A Dublin pub has stirred controversy among Guinness enthusiasts with the introduction of a '60/40' blend that mixes the alcohol-free Guinness 0.0 with the original stout. The Palmerstown House Pub, located on Old Lucan Road near the St James's Gate Brewery, launched the hybrid beverage to offer a lower-alcohol option at 1.7% ABV, compared to the original's 4.2%.
The pub announced the new drink on social media, stating: 'Try our 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.”' The alcohol-free version is poured first, followed by the original.
However, the reaction online has been sharply divided. Critics have described the idea as 'sacrilegious' and 'f**king ridiculous', with one commenter saying it 'should be illegal'. Another wrote: 'It’s classed as sacrilege if you mess with a pint of Guinness in Ireland.'
Supporters have defended the choice, with one stating: 'If you don’t want it, don’t f*****g drink it... They are not getting rid of Guinness 4.2[%].' Another added: 'How about letting people do their own thing without forcing your opinion on it.'
Darah Curran, known online as The Guinness Guru, suggested the move is a marketing ploy. He told The Telegraph: 'This is obviously done to go viral and fair play because it obviously works... If you want to go out and have ten pints and only feel like you’ve had four, fair play.' He added that the quick reaction from people will always be that it is sacrilegious, but advised: 'just don’t order it.'
