An advert for the new syringe.
Source: http://www.packaging-gateway.com/features/feature774/feature774-4.html
Before the advent of the famous widget in Guinness cans to give them a good head when poured, you had to use a syringe to get the perfect pour at home.
In 1978 Guinness introduced the ‘Creamer’ or ‘Surger’ syringe that you would get with a pack of bottles or cans. You would pour the bottle into a pint glass, then remove some of the Guinness using the syringe, and then inject it back from a few inches up to give it a head.
Here’s a recent photo of one still in its existing packaging. Source: http://www.adverts.ie/other-antiques-collectables/old-guinness-bottle-syringe/4510734
It’s a fairly unique way to get the perfect pour at home and just goes to show how seriously people take their Guinness.
Here’s a demonstration using a similar device showing how it works.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaqHxspJbyU
We asked a few Publiners if they remembered it and we also have memories of playing with Granddad Publin’s one from when he visited. Here’s what the remember about it.
@publinie yep – there was a black syringe. Didn’t really work
— Joe O’Shea (@josefoshea) April 12, 2015
@publinie Was called a surger according to my dad — Ciara (@Ciara_Floop) April 12, 2015
@publinie You got them with cans of Guinness, you drew some out and injected it back in to get the head, if I remember correctly.
— Matthew Lysaght (@MatthewLysaght) April 12, 2015
@publinie yes it was a plastic thing like a cross between a syringe and a crazy straw that you injected air into the glass with. — JTMoomin (@JTMoomin) April 12, 2015
