www.smithwicks.ie
In honour of Saint Patrick's day being tomorrow, today I am reviewing Smithwick's and tomorrow I will review the grand daddy of all Irish brews, Guinness, though not in age, certainly in fame.
I reviewed a couple of other brews from the Guinness group, Beer #50, Harp Lager and Beer #55, Kilkenny Cream Ale. Smithwicks, which is pronounced smithicks, the 'w' is silent. Smithwick's is actually the oldest ale in Ireland, beating out Guinness by over 40 years. Yet still largely unknown outside of Ireland, at least in comparison to Guinness.
It has a clear amber colour with a thick white head.
It smells strongly of all the aspects of the hops, the floral and bitter notes coming on stronger than the citrus, the malt is quite apparent as well.The floral and malt come in right at the beginning of the taste, while the malt stays present the floral is soon overtaken by the bitterness. The malt fades away just leaving the bitterness to finish with a little citrus note coming in at the very end.
A truly classic ale, the flavour profile is complex yet easy to drink. This is a favourite of mine if available on tap in pubs, but it's still just as good at home in cans.
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