Guinness unveils MicroDraught dispensing system

Guinness has unveiled a new cutting-edge technology, the 'Guinness MicroDraught', to help venues around the world serve up a perfect pint no matter their size or set-up.

The result of a two-year development process, the Guinness MicroDraught is a new delivery system using uniquely designed cans, rather than traditional kegs, which are slotted into a specially designed pouring unit. 

The brand hopes the new dispensing technology - which it claims to be its biggest development since the 'widget' in the 1980s - will help more venues such as restaurants - which tend not to have the infrastructure to support beer lines and complex cooling systems - to serve Guinness on draught.

Guinness MicroDraught will be trialled in Fridays restaurants in Great 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 in 2021.

Grainne Wafer, Guinness global brand director, said: "Guinness is enjoyed the world over and globally renowned for pushing boundaries in technology.  Guinness MicroDraught is the next step in this journey and today’s launch means that Guinness will be available in over 12,000 more outlets for millions more consumers to enjoy."

MicroDraught uses a patent-pending double coaxial piercing of the can, combined with an air pump - as opposed to the traditional gas canister - to push the liquid out of the can and through the draught spout.

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 - meaning that only the best, freshest Guinness is served wherever you choose to enjoy it – from London to Seoul."

You can see the new Guinness MicroDraught system in action here.

14 June 2021 - Bethany Whymark