JOHN Smith’s bitter is the latest beer to have its alcohol content lowered by brewers.
Owner Heineken said top-selling John Smith’s Extra Smooth will be reduced from 3.6 per cent ABV to 3.4 per cent.
AlamyJohn Smith’s Extra Smooth will be reduced from 3.6 per cent ABV to 3.4 per cent[/caption]
It will fall into the new, lower tax rate on booze under 3.5 per cent.
Heineken also announced a rise of 1.73 per cent in the wholesale price of all their keg beers from Monday.
Pub landlords will likely have to pass the increase on to customers.
Heineken said the decision to make the bitter weaker was to promote healthy drinking.
Their spokesman said: “We know consumers are increasingly choosing lower ABV products as part of a balanced lifestyle.
“Acknowledging this trend we have made the decision to brew John Smith’s Extra Smooth at a slightly lower ABV.
“Reducing the alcohol content of the UK’s No.1 keg ale brand removes millions of alcohol units across the UK – aligned to our long held position of promoting moderation.”
Last year, Carlsberg lowered its pilsner to 3.4 per cent ABV ahead of the Government’s alcohol duty changes.