Eclectic: Randy - Six Facts About Guinness

(From VueWeekly)

Something's fishy
As with the production of many types of beer, Guinness brewing involves using isinglass from fish. The substance, which is obtained from dried swim bladders of fish, is a form of collagen used as a fining agent to settle out suspended matter in the vat. The substance is retained in the floor of the vat, but it's possible that small quantities could be carried over into the beer.

No false advertising here
Guinness's marketing slogan, "Guinness is Good for You" may be more than a clever pitch. Studies have shown it can be beneficial for the heart and the antioxidant compounds, which are similar to those in certain fruits and vegetables, are responsible for health benefits. This is due to the fact that they slow down the deposit of harmful cholesterol on the artery walls. As if you needed another excuse to drink up.

Don't try this in Canada

If you were to order a pint of Guinness in Ireland, the bartenders would know what you're talking about if you asked for a pint of plain, the good stuff, your best or Irish Mother's milk. If you aren't in a state where you can be articulate, just hold up your forefinger and that'll do the trick.

Pouring is an art
Don't just go pouring a pint of Guinness like any old beer. This beer requires a little skill. A "perfect pour" should take 119.53 seconds. The pint must be poured at a 45 degree angle followed by a rest, which is crucial.

The pour needs to be long enough that the contents in the glass is a perfect black. The rest of the pint must be poured at the same 45 degree angle. The end result should be a creamy head and served at 42.8 F.

So that's where it came from
Guinness is responsible for starting the Guinness Book of World Records. In 1954, the head of Guinness at the time got in an argument with some friends while out on a hunting trip and they decided to commission a reference book containing hard-to-prove facts. It was originally meant as a way to settle disputes over such things. The first edition was given to bars stocking Guinness as a promotional item.

Out of Ireland
While the Irish made the beer famous, 40 percent of all Guinness is actually sold in Africa.