Guinness releases MicroDraught to pour a pint anywhere

Guinness has launched Guinness MicroDraught, a way of serving fresh Guinness Draught on tap to outlets of any size or set-up.

Guinness MicroDraught is the result of a two-year development process that uses a keg that comes in a can. While the Guinness used is brewed in the same way as traditional Guinness, instead of kegging it in larger kegs, Guinness Draught beer is delivered in cans, which are slotted into the Guinness MicroDraught unit.

The dispense technology, the biggest for the brand since the development of the ‘widget' in 1988, is a solution to pour Guinness in spaces, such as restaurants, where previously it would be impossible to serve on tap due to the lack of keg system, beer lines and cooling system.

Guinness MicroDraught will be trialled in TGI Fridays restaurants in Britain from June, in venues in Ireland from July and fully launched in Korea in July. Further trials in the US, China, Hong Kong, Germany and Russia will follow later this year.

The MicroDraught unit uses a patent-pending double coaxial piercing of the can, with an air pump to push the liquid out of the can and through the standard Guinness Draught spout. The result is a two-part pour.

Steve Gilsenan, global head of quality at Guinness, said: "Guinness MicroDraught is a significant dispense innovation and enables us to continue Guinness' upmost commitment to quality around the globe. It ensures the iconic Guinness pour and ideal temperature is guaranteed every time."