A Beautiful Pint: One Man's Search for the Perfect Pint of Guinness

by Ian Ryan, Zebadiah Keneally (Illustrator)

The ultimate illustrated guide to Guinness and the history, culture, and facts to help you find the perfect pint―from the pub to the pour―wherever you are.

We’ve all got a friend who claims to know where you can get the best pint of Guinness. From the pub to the pour, it’s just as much an experience as it is a drink. But the man who truly knows best is London-based Corkman Ian Ryan – founder of @Sh*tLondonGuinness and @BeautifulPints, and in A Beautiful Pint , he shares his expert tips to help you find it yourself, every time.

Including the all-important elements to look for in a Guinness pour―from exact foam height and storage temperature to the crucial glass shape and settling time―as well as what to run away from when seeking a beautiful pint and a crème de la crème guiding list of pubs in New York and around the world, Ian shares his expertise from many a “pint of plain” sank and enjoyed. By the end of it, you too can guide your friends to the best pint of Guinness in town.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Darragh O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little handbook. Informative, light-hearted and as niche as a pint of cream poured in the Spalpín. Chatting to Ian over the years and following the rise and rise of Sh*tlondonguinness and Beautiful Pints has felt like a personal journey.

It was the only thing on my Christmas list 😂

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really light read, surprisingly well written - if not a little short.

[Alex (Spells & Spaceships) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good bit of fun. Wouldn't be quite as appreciated by non-Guinness drinkers but might give a little insight into the world of Guinness.

Some interesting facts and quite humourous throughout, it's a great stocking filler for a Guinness fan or to buy yourself if you're a big fan of Guinness. Everything you need to know about the beer you love.

[Jack Kerkham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guinness init 🤷🏼

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for any Guinness lover in your life!

[Sade · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Irish girl who loves her Guinness, this was such an easy and enjoyable read. A Beautiful Pint got me back into my bookworm groove, genuinely a page-turner, packed with charm and personality. The quirky illustrations were a lovely touch and perfectly matched the story. Honestly, the best way to get through Dry January.

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year I bought this book as a Christmas present for my dad, unfortunately he didn’t make it to Christmas due to illness and this book has sat on my bookshelf for almost a year gathering dust, and serving as a reminder of a gift that would have surely made him smile.

My dad was a pilot, travelled the world and loved him some beer. Particularly, loved him a London Guinness lol.

Today I picked this book up because I missed him. And although he never got the chance to read it, it made me genuinely feel close to him. I sat and finished it in one go.

I knew he’d enjoy the quirkiness of the writer. He would relate to the jokes and experiences in pubs across Europe. He would agree with what made a perfect pint and a perfect pub, and he would laugh at the jokes and the gorgeous drawings.

I’m so happy I took up this book today, it really really brought me joy. Ian Ryan is a true gem.

[Spencer Preece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. A must read for Guinness fans.

[Harry P · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never worked in a pub and it shows, stick to the world of Warcraft videos pal

[Rebecca Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, well-written, heartfelt and funny

[Connor Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great craic!

A brilliantly witty guide to Guinness with some top notch pub recommendations!

Think I’m gonna have to try and tick off all the suggested London ones!

This would make for a great Christmas gift or if you’re just a big fan of a pint of plain.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book.

This was a fun book about finding the perfect pour of Guinness. Ian Ryan started a website mocking England bars for bad pours of Guinness. As the site grew, Ryan decided to write this book and it's so much more than just looking for the perfect pour. Ryan discusses everything Guinness, becoming a sort of master of all things Guinness. The book itself is pocketsized, so if you were to travel, you could take it with you to find the perfect pour. Great gift for the Guinness lover in your life.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this little synopsis of what makes a good pint of the black stuff and how best to enjoy it. I also liked the list of pubs in the last chapter of the book, will be great to refer to next time in in London or elsewhere looking for a proper pint.

I read the book with a Cork accent in my mind, which was great. It's a grand little book for anyone who enjoys Guinness. I've always known what makes a good pint of Guinness just from drinking it, and reading this book, I might be able to explain my reasons to those I'm introducing their first Guinness to.

[Brodie Barrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read! This is a small book that I flew through in one day and pretty much read straight through in one sitting. Definitely brought me back to our trip to Ireland and everything that made me fall in love with Guinness and the Guinness culture. Was cool to read someone else's take on pubs we visited and also read on some we'll have to try during our next trip. Definitely made me crave a pint during the reading of it! But also shows that there is so much more to a pub and a pint of Guinness than just a beer in a glass.

[Will Tarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beautiful Pint by Ian Ryan is a wonderfully light and fun read that feels like sharing a pint with a good mate. With breezy, witty storytelling and clever insights into the art of pouring Guinness—from the perfect foam to the ideal glass—it entertains just as much as it informs. At only 176 pages, it’s the perfect pocket companion for pub aficionados. The bonus global pub guide had me already planning my next stop. A delightful treat for anyone who loves Guinness and storytelling done with a grin.

[Stefan Zondag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice little book with some Guinness history, their effect on culture and the weird niche that exists in Guinness serving. I'm not really the target audience for the latter section about the actual bars that serve well, as they're all damned far away for me haha

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wish this went a little bit more into some stories and the history, it's exactly what I expected it to be. Very excited to check out the American mentioned pubs (and of course the European ones given the opportunity some day!)

[Ruslan Diachenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read over a pint of plain on a Friday evening. It includes fun stories, the history and innovations of Guinness, and most incredibly, a list of pubs with the best pints and the author’s memories from around the world.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice very short read. The author really opened my eyes to things that separate a good pint from a great one. Little let down that the reviews of pubs are mostly UK based but alas...write your own journey I suppose!

[Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining, informative and funny.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Very funny and a really good read. Highly recommended 👌

[Paddy McKeating · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see what he was trying to do but it just didn’t work. A missed opportunity.

[Vados · Rating 5 out of 5]

To understand Ireland through a prism of a beautiful pint of Guinness — the Irish national treasure! Finished it with a smile on my face :)
Sláinte!

[Brian Borman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian Ryan, my pseudonym this past week!

[Gavin Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book spoke to me on my level. NEED A PINT OF PLAIN RIGHT NOW

[Brendan Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goes down smooth and easy, not too sweet, not too bitter. Just like the black stuff.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probs like a 3.75 stars. A short and fun book. Ideal for anyone who loves a Guinness!

[Jason Luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surely if my pint takes five times as long to pour as the fella standing at the bar next to me it should taste better, right?

[Les · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting much more of the history and social info.

[Bethany Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

great quick read

Better than his Instagram for sure. I enjoyed his insights and I hope he keeps on writing about the aul black stuff