Daryl on Pintent

Daryl, one of the founding members of Pintathlon, shares critical insights into his new concept, Pintent. More than just a decision criteria for which establishments to include in a given location, Pintent strikes at the very core of the Perfect Pint Experience itself.

--July 2004

While making our way through a Pintathlon, there are usally more establishments available than we can reasonably visit. How do we decide if we should darken the doors of one local versus the next? This age old question is posed by many Pintathletes, both novice and expert. And it is a fair question. This essay clarifies the matter and presents a pinting philosophy that all Pintathletes must grasp.

In our collection of over 90 rated establishments, there are many that do not fall within the traditional pub genre. In fact, of the places that we have bestowed the coveted "Jewel" status upon, a mere 1 in 5 is a traditional style pub. For seasoned Pintathletes, this is completely acceptable if not expected. The central principle in determining if a place is Pintathlon material is INTENT. What is the intent of the establishment? Dining, dancing, or serving beer? To qualify for inclusion in a Pintathlon, an establishment must at least have the intent to serve pints.

How does one go about defining intent? Intent is somewhat like defining atmosphere. It is very obvious when you see it, but hard to define in words. It is innate. It is an experience. That said, there are some rules of thumb that can help determine if a location is Pintathlon material or not:

1. Are there any beers on tap?
2. Would it be acceptable and/or normal for patrons to visit for drinks only?
3. Is there a bar with seating at the bar?
4. Can you seat yourself?

If the answer to all these questions is 'yes' then you likely have a place demonstrating intent to serve beer.  The intent to serve beer is all that is required to be a Pintathlon candidate. However, finely tuned Pintathletes are looking for a bit more then a place intending to serve beer…the perfect pint experience will not be found there. Pintathletes are looking for a place that is intending to serve pints. Thus, the introduction to a pinting philosophy known as PINTENT (pint-ent). Though locations intending to serve beer may rate highly, it is those chosen few that have made it their business to serve pints that generally score high and are a "must stop" for any avid Pintathlete.

So if the intent to serve beer is evident, then the establishment is a viable Pintathlon candidate. Do not be disappointed if it does not deliver the perfect pint experience. It may rate highly, but is missing something. Yes, it has the intent so it is the right type of place. The dilemma is that the place has no Pintent. So why stop at an establishment that has no Pintent? First, it is the duty of Pintathlete to give places of intent an opportunity. Second, a place without Pintent and plenty of intent may still rate very high, so do not write it off. And finally, Pintent cannot be assessed until you are inside being served (versus intent which is observable the moment the establishment is entered).

In closing, intent is the philosophy that separates Pintathlon destinations from non-Pintathlon destinations. This is the fundamental point. Pintent is the philosophy that drives the propensity for the perfect pint experience. Imagine if you will, a public house that has great service, strong taps, perfect atmosphere and Pintent…you have just found the perfect pint experience.