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 RJA from Palm Springs, FL, USA who has tried this beer once. (8/18/2008 7:10:21 PM)
"An reddish colored beer. The head is unimpressive and settles into a thin layer soapy bubbles. The carbonation is a little on a ‘bit much’ part of the meter. The aroma that strikes the nose is mostly sweet, bready malt. The body is light and in that disappointing. There is a metallic aftertaste that is unpleasant. Not an ale I’ll revisit any time soon."
Aroma:
6/10
Appearance:
5/10
Mouthfeel:
4/10
Flavor:
4/10
Overall:
5/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(2.4)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.25 Unit Cost: $1.67 per Pint
[2] Review by bigred00 from buffalo, NY, USA who has tried this beer a couple times. (7/30/2008 4:19:08 PM)
"Presentation: Served at Doc Sullivan's, from tap and poured into a pint glass.
Appearance: It poured a dark reddish brown color with a thin white head that leaves nice rings of lace behind on the glass.
Smell: The aroma has a sweet malty nose with some mild hop notes.
Taste/Mouth feel: Its flavor has a creamy smooth malt character that is fairly sweet with some caramel notes and mild hops for balance. The carbonation is very mild making the texture creamy smooth. It has a medium body with a thin balanced finish.
Notes: Overall it's a very drinkable beer with a good body and flavor although not quite as deep as I would like to see. Still it's very drinkable.
"
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.6)
Sampled: Forced Draught Sample Size: 16oz @ $4 Unit Cost: $4 per Pint
[3] Review by phandnot from Rapid City, SD, USA who has tried this beer a couple times. (6/13/2008 2:57:50 AM)
"As suggested by a friend, I gave Smithwicks a try. To my delight the Irish Ale had a good aroma, a nice auburn color, and a very flavorful but smooth "mouth feel." Will definietely buy again."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.8)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 12oz @ $1.67 Unit Cost: $2.23 per Pint
[4] Review by fargingbastige6 from Birmingham, AL, USA who has tried this beer many times. (6/6/2008 9:33:33 AM)
"This is among the finest Irish Ales available. It has a nice, smooth head with rich, yet not overbearing flavor. A clean finish with nice maltiness. Excellent with fish and chips."
Aroma:
8/10
Appearance:
10/10
Mouthfeel:
9/10
Flavor:
9/10
Overall:
9/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.5)
Sampled: Bottle, Forced Draught Sample Size: 16oz @ $5 Unit Cost: $5 per Pint
[5] Review by zythum from union city, CA, USA who has tried this beer many times. (6/5/2008 10:02:20 PM)
"Pours a nice amber color with a medium tan head. Nice lacing. Plenty of malt aroma, with a little yeast coming thru. Lightly bitter malty flavor. Mouthfeel is smooth with a good carbonation on the tongue."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
7/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.7)
Sampled: Bottle, Forced Draught
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
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(2.4)
