Smithwick’s Premium Irish Ale — now that’s a mouthful to say.

Can you imagine ordering it by its full name at the bar?

I probably would just ask for a Smithwick’s, hoping the bartender knew what I meant. Despite the lengthy name, when you get a mouthful of this ale, you won’t be disappointed.

The bottle has a very simple design, a basic red label with a generic font. Here in the States it might seem like a classy, nice beer. I wonder if it’s as common as a Bud Light over in Ireland.

On the pour, it offers a thick, foamy head. The color reminded me of Newcastle Brown Ale, so much so I wouldn’t be able to tell a difference of the two just based on color. It’s really a translucent liquid, colored somewhere between hazel and brown.

Smithwick’s Premium Irish Ale is very mild on the nose. It doesn’t pack a powerful punch like many of the other beers I’ve reviewed this semester. What it does offer — like many ales — is a rich, nutty aroma, with a hint of dark chocolate.

The taste makes Smithwick’s a very easy beer to drink. It’s nutty and a bit watery, tasting similar to a brown ale. However, the game-changer for me was the hint of apples I got in the finish.

On the whole, Smithwick’s Premium Irish Ale has a pretty mild flavor and is easy to drink. Initially, I wasn’t that impressed, but by the end of my glass, I realized I actually enjoyed it and wanted another one.

Smithwick’s would complement a thick, juicy, bacon cheeseburger with all of the fixings. It’s something I would order at a bar or with dinner at a fun restaurant.

So next time you’re about to order a Bud Light with your burger, step out of the box and try a Smithwick’s.

Published on March 10, 2016 at 12:01 am