Smithwick's Irish Ale goes back to 1710 and claims to be Ireland's oldest brewery. That's over 300 years for those of you keeping track at home. Its roots trace back to a brewery at St. Francis Abbey in Kilkenny. The name comes from John Smithwick who moved to Kilkenny in the early 1700s, but at that time Catholics were not allowed to own property so he did business in secret. It wasn't until the 1800s when his grandson was finally able to use the Smithwick name with this beer. Nine generations of Smithwick's kept the beer going through the decades and centuries. In 1964Guinness bought a controlling share.
Even though this is considered a red ale the coloring is a dark amber color that is almost brown. It clocks in a a mere 4.5% ABV. It tastes like a very malty amber beer with a little bit of caramel flavor. Not really any hop flavor, but it still has a bit of a bitter flavor which is comes from the hops being added late in the boil. There is a long aftertaste that is long and malty. Overall, it reminded me of Newcastle, but darker, more malty, and less nutty. Smithwick's is nothing to be impressed with, but its a good smooth drinking beer.
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