The Best guinness pour in central ny!
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 16, 2025
Time: Doors open at 4:30 pm, contest starts at 6 pm!
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, including 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" events (qualifying events)
bartenders must enter a "Pour off" to qualify for The Finals
The best FOUR Bartenders from each of the following "Pour Offs" will be eligible to enter "The Final Pour"
KNUCKLEHEADS BREW HOUSE
Westmoreland, NY
August 5, 2025, at 7 PM
______________
THE BLACK RIVER ALE HOUSE
Rome, NY
August 12, 2025, at 6 PM
______________
THE CELTIC HARP
Utica, NY
August 19th, 2025, at 5 PM
THIS YEAR'S CHARITY IS:
The Utica Chapter of: Sleep In Heavenly Peace!
https://shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-utica/

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a national nonprofit dedicated to making sure no child has to sleep on the floor. Through the work of volunteers, SHP builds and delivers quality beds—complete with mattresses and bedding—to children and families in need, giving kids a safe, comfortable place to sleep and dream. Their motto says it all: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!”
BARTENDER Registration Information:
How to Register: Participating Bartenders who wish to compete in The Pour can register online. Please fill out the registration form via the link below:
Be sure to secure your spot early, as spaces are limited!
- FREE to enter one of The Pour Offs
- Registration of $50 to enter The Finals.
- Deadline for Registration for a Pour Off
- August 1, 2025
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.
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!
Why It Matters: The Pour isn’t just about competition—it’s about celebrating Irish culture, community, and the art of pouring the perfect pint, while raising money for a worthy charity!. It’s a fun and lively event that brings people together while honoring the traditions of Ireland and the craftsmanship of Guinness and helping those in need!
The Finals - Event Highlights
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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!
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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!