Guinness 0 Review – When Alcohol-Free Feels Like Nothing’s Missing!

I should say this upfront, I’m a Guinness fan! Always have been.

It was never a “special occasion” beer for me. It was the dependable one. Cold evenings, quiet pubs, no rush. A proper pint placed in front of you, the head settling while you waited. Simple. Grounding. Familiar.

When I stopped drinking alcohol, Guinness was one of the beers I genuinely thought I’d lost.

So when I finally spent real time with Guinness 0, I wasn’t looking to be convinced by marketing. I just wanted to know one thing: Would this still feel like Guinness?

First impressions of Guinness 0 in the glass

The pour immediately eased any doubt.

Jet black body. That unmistakable nitro cascade. A dense, creamy head that slowly settles and holds its shape.

It looks exactly how you want it to look and with Guinness, that visual cue matters. A lot.

You can hear the nitro widget activate as the can opens. That quiet hiss tells you this has been taken seriously.

So far, so good!

Aroma

Roasted barley straight away.

Coffee. Toast. A hint of cocoa.No sweetness jumping out. No artificial alcohol-free edge. Just clean, dry stout character.

At this point, my guard was down.

How Guinness 0 actually tastes

First sip… and honestly, I relaxed.

It’s smooth. Dry. Properly roasty.
The bitterness is balanced. The finish is clean. Nothing feels thin or rushed.

Is it identical to standard Guinness? No, if you went hunting for differences, you’d notice it’s slightly lighter.

But something important happens after a few mouthfuls.

You stop comparing.

You’re no longer thinking about what it isn’t. You’re just drinking a stout and enjoying it,  and for a Guinness fan, that matters more than perfection.

Mouthfeel (where it really wins)

This is the standout.

The nitro mouthfeel is genuinely there.
Creamy, rounded, soft. That thick head sticks around and gives you that slow, satisfying Guinness experience most alcohol-free beers can’t replicate.

It doesn’t feel like a workaround.
It feels intentional.

How I like to drink Guinness 0

This one deserves a proper glass.

Take your time with the pour. Let it settle. That small ritual is part of the enjoyment.

It works beautifully with food,  stews, pies, rich savoury dishes, but it’s just as good on its own when you want one drink that feels complete.

No noise. No hype. Just comfort.

Is Guinness 0 worth it?

In Canada, you’re usually looking for $14.99/4-Pack,.

For something this close to the real experience ,with nitro, body and proper stout character, that’s excellent value! This isn’t novelty pricing. It earns its place.

Final thoughts

What surprised me most about Guinness 0.0 wasn’t how clever it was.

It was how normal it felt.

After a few minutes, I wasn’t thinking about alcohol-free beer at all. I was just enjoying a Guinness-style moment, familiar, calm, and satisfying. Not because it’s flawless.
But because, as a Guinness fan, it gives something back without making a fuss about it.

• Score: 9.5/10
• Verdict: A genuine banger and still the benchmark for alcohol-free stout
• Best served: Proper pour, time to settle
• Best with: Comfort food, cold days, quiet evenings