If Guinness is the black beer of Ireland, Smithwick’s (pronounced Smiddicks) is the red one. Brewed since the 1700s, it is Ireland’s best-known red ale, a smooth, malty, gently roasty beer that is far lighter and easier than a stout. It is the beer I point people to when they want something Irish that is not a big black pint. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale at a glance
| Style | Irish red ale |
| ABV | 4.5% |
| Calories | Around 150 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Guinness / Diageo, Ireland |
| Character | Toasted malt, caramel, light roast, smooth |
| Best served | Cold, in a pint glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a smooth, malt-led beer, gentle and easy rather than bitter or roasty.
The full review
It pours a lovely deep reddish-amber with a soft off-white head. The aroma is malty and inviting, toasted bread and light caramel with just a hint of roast.
The flavour is smooth and malt-led. There is a gentle toasted and caramel malt sweetness, a light touch of roast that gives it a reddish depth, and a soft, low bitterness. It finishes clean and easy, with none of the heaviness of a stout.
That easy drinkability is the whole appeal. At 4.5% it is a proper session beer, smooth and balanced and endlessly pleasant. It is the beer for someone who wants an Irish pint with a bit of character but is not ready for a full stout.
It is not the most exciting beer on its own, but as a smooth, dependable, classic Irish red it does exactly what it should. A genuine icon of Irish brewing.
If Guinness is the black beer of Ireland, Smithwick’s is the red one, and it is the perfect step off the stout path.
- The definitive Irish red ale
- Smooth, malty and easy drinking
- A proper session beer at 4.5%
- A classic Irish icon
- Fairly mild and simple
- Can taste thin next to craft reds
Who it is for
If you want a smooth, easy Irish pint with a bit of malt character but not the intensity of a stout, Smithwick’s is the classic choice. Great for stout newcomers.
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale FAQs
How do you pronounce Smithwick’s?
It is pronounced Smiddicks, with the th and w silent. It trips up almost everyone the first time.
What does Smithwick’s taste like?
Smooth toasted and caramel malt with a light touch of roast and a soft, low bitterness. It is malt-led, easy drinking and much lighter than a stout.
What is an Irish red ale?
An Irish red ale is a malt-focused ale with a reddish colour from a small amount of roasted barley, giving a gentle toasty character. It is smooth, easy drinking and low in bitterness, with Smithwick’s the best-known example.
Where to buy Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale
Smithwick’s is widely imported and sold across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Smithwick’s is the definitive Irish red ale, smooth, malty and easy to drink. It is a classic Irish pint and the perfect gentle step between a lager and a stout.
FAQs
Who makes Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale?
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale is brewed by Guinness / Diageo (owned by Diageo).
What kind of beer is Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale?
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale is an Irish red ale, at 4.5% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale?
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale has an ABV of 4.5%.
How many calories are in Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale?
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale has Around 150 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale made?
Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale is brewed by Guinness / Diageo in Ireland. For more from that country, see our best Ireland beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale?
If you can’t find Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale, Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red is a close alternative in the same Irish red ale category.
How do I open Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale?
Cold, in a pint glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
