Ireland's Oldest Ale, since 1710.
"The basic Smithwick's Draught has a creamy head, a palate that is very soft at first but develops in sweetness, and a hint of treacle toffee dryness in the finish. It seems bigger than might be expected from a gravity of 1036.
It is brewed from Pale Ale malt, roasted barley and 20 per cent corn syrup, with English bittering hops, plus Fuggles and Goldings for aroma.
Smithwick's had used the same yeast for many years, and the beer has a week's cold maturation. Draught Smithwick's is also made by the Cherry's brewery, in Waterford.
The bottled version of Smithwick's, known as Number 1, is a point higher in gravity, and has 10 per cent corn syrup.
A version called Smithwick's Export in the Canadian market and Kilkenny Irish Beer in some European countries has a gravity of 1048 and is all malt, with fuller colour and higher bitterness. Italy has a 1052 version and one at 1059 called Kilkenny Strong."
- Jackson, Michael, "Brewery with its own abbey - it must be Ireland", What's Brewing, (1993)
Beer Ratings and Reviews:
[1] Review by Cybercat from Atlanta, GA, USA who has tried this beer once. (6/6/2009 10:35:33 AM)
"Comes out of the tap a beautiful translucent reddish-brown, almost mahogany, with a decent pale beige head. Pleasant aroma is mostly malty but has some hoppy hints and just a touch of cloves. Flavor is more malty than hoppy, with a hint of caramel and just a teeny trace of bitterness. A smooth and very enjoyable ale."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
9/10
Mouthfeel:
9/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.1)
Sampled: Forced Draught Sample Size: 16oz @ $5 Unit Cost: $5 per Pint
[2] Review by Jabah from Port St. Lucie, FL, USA who has tried this beer a couple times. (6/2/2009 3:01:08 PM)
"This reminded me a bit of Killian's Irish Red, but a bit heavier perhaps. Had a dark amber-red appearance. A bit bitter...with tastes of caramel, hops, malts. Think I prefer the Stouts they make better, but that is just my style. Was OK to try, and surely better than the average beer."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
6/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.4)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.38 Unit Cost: $1.84 per Pint
[3] Review by MissSipless from Memphis, TN, USA who has tried this beer a couple times. (5/21/2009 1:16:13 PM)
"I guess this is an alright beer. I tried it recently to see what the fuss was all about and I'll have to try it again because it was nothing special. A bit watery for my liking."
Aroma:
5/10
Appearance:
5/10
Mouthfeel:
3/10
Flavor:
3/10
Overall:
5/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(2.1)
Sampled: Can
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
[4] Review by funk from grand forks, ND, USA who has tried this beer a couple times. (4/8/2009 9:18:04 PM)
"Pours an amber/brown with a thin white head. Aroma is faint with malt the dominant smell. Taste is malty with just a bit of bitterness to balance it out. Overall, solid but not exciting. A good session beer if you're into malty beers."
Aroma:
6/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
7/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.4)
Sampled: Forced Draught Sample Size: 22oz @ $3.25 Unit Cost: $2.36 per Pint
[5] Review by Clash from Chattanooga, TN, USA who has tried this beer once. (3/23/2009 10:29:25 PM)
"This poured a copper color with an moderate off white head. The aroma is faint with hints of caramel, chocolate, and some toffee. I CAN NOT WAIT TO TASTE THOSE DELICIOUS CRYSTAL MALTS!!!! The flavor contains hints of chocolate and also caramel, toffee. A nutty presence also exists with this one. The palate is on the thin side. Overall this one was pretty good and about what I was expecting. "
Aroma:
6/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
5/10
Flavor:
6/10
Overall:
6/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.25 Unit Cost: $1.67 per Pint
Do you want to see the rest of the reviews? Sign In or Register FREE! = BeerPals Only
Review this Beer:
You must be a member to write a review. Please sign up or log in.
(4.1)
