I Finally Tried Guinness: What Surprised Me (And Where to Get a Perfect Pour in MSP)

Want to know a secret? Even with my Irish heritage, I’d never tried a Guinness. I have nothing against it; it’s all beers that I do not care for. I can’t stand the smell. But as an adventurous person, I decided I would not let my aversion to the smell of beer stop me from trying one. I owe it to my ancestors.

The Guinness

Guinness is an Irish staple. As the best-selling stout in Ireland, most have tried one. With an estimated 10 million glasses served daily worldwide and well over a billion pints poured each year, they must be doing something right.

I had to find out what I was missing. For a truly Irish-style experience, I knew I had to head to a proper Irish pub in the States.

Where To Get It

Sprawling into the suburbs of the Twin Cities was a public house called Jake O’Connor’s. They served Irish comfort dishes with a modern twist. I love the décor in a good Irish pub, and Jake O’Connor’s didn’t disappoint.

Things like traditional Irish breakfast and shepherd’s pie, along with corned beef sandwiches, were on the menu. They had the Irish flair down.

Located in the heart of Excelsior, it was a spot where locals hung out. It seemed like the perfect place to try my first Guinness.

Editor’s note, 2025-10-17: Jake O’Connor’s in Excelsior has closed. If you want a great pour near Minneapolis–Saint Paul today, try:

• The Local (Downtown Minneapolis): Known for a proper Guinness pour and classic pub plates.
• Kieran’s Irish Pub (Downtown Minneapolis): Live music on weekends, friendly staff that respects the two-part pour.
• O’Donovan’s Irish Pub (Near Target Center): Solid tap list and traditional fare.
• The Dubliner Pub (St. Paul): Cozy vibe, live trad sessions, and a consistent pour.

The Perfect Pour

We ordered a couple of drinks and appetizers and waited for our first sip of Guinness. My husband teased me because I never drink beer.

Guinness requires a little care. The bartender fills the glass about two-thirds at a 45-degree angle, lets it settle, then tops it off to form the creamy head.

Let it rest until you see that distinct separation between the foam and the dark stout below. This ritual is part of the experience. You can buy Guinness in bottles and cans, and the widget helps, but a pub pour is different.

When it arrived, it looked beautiful. This is not a Solo cup drink. The foam on top comes from nitrogen and carbon dioxide released as it’s poured.

For me, the head felt like a safety net. It reminded me of whipped cream on coffee. It trapped some of the aroma that might have swayed me.

The Taste

My first drink was surprisingly good. It didn’t have the aftertaste and smell I associated with beer before. It had a rich creaminess. It was filling. When you take your first drink, embrace the foam mustache.

The next time I’m in a pub, I will order another. I’m not sure why it took me so long. I let my sense of smell keep me away from this delight.

I won’t let that stop me in the future. What about you? Do you have any odd fears that keep you from trying something new?

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