Guinness beer comes with a plastic ball called a ‘widget’ inside the can. The function of this widget is very simple, it is responsible for releasing bubbles in the drink when it is opened, thus improving the taste of the beer. In addition, this brewing innovation influences the unique taste and texture of this brand, thus obtaining a unique experience.
The Guinness widget is a resource that the malt beer employs to ensure that consumers enjoy the product to the fullest. This widget, made of plastic, is placed inside the can to enhance the appearance and taste of Guinness, demonstrating its commitment to quality.
The Guinness widget is used to create a creamier and smoother foam in beer. It is a hollow, spherical piece of plastic with a small hole, which is filled with liquid nitrogen and beer during the canning process. Brewers add liquid nitrogen as part of the canning process. This causes pressure to build up inside the can, which causes gas and liquid to enter the widget inside through the tiny hole.
When the can is opened, the liquid nitrogen evaporates and flows out of the widget, mixing with the beer and creating a keg-like texture. Guinness patented the widget idea in 1969, but did not introduce it in its cans until 1989. The widget makes Guinness a unique beer that is different from other Irish beers or other types of beer.