Guinness 0.0 Review — Is It Actually Any Good?

Yes. Guinness 0.0 is genuinely good. It took Guinness years to develop and get right, and the result is one of the most impressive alcohol-free beers in the world. It looks, smells and tastes remarkably close to the real thing — and at just 16 calories per serving, it is also one of the most guilt-free drinks you can pour.

Guinness first attempted an alcohol-free version years before the 0.0 launched, but quietly shelved it because the taste was not good enough. They went back to the drawing board and spent years perfecting a cold filtration process that removes the alcohol while preserving the flavour compounds that make Guinness what it is. The result, launched in 2021, was immediately recognised as one of the best NA beers on the market.

The can uses the same surge widget technology as regular Guinness — that little plastic device inside the can that creates the famous creamy head when you pour. It works just as well in the 0.0.

Appearance: Pours jet black with the characteristic two-tone effect — black body separating from a creamy ivory head as it settles. Visually identical to regular Guinness.

Aroma: Roasted malt, dark chocolate, a hint of coffee. There is a very slight sweetness on the nose that you might notice if comparing directly with the full-strength version, but it is subtle.

Taste: Dry roasted character up front, creamy mouthfeel, a gentle bitterness on the finish. The flavour profile is impressively close to regular Guinness — the main difference is a slightly lighter body and a touch less complexity on the finish.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and creamy, with that velvety texture Guinness is known for. This is where Guinness 0.0 really shines — the mouthfeel is exceptional for an NA beer.

Honestly, closer than you would expect. Side by side, the 0.0 has a slightly thinner body and less of the complex roasted depth that comes from the fermentation process in full-strength Guinness. But pour it on its own, serve it correctly, and most people would struggle to tell the difference. That is a remarkable achievement.

The calorie difference is significant — regular Guinness has around 210 calories per pint, while the 0.0 has just 16 calories per 538ml can. That is not a typo.

Serve cold but not ice cold — around 6-8°C is ideal. Pour slowly at an angle into a clean glass, then let it settle for 90 seconds before topping up. The surge widget creates the cascade effect automatically. Do not rush it. The ritual is part of the experience.

Verdict

Guinness 0.0 is one of the best arguments for alcohol-free beer. It proves that with enough investment and expertise, NA beer can genuinely rival its full-strength counterpart. An essential purchase.

More from the Journal

Rate every beer. Find your taste archetype. Free on iPhone.