Smithwicks

[Donna]

Hello. Does anyone know where I can purchase Smithwicks (bottle or can's) in the NYC area? I've have it on tap in a few pub's around town and can not find it anywhere.
Thanks.
Donna

[MeridianFC]

You might be better off posting this in the Mid Atlantic section down below.

[newportstorm]

Believe it's brewed by Guinness and imported by Diageo/Guinness - ask your local store (who most likely sells Guinness) if his distributor can deliver some to him. Saves running around the city. Good luck.

Cheers!

[dillen]

Sorry But in the midwest it is on tap only, but they do say they are trying to get it in retail packages by march. Hopefully

[hops99]

Here in Ohio, Smithwick's has only been available in the Columbus area. My distributor claims that Guinness has only released selectively in test markets, but are supposedly launching it nationwide in a couple of weeks (maybe March).

I've had a few customers at my store looking for it, and I must admit, I'm kinda curious to try it myself.

[s00z]

That's correct - the package launch is scheduled for the end of February/beginning March.

-BeerGal

[fretlessman71]

So what is this Smithwick's, anyway? If you guys are raving about it, I'll have to see it it gets out our way...

[guildofevil]

Smithwick's is an insipid, mass produced Irish Ale. Nice Colour, average head, little flavour. It is to Ale what Harp is to Lager.

Séan

[steveh]

Originally posted by guildofevil
Smithwick's is an insipid, mass produced Irish Ale. Nice Colour, average head, little flavour. It is to Ale what Harp is to Lager.

He he he he he.

Tell us what you really think Séan! ;)

Can anyone tell us the real connection between Smithwick's and Kilkenny? I once heard, from an Irish bartender (named Ray) in Bamberg, Germany, that they were one and the same and that the Kilkenny name was developed as a marketing vehicle for Germany...because the Germans couldn't pronounce Smithwick's. Any truth there?

S.

[beerbastard]

Yes it's true, according to Michael Jackson, that Kilkenny and Smithwicks were the same brew at one time.

Smithwicks is a brewery on it's own located in Kilkenny that is owned by Diageo, (who also own Guiness). They produce other ales as well as the Irish red ale that is now being distributed in the US.

The US version of Smithwicks red ale is toned down flavor wise. The version distributed in Canada and other places is actually dryer, has more pronounced hop bitterness and is quite a good beer. I would not necessarily say that the US version is "insipid". It's drinkable and balanced more to the sweet side, just not as good as the version that you'd get in the rest of the world.

[noby]

steveh,

Maybe there are different types available, but here Kilkenny is a cream ale. The only connection with Smithwicks is that they are both brewed by Guinness. Kilkenny is Guinness' answer to Caffreys cream ale, brewed in Northern Ireland.
I believe Smithwicks wasn't readily available in the US because of some deal Guinness did with Bass.

Unlike Sean, I don't mind the odd pint of Smithwicks, but I do prefer Finians red ale.


Cormac

[guildofevil]

I may have been a little hard on Smithwicks.

I would rate it above most commercial beers, which tend to be practically flavourless lagers.

I just don't think it stacks up well against other ales.

Séan

[Mr Beer Mental]

Nope, I think your first evalutation was pretty accurate! I encountered Smithwicks for the first time in years during a recent Irish fishing session and "insipid" was definitely what it tasted like to me! Shame really!.....but the Guiness more than made up for it! :)

[fretlessman71]

Welcome Mr Beer Mental!

So if this beer is so "joe average" at best, why is everyone making such a big deal about its arrival? I don't get it... :(

[steveh]

On my first visit to Ireland, having a leisurely pint of Guinness at the Brazen Head early on a Sunday afternoon watching the band set up, 2 lasses stepped to the bar and ordered 2 Guinness and a Smithwicks. The bartender served up the 3 beers and the girls paid and walked away, leaving the Smithy on the bar. The somewhat incredulous bartender asked asked who was paying for the less-than-stout ale and one of the girls turned, pointed at her male friend, and said, "I'll let him pay for his own swill."

Love at first site? Dunno, but it was a near spit-take for me with my own Guinness! ;)

S.

[Mr Beer Mental]

Can't really see why anyone would really make a fuss about Smithwicks?

Here in the UK, I remember drinking it bottled in the 80's and it wasn't all that great then either!

[chazwicke]

I have been seeing this in cans and have not yet been curious to purchase some. Maybe I'll try a single.

[guildofevil]

Sure, try a single if you're curious but don't waste your money on more than that.

It's not offensive or anything, just characterless.

Séan

[chazwicke]

I figured as much and that is primarily why I have ignored it until now.

[OhAodha]

I don't intend to put myself in opposition to the great minds and palates of this site but I really like Smithwicks. I love stronger ales and stouts and typically drink Guinness or Great Lakes Reds when I am out but I drank Smithwicks in Ireland about 10 years ago and really liked it. It is not the greatest beer but for a medium weight ale with lower carbonation it is really good.

When I finished the pub in my basement in September I put a keg of Smithwicks in. I have had several parties and my friends have raved about it to the point that I am on my 4th keg. You can insert all your american palate jokes here but compared to the swill the average american drinks it is definitely a step up.

[chazwicke]

I have not tried it yet so I can't really make an educated comment. I saw it in cans but I did not look that closely. Are they widget cans?

[rogue]

I very seldom, but not never, enjoy a pint of Smithwicks. It is an alright pint in the warmer weather I suppose. Never a first choice.

[noby]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Are they widget cans?

Not here anyway. Sold in cans and bottles at 3.8%abv, I'd imagine the same as the draught version. I've seen reviews saying 5%, so obvoiusly the US market must get a stronger version.

[fretlessman71]

Unless the ratings you see are by weight instead....

[chazwicke]

Anyone know if the cans in the US are widget?

[rogue]

I can't say for the U.S. but here in Canada Smithwicks is only available in bottles and on draught.

[dillen]

Chicago area , Finally got it 2/23 retails for $8.49
a six pack . But by the taste, they are over charging , way better on tap.