A Dublin pub located just minutes from the iconic St James's Gate Brewery has ignited a fiery debate among Guinness enthusiasts with its controversial new creation. The Palmerstown House Pub on Old Lucan Road has introduced what it calls a '60/40' blend that combines traditional Guinness with the alcohol-free Guinness 0.0.
The Controversial Creation
The hybrid drink consists of 60% Guinness 0.0 poured first, followed by 40% of the original 4.2% ABV stout. This combination results in a lower-alcohol version sitting at approximately 1.7% ABV, offering drinkers what the pub describes as "all of the Guinness character, just a little lighter."
In a social media announcement that quickly went viral, the establishment positioned the new blend as perfect for those occasions when "you're in the mood for a pint but with a little less alcohol." The timing is particularly notable given the pub's proximity to the very birthplace of Guinness itself.
Divided Reactions From Purists
The response from Guinness drinkers has been anything but unanimous. Traditionalists have expressed outrage at what many consider sacrilege against one of Ireland's most cherished beverages.
One critic didn't mince words, asking "What is the f*****g point of this?" while another declared the creation "f**king ridiculous." More extreme reactions included calls for the blend to be made illegal, with one commenter stating firmly that "It's classed as sacrilege if you mess with a pint of Guinness in Ireland."
Yet not all responses have been negative. Defenders of the pub's right to experiment have pushed back against the criticism. One supporter challenged the detractors directly, writing: "If you don't want it, don't f*****g drink it, it's as simple as that." Another questioned why people would want to "ban or make illegal products they can choose not to purchase."
Marketing Genius or Pure Sacrilege?
Darah Curran, better known online as The Guinness Guru, offered professional insight into the controversy. He suggested that the creation was "obviously done to go viral" and acknowledged the marketing success of the approach.
"I know if I make a video about it, it will get clicks and views," Curran told The Telegraph, indicating he would likely create content sampling the controversial blend. He added that while the immediate reaction from purists would understandably be negative, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The expert noted that most Guinness drinkers likely fall into the "all or nothing" camp, preferring either the full 4.2% experience or complete abstinence rather than a middle-ground solution. However, he conceded that for those wanting to enjoy multiple pints with reduced alcohol impact, the blend serves a purpose.
This controversy emerges against the backdrop of Guinness culture, where drinkers are famously particular about the perfect pour, the distinctive appearance, and even the ability to 'split the G' on command. The 60/40 blend represents not just a new drink option but a challenge to deeply held traditions surrounding Ireland's most famous export.
