pets. While there are lots of great animal rescue groups out there, we cannot divide the proceeds up too much or everybody would get a meager donation. By focusing on these three, we can have a meaningful impact. We will gladly put the others on our list of charitable organizations for the future!

They say that dogs are man's best friend (cats aren't too shabby either!). So we hope everybody can put their hands together and help us celebrate and support The Pour 2026 AND the Humane Societies!

The Best guinness pour in cny!

Event Overview

  Event Name: The Pour
  Hosted by: AOH John C. Devereux Division 1
  Location: The finals will be held at Five Points Public House.

  Date for The Finals: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
  Time: Doors open at 4:30 pm, contest starts at 6 pm!

  Cost: $10 entry fee at the door, provides access to the event, a drink chip, and a free gift for all attendees!

Join us for The Pour, an exhilarating event celebrating the art of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness while raising funds to support local charities, such as The Rome Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities and the Food Bank of Central New York. This unique gathering promises a fun-filled atmosphere where community spirit and friendly competition unite for a meaningful cause.

 

There will be THREE "Pour Off" qualifying event

all bartenders must enter a "Pour off" to qualify for The Finals by
winning one of the top 4 slots per event


Because The best FOUR Bartenders from each of the following "Pour Offs" will be competing in "The Final Pour"

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR

PUPPIES AT THE EVENTS: The Humane Societies asked if they can bring some puppies to the Pouring events and we said YES of course! You can enjoy a pint and meet some adorable rescue pups!*

PINTS FOR PUPPIES T-SHIRTS: Our official Pints for Puppies T-shirts will be available soon for purchase through our online store!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS & FOLLOW ALONG!

Keep following the AOH on FB and our events so that you can keep track of new and developing news and dates! Click the links below and hit Going:

FB EVENT LINKS:
Pour-Off #1 - The Bunker
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAtGE1J65

Pour-Off #2 - Knuckleheads
https://www.facebook.com/share/14i17rARTp8

Pour-Off #3 - Black River Ale House
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BYoner89S

The Finale - Five Points Public House
https://www.facebook.com/share/1NaVWD2UAf

Let's raise a glass, support our local shelters, and make 2026 our biggest Pour yet!

Coolers O'Cheer

Check out our "Coolers O'Cheer": Fundraiser Raffle!
The Drawing for these Coolers will be held

at the Final "Pour Off" on September 15th!

Competition Format

How The Pour Works:

The PINTS:

The competition consists of three rounds, each designed to test a bartender’s mastery of pouring Guinness:

1️⃣ The Perfect Pint:  In this round, bartenders must pour a pint of Guinness that adheres to the official rules set by the Guinness Storehouse. From the angle of the glass to the iconic two-part pour, precision is key. Judges will evaluate the pint’s appearance, head, and overall presentation.

2️⃣ The Perfect Half & Half:  Known to many Americans as a "Black & Tan," this round challenges bartenders to layer Guinness over a pale ale or lager. The perfect Half & Half requires a steady hand and a keen eye to create a flawless separation between the two beers.

3️⃣ The Shamrock:  In the final round, bartenders channel their inner artist to etch a shamrock into the foam of a freshly poured pint of Guinness. This round combines skill and creativity, as judges look for both technique and artistic flair.

 

JUDGING

The Judging:  Our panel of celebrity judges evaluates each round based on strict criteria, including adherence to Guinness standards, presentation, and creativity. Only the best of the best will take home the title of The Best Guinness Pour in CNY!

Our celebrity judges will evaluate each round based on:

  • Adherence to Guinness standards
  • Presentation and technique
  • Creativity (for the Shamrock round)

Only the best of the best will advance through the rounds and compete for the title of CNY’s Best Guinness Pour!

The Finals - Event Highlights

  • Guinness Pouring Competition:
    Participants from Guinness pouring establishments across Central New York will showcase their skills in pouring the perfect pint of Guinness. Contestants will be judged based on technique, accuracy, and presentation.

  • Celebrity Judges:
    Local Celebrities help judge the contest!

  • PAST JUDGES have included NY State Senator Joe Griffo, Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol, AOH National Officer Liam McNabb, WKTV General Manager Steve McMurray, two past Mayors of Utica (Palmieri and Galime), and local Clergy!

  • Our Master of Ceremonies:  MC, Genesee Joe Trisolino from 92.7, The Drive!

  • Live Music and Entertainment:
    Enjoy live performances from local bands and entertainers, adding to the festive atmosphere.

  • Delicious Food and Refreshments:
    Savor a variety of food options and beverages available for purchase throughout the event.

  • Raffles and Prizes:
    Please participate in our exciting raffles for a chance to win fantastic prizes donated by local businesses.

    AND SO MUCH MORE!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a sponsor for The Pour and gain valuable visibility for your business while supporting a great cause!


We have a variety of sponsorship levels available, each offering unique benefits. For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly; an Online Sponsorship Form can be found here:

 

Join us for The Pour and be part of a memorable event that combines fun, community spirit, and a commitment to helping those in need. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against hunger in the Mohawk Valley. We look forward to seeing you there!