Nomadic Lives Local, Experiential India Travel Blog
Smithwick’s Irish Ale – The Least Settlement!
Type: Red Ale
One of the more commonly found Irish beers, Smithwick’s Red Ale was my go-to drink in the rare case I found the local brew not up to my palate. The other benefit with Smithwick’s is that it is one of the only brews on this list available at supermarkets, which makes it easier to indulge in (and cheaper)!
Smithwick’s Irish Ale
Smithwick’s is a red ale from Kilkenny – it is a clear beer with a ruby red color and a creamy head! The aroma is somewhere midway between sweet toffee to chocolate/caramel nuttiness. The flavor has a creamy smooth malt character – fairly sweet with a touch of mild hops for balance. The carbonation is rather mild resulting in a creamy smooth texture. Not too spectacular, not too bland – as a brew, it stands well for the working Irishman and is rather symbolic too (what with its red color and all – trust me, you will get over the obsession with red-hair pretty quickly when in Ireland – at least as soon as you realize it’s nothing but an over-rated myth)
Discovered at: O’Neill’s Pub, Butlerstown, Co. Cork
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
I’ll have to pass this to my boyfriend… I don’t personally drink but he loves beer!
Great post! Loved trying all the different beer while in Ireland. Although I preferred the ciders I was also a fan of harp- especially when they mixed it with ‘lemonade’.
Hannah, it was part of my daily routine in Ireland – everytime I entered a pub, I’d interrogate the bartender for his favorite choice of local brew! Worked like a charm most times. Never tried the lemonade trick with Harps – maybe next time (sure sounds very intriguing)
MMMM BEER that is awesome that you found a really good beer. I like trying different things here in canada
Thanks for sharing! My husband and I really want to go to Ireland within the next few years. It looks like such a beautiful country- and the beer certainly can’t hurt!
Samantha,
you really must – you’ll hardly believe how beautiful the land is and how warm the people are through somebody else’s words 🙂
Not a beer drinker but got a few friends who love the whole beer experience.
Nolie,
That’s a shame, really – but there’s beverages of all kinds in Ireland. Do you prefer ciders? Do share this with your beer guzzling friends 😉
I’m not a drinker but I’m sure there will be plenty that will love this! I’ll have to pass it on.
I don’t drink . . . can’t even stand to smell beer . . . but I love Ireland and the Irish. Does that count? 🙂 I have not been to Ireland but it is on my “bucket list.” I made it over to Scotland once and found that it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I’m sure Ireland is breathtaking as well. I can’t wait for my chance to see it.
Oh it’s interesting you mention that Tina, because I was in Scotland immediately before I traveled to Ireland and I found both cultures to be quite similar – connoisseurs of good beer, whiskey & wine, great patrons of literature and music and generously warm people as a rule! You should drop by – Ireland will hardly disappoint 🙂
I can’t stand beer, but I know my brother would love this post. He enjoys trying out different kinds of beer.
– HilLesha O’Nan
Be sure to pass it on – I’m sure he’ll find a favorite somewhere therein 🙂
I will have to share with my father-in-law who loves trying all different kinds of beers.
I am not a beer drinker but I have some friends that are. They are planning a trip to Dublin so I will share this with them.
Catherine, if they are going to be in Dublin tell them not to miss out on the Temple Bar area – that block has some of the best traditional and contemporary pubs in the city. Porterhouse and Temple Bar itself to name a couple 🙂
I’d like to try these, but I’m sadly not that big into beer. I’m more of a wine person personally.
You know, I’ve never had an Irish beer before, but these sound really good. I’ll have to give one a try.
I’ve never been into beer, but I’m going to give these a shot. I’m of Irish descent, so maybe these will tickle my pallet.
Goodmorning Irishman Ben! Happy to make your acquaintance – I’m quite sure it’d do more than just tickle your pallet sir 🙂
All of these sound so good. .I love a good beer, and I’ve never had an Irish brew before.
They All Sound Delicious Love All The Different Flavors Thank You For Sharing!!
I’m not really a beer drinker, but one day I plan to try an Irish brew with my corned beef & cabbage on St. Patty’s Day.
I have never been to Ireland but would love to go some day just to try the beers. I have heard they have the best beers. They sound amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Not a beer drinker persay…BUT my hubby goes nuts over beer battered bread. Maybe we will have to try it with a taste of Ireland next time 🙂
Irish beer is too grassy for me. I like the good taste of a proper blonde!
I have never been to Ireland, only to England next door and as able to taste a few Irish beers. I think I would like Tom Crean’s fresh Irish lager. I generally don’t prefer to have beer that is too bitter.
I went to Ireland a number of years ago and loved it! The food and the beer are so good. I have never had Guinness but I have sampled some of the other stuff.
I’m not a beer drinker. A trip to Ireland would be fun though.
I hate all beers and ales.. I’ll drink anything else though alcohol wise.. I like the stronger stuff, not the weak stuff, never have liked the taste of beer.
I have never been to Ireland, but if I ever get the chance to — this post will definitely come in handy.
I don’t drink, but I definitely want to go to Ireland. So thanks for sharing. If I ever make there I will definitely keep the beers in mind for my beer-drinking-buddies!
I love beer but tend to stick with the locals – great post, thanks for sharing!
I will keep these in mind for when we head across. I am always unsure which beers I should try – I am not really Guinness fan and prefer a lighter beer so this is a great, handy guide to have. Thanks for sharing.