The Alcohol-Free Revolution
Guinness 0.0 launched in 2020, offering a non-alcoholic option for the first time in the brand's 260+ year history. But does removing the alcohol remove the experience?
The Basics
| Attribute | Guinness 0.0 | Guinness Draught |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 0.0% | 4.2% |
| Calories (per pint) | ~70 | ~198 |
| Carbs (per pint) | ~17g | ~18g |
| Available as | Can only | Draft, can, bottle |
Did you know?
Guinness 0.0 is one of the few 0.0% beers (truly alcohol-free) rather than 0.5% (low alcohol). This matters for those avoiding alcohol entirely for health or religious reasons.
How It's Made
The Process
Guinness 0.0 isn't simply Guinness with alcohol removed. The process involves:
- Brewing a low-alcohol beer
- Carefully removing alcohol through cold filtration
- Blending to recreate the flavour profile
- Adding nitrogen for the cascade effect
What This Means
The result is a beer designed from scratch to taste like Guinness without alcohol, rather than a stripped-down version of the original.
Taste Comparison
Our Testing
We conducted blind taste tests comparing Guinness 0.0 (poured from can) to Guinness Draught (poured from can):
Appearance:
- Nearly identical dark colour
- Similar head formation with widget
- 0.0 cascade slightly less dramatic
Aroma:
- 0.0: Lighter roasted notes
- Draught: Richer, more complex
Taste:
- 0.0: Sweet upfront, lighter body
- Draught: More depth, better balance
Mouthfeel:
- 0.0: Thinner, less creamy
- Draught: Fuller, classic texture
The Verdict
Guinness 0.0 is 85% of the way there. It's remarkably close for an alcohol-free beer, but experienced Guinness drinkers will notice the differences.
Pro Tip
Served very cold, the differences between 0.0 and regular become harder to detect. If you're trying to reduce alcohol intake, this is a genuinely viable alternative.
When to Choose 0.0
Ideal Situations
- Designated driver: Enjoy the ritual without the alcohol
- Dry January (or any month): Don't miss out on the experience
- Lunch drinking: Stay sharp for afternoon
- Health reasons: Lower calories, no alcohol
- Pregnancy: A controversial choice some make
- Religious observance: True 0.0% option
Maybe Stick to Regular
- Special occasions: When quality matters most
- At a great pub: The draft experience is worth it
- Blind tasting: You want authentic notes
- With Guinness connoisseurs: They'll notice
Warning
Some countries classify 0.0% beer differently. Check local laws if this distinction matters for your situation.
Availability
Where to Find It
Guinness 0.0 is available:
- Major supermarkets (most stock it now)
- Online retailers
- Some pubs (increasingly common)
- Airports and convenience stores
Not Available (Yet)
- On draft in most pubs
- In bottles
- In many traditional Irish pubs
Nutritional Comparison
For health-conscious drinkers:
| Per Serving (Can) | 0.0 | Draught |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 125 |
| Carbohydrates | 15.9g | 10g |
| Sugar | 1.5g | 0g |
| Protein | 0.8g | 1.2g |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
Did you know?
Interestingly, while 0.0 has fewer calories, it has more carbohydrates. The alcohol in regular Guinness contains calories but no carbs.
Pouring Technique
Guinness 0.0 contains the same widget technology as regular canned Guinness. Pour it the same way:
- Chill can thoroughly
- Open with decisive pull
- Pour at 45 degrees
- Straighten as you fill
- Let surge settle
- Enjoy
The cascade effect is present, though slightly less dramatic than regular Guinness.
Price Comparison
Guinness 0.0 typically costs:
- Similar to regular Guinness in supermarkets
- Sometimes slightly more due to novelty
- Less when bought in multi-packs
The price premium for alcohol-free beer is smaller with Guinness than with many craft options.
The Social Factor
One underrated aspect of Guinness 0.0: social inclusion. Non-drinkers can participate in pub culture, rounds, and rituals without explanation or compromise.
Holding a pint of Guinness 0.0 looks and feels the same as holding regular Guinness. For many, this social camouflage matters.
Our Rating
Guinness 0.0: 7/10
A genuinely impressive alcohol-free option that captures most of the Guinness experience. The best in its category, with the main drawback being it's not quite as good as the real thing (which, frankly, would be impossible).
Recommendation: Keep some in the fridge. You'll find occasions where it's the perfect choice.
Want to know about other Guinness variants? Read our guide to every type of Guinness explained.
