Smithwick's - Ale - 3.8% ABV

Brewer's Notes

"Smithwicks is a clear beer with a rich ruby colour and a creamy head. It’s refreshing and clean with a gentle balance of bitter hops, sweet malty notes and a hint of roasted coffee.

Smithwick's was originally created as a special brew for the first Kilkenny Beer Festival. It was later renamed Smithwick's No. 1 but is known today as Smithwick's. Smithwicks is Irelands favourite ale, from a tradition of ale brewing founded in 1710.

Smithwick's was founded by John Smithwick in 1710. It was originally brewed in St. Francis Abbey Brewery in Kilkenny which is Ireland's oldest operating brewery. The brewery is situated on the site of a Franciscan Abbey where monks had brewed ale since the 14th century, and ruins of the original abbey still remain on its grounds. The old brewery has since been renovated and now stands "The Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny" visitor attraction and centre

In 1800, export sales began to fall and the brewing industry encountered difficulty. To combat this, the Smithwick family increased production in their maltings, began selling mineral water and delivered butter with the ale from the back of their drays."