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!
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 wERE THREE "Pour Off" events (qualifying events) that all bartenders Had to enter a "Pour off" to qualify for The Finals
The best FOUR Bartenders from each of the following "Pour Offs" will be competing in "The Final Pour"
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!”
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 16th!
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.
- Follow the official Guinness Storehouse rules for pouring the perfect pint, watch these videos for guidance:
- https://www.rennysdraftsolutions.com/education/guinness-on-draft-unveiling-the-perfect-pour-technique
- How to Pour the Perfect Pint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO3hpDzEaDI
- Here's another - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DblyqY6QcME
- And Another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGq51o97Eg4
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.
- Layer Guinness over a pale ale or lager to create a flawless separation.
- Often called a "Black and Tan" in the US and UK, the Irish consider that name offensive, and we call it a Half & Half: Don't Order a Black and Tan in Ireland
- Watch this video for tips: How to Pour a Perfect Half & Half
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.
- Channel your inner artist and etch a shamrock into the foam of a freshly poured pint of Guinness.
- Watch this video for inspiration: How to Pour a Shamrock
- Here's Another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsndzUp_sa0
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!
