Smithwick’s Red Ale is an Irish Red Ale brewed by Guinness Ltd.. For the purposes of this beer review, the ale was served in a shaker pint glass from a 330 ml bottle.
Packaging art for the Smithwick’s Red Ale by Guinness Ltd.
What You Need to Know
While the Guinness Stout is far more famous, the Smithwick’s Red Ale is the other brew you’ll see in mass consumption during a visit to the Emerald Isle — particularly, in and around Kilkenny. The Red Ale has been around for the past 300 years and is a rather mild and easy-drinking brew. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The ale pours a clear ruby red and is topped by an inch-thick cap of dense off-white foam. A few patches of lace cling to the sides of the glass. A thin layer of fine bubbles covers the top of the ale.
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Aroma
The aroma is malty with a scent of toasted bread and toffee.
Flavor
Light floral hops and toasted bread rise to a mild bite of floral hops, a twang of orange, and toffee.
Label art for the Smithwick’s Red Ale by Guinness Ltd.
Mouthfeel
Its feel has a smooth draw that becomes grainy on the backend. The body is light with moderate carbonation.
Overall
Smithwick’s Red Ale is a rather unremarkable brew. The Irish Red Ale presents well enough and its aroma is nice. The palate is fine as well but its feel is all too thin to support it. While this brew may not be a drain pour, one could certainly do better.
Lovely beer. Great to see it back in circulation here in the Kingdom of Kerry . But why is it so expensive to buy in Supermarkets , compared to other Stout n Ale n Lager .people don’t bring it Home for that reason .
Hell yeah! Great stuff, unless you’re a beer snob.
Picked up a 6er at BevMo for about ten bucks. All I can give It is a pretty good afternoon brew. Nothing noteworthy or exceptional but pretty good. Forty years ago, before the craft beer craze, this beer would have been refreshingly different. Today, slightly played out.