A new hybrid version of Ireland's most famous stout has left Guinness drinkers deeply divided. The controversial '60/40' pint, which blends the non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0 with the classic 4.2% ABV draught, is being trialled in pubs, creating a storm of opinion both for and against the lighter tipple.
What Is The 60/40 Guinness Pint?
The innovative 60/40 pour is designed to offer a lower-alcohol alternative without completely sacrificing the traditional Guinness experience. This concoction lowers the alcohol content from the standard 4.2% ABV to approximately 1.7% ABV. According to reports from The Telegraph, the pint is still crafted using the brand's iconic two-stage pour, with the key difference being that the Guinness 0.0 is poured first.
One of the first establishments to serve the new drink is the Palmerstown House Pub in Dublin. The pub took to social media to promote the offering, writing: "Try out new '60/40' in the Palmerstown House. All of the Guinness character, just a little lighter! Great for when you’re in the mood for a pint but with a little less alcohol! Just ask for a '60/40.'"
A Pint of Controversy: Public Reaction
The public response to the 60/40 pint has been anything but muted. On one side of the debate, purists have expressed outrage. One social media user commented that the creation is "a load of nonsense," while another vehemently stated it "should be illegal". Others questioned the very point of the drink, with one person declaring "Full pints or nothing".
However, not all feedback has been negative. Some have welcomed the move as "top-draw thinking," drawing comparisons to Guinness Mid-Strength, a 2.8% ABV stout that was test-marketed in Limerick between 2006 and 2008.
Marketing Masterstroke or Sacrilege?
Darah Curran, a prominent voice in the stout world known online as The Guinness Guru to his 165,000 followers, believes the move is a clever marketing tactic. He told The Telegraph, "This is obviously done to go viral and fair play because it obviously works." Curran admitted he would likely make a video trying the pint himself, acknowledging its power to generate clicks and views.
He offered a balanced perspective, noting the predictable initial backlash: "The quick reaction from people will always be this is absolutely sacrilegious... Is it ruining the classic pint of Guinness? Maybe it is, but just don’t order it." He concluded that for most, it's an all-or-nothing choice, but recognised it as an original idea in a changing market.
This strategic shift by pubs and brewers aligns with a broader trend in consumer habits. A survey from October 2025 revealed that half of young adults are now actively choosing 'now and low' alcohol products. The data shows that 44% of UK adults are moderating their drinking with these options, a significant increase from 31% back in 2018.
