How to Pour a Black and Tan for St. Patrick's Day (Video)

by NowPublic Staff | March 13, 2012 at 11:37 am

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Black and Tan: Guinness and Bass Pale Ale

A Black and Tan is Guinness (or any stout) poured over Bass Pale Ale (or any pale ale or lager), resulting in two distinct layers of beer. A well-poured Black and Tan is beautiful to behold, and equally lovely to sip.

Pouring a Black and Tan is an art form. Fortunately for you, beer fan, it's a very simple art form. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here's how to pour a Black and Tan.

Open a can or bottle of pale ale (traditionalists use Bass Pale Ale, but any pale ale or lager will do) and pour it into a glass. Make sure there's a bit of head when you're done pouring.
Open a can or bottle of stout (Guinness is the go-to for most of us, but others exist; try a chocolate or espresso stout if you haven't already had the pleasure) and pour it slowly over the back of a spoon. Do not use a slotted (i.e. absinthe) spoon- just a regular spoon.
That's it. The stout should now be layered on top of the lager. You now have a Black and Tan.

The key is to pour the stout slowly, or you end up with a murky mess. It's still drinkable, but a mess nonetheless. Video instructions are below as well: be sure to practice before trying to impress your friends with this trick.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day responsibly: don't become part of the reason that some call it "Amateur Night".