For the Ninth Beer of Christmas, we hopped the pond again to visit the most famous brewery in Ireland.
At least I think Guinness is the most famous brewery in Ireland.
It’s the only one I can name. Before we get into tonight’s beer, let’s
start with a side note … I don’t like Guinness Stout, the brewery’s
flagship. In my experience, it’s a love it or leave it drink, and I
prefer to leave it. Every so often I try another one (I did on New
Year’s Eve), and yet the result is always the same. Consequently, I
didn’t have high hopes for this brew. But my low expectations were
without merit.
A nice copper-brown, the Smithwick’s kept a nice head and filled the
space around the glass with a malty, toffee aroma. A shade of hops adds
complexity to the scent. It’s a nice smelling beer. It doesn’t scream
“drink me,” but it’s inviting.
The flavor is equally hospitable to the mouth. It’s a medium body
beer with a lightly sweet taste. The malt and hops come through and the
drink finishes dry.
Smithwick’s is not a great beer, but I was pleasantly surprised given
my non-Guinness bias. I’m not likely to run out a buy a 6-pack again
any time soon, but I wouldn’t turn one down if it was offered to me.
And if I ever wander into an Irish pub, it will probably be first on the
list. Yes, if I find a good Irish pub (I’ll have to leave West Texas
for that), there will be a list. I’ll probably even have another
Guinness Stout (and I still won’t like it).
Stats
Brewer: Smithwick’s (Guinness)
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Website:
http://www.Smithwicks.ie and
http://www.Guinness.com
Style:
Irish Red Ale (Pale Ale)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Interesting Note: Smithwick’s is purported to be Ireland’s oldest beer,
being brewed since 1710 by John Smithwick. In 1965, Guinness purchased a
controlling share in the Smithwick brewery. Up to that time, the
brewery had been under the control of the Smithwick family. And at that
time, This year, the beer celebrates it’s 300th anniversary.
