Alcohol-Free Guinness 0.0

Tasting notes and what to expect

Guinness 0.0 is the alcohol-free version of the world's most-recognised stout — and arguably the AF release that most-changed mainstream perception of alcohol-free beer when it launched globally in 2021. Brewed using a cold-filtration process to remove alcohol from finished beer, Guinness 0.0 is engineered to track the flavour profile of regular Guinness Draught (4.2% ABV).

Appearance and aroma: The signature dark ruby-black with the iconic creamy tan head — visually indistinguishable from regular Guinness in the glass. Aroma is roasted barley, dry coffee, a faint sweetness underneath. The roasted-grain character is the recognisable Guinness signature, and it survives alcohol-removal cleanly.

Palate and finish: Light-to-medium body, slightly thinner than full-strength Guinness, but with the same dry roasted-grain character through the palate. Modest bitterness, a creamy mouthfeel from the nitrogen widget (in cans) or the nitrogen tap pour (in pubs), finishing dry with a lingering coffee-roasted note. Best served from cold draught — warmer than that and the body gap to full-strength Guinness becomes more obvious.

Food pairings: The traditional Guinness pairings still apply — oysters, beef stew, lamb dishes, mature cheeses, chocolate desserts. The dry-stout character pairs particularly well with salty and umami-rich foods.

How it compares: Drier than Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout (which is sweeter and creamier from lactose). Less intense than Northern Monk Heaven AF (which is imperial-style and dessert-shaped). Guinness 0.0 is the AF stout most likely to be available on UK pub draught — its unique strength. See the alcohol-free stout hub for the wider category.

Frequently asked questions