UK lager to have alcohol content lowered from February | Personal Finance | Finance

A lager regularly enjoyed across the UK will see its alcohol content reduced from February.

Heineken UK has announced it will decrease the alcohol by volume (ABV) of its Foster’s lager, capitalising on duty reductions available for lower-strength beverages.

The beer is currently brewed at 3.7%, with the adjustment also designed to appeal to drinkers who are choosing lower ABV alternatives for health reasons.

A Heineken UK spokesperson said: “The decision to adjust the ABV of Foster’s reflects our commitment to helping consumers make responsible choices, while supporting pubs and retailers with a competitively priced classic lager alongside a portfolio of brands across the price and ABV spectrum.

“Our master brewers have spent many months refining the recipe to ensure the taste remains unmistakably Foster’s – crisp, balanced and refreshing.”

The spokesperson added that the revamped Foster’s has been subjected to “extensive consumer testing” and “delivers the same great taste and experience”.

Earlier this year Heineken also trimmed the ABV of its Mexican beer brand Sol to 3.4%.

The current amount of duty to be paid, per litre of alcohol, is £9.61 for 1.3-3.4%. This rises to £21.01 per litre of beer with an ABV of 3.5-8.4%.

This amount is per litre of alcohol, rather than per litre of the product.