Smithwick's - Guinness Ltd.

sevenarts

New York

2.5/5  rDev -28.8%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

A: Dark reddish brown with a strong, frothy head. Nice lacing.

S: Not much of a smell, just a bit of a sweet malty aroma, very faint and simple.

T/M: Nice flavors of sweet malts, a little bit of spice, just a touch of very understated bitter hops. A little bit of a thin, watery mouthfeel.

O: This is a solid ale, very refreshing and drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 23:33:19 | More by sevenarts

WoodBrew

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I tried Smithwick's irish red at the Tilted Kilt today...good beer and good service. The beer pours a deep clear amber with white head that left some lacing on the glass. The smell was fairly simple, malt. The taste was a decent malt based beer that had subtle hop to help clear the pallet. The mouthfeel was a nice medium body with good carbonation. Overall it is a decent beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-29-2011 03:27:07 | More by WoodBrew

BucannonXC5

California

3.95/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a draft into a 20-oz. imperial glass at Hooley’s in La Mesa, Calif. Color was dark red, kind of brownish. About an inch of head. Caramel chocolate lacing on the top. Good looking film on the sides that stayed throughout.

I had to work for the smell, but I got some fruity aromas. Cherry and apple led the way.

Really didn’t taste like the nose indicated. Tasted toffee, nutty and roasty malts.

Light body. Average carbonation. Smooth and roasty finish.

I surprising enjoyed this beer a lot. Just a smooth, roasty beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-28-2011 09:47:15 | More by BucannonXC5

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.58/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On Tap

Appearance - Clear brown colour with a large frothy off-white head. There is an average amount of carbonation showing and there is some good lacing. The head lasted for over 5 minutes or so.

Smell - Malts, dark fruits, roasted/toasted notes

Taste & Mouth - There is an average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, nuts, and some raisins. There is also a slight amount of a woodiness and a touch of spice. It ends with a malty slightly bitter aftertaste.

Overall - An above average highly sessionable beer that is a better option than most of the beers available to me locally. It hit the spot and I'll order it again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-25-2011 18:05:04 | More by spinrsx

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.68/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

one of the better large scale imports. pours deep amber in color with a fluffy white head. smells like a cross between a guinness and a bass, malty and roasty and defiantly english in nature, although its not made in england. flavor is very well balanced, drinkable for its color, and fairly priced. finish is a bit dry, but it adds an appealing character to this brew. one of my favorite beers to take on the golf course

Serving type: on-tap

12-23-2011 23:42:13 | More by StonedTrippin

rwrk42

New Jersey

3.1/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours an amber reddish color with some nice head
Smell: Nice smell of sweet caramel malt. Typicaly irish ale smell.
Taste: Nice taste with a good caramel malt flavor. Finishes nice with a good balance. Very smooth, a bit sweet and very lightly hopped
A decent Irish Red

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2011 03:00:09 | More by rwrk42

plasma

Iowa

4.2/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Light tan frothy head disapates fairly quickly. Dark brown yet clear color. Nice lacing down the side of the glass records every drink you take. Good carbonation with a smooth malty carmel flavor. This has been one of my all time favorites for years, but as my beer experiences continue to evolve I find it seems a bit thinner than it used to be. Still a great beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2011 02:18:04 | More by plasma

BradLikesBrew

Missouri

3.15/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a caramel colored body with deep red hues. The head is white and short lived.

Mild, sweet malt notes on the nose, rather one dimensional.

Caramelized barley is the primary flavor, but its not a very strong one. Hops are faint, though present on the finish. It does have some malty sweetness, but not enough to make it cloying or particularly interesting for that matter.

The carbonation is surprisingly high with a thin, soda-like body.

Has more in common with a glass of Pepsi than a pint of traditional Irish Ale. Looks great, but the flavor is too light and shallow and the body only accentuates its flaws. Before you can find much flavor, the bubbles scrub your tongue clean. Not a terrible beer by any stretch, but it lakes smooth body, balancing hops and intriguing malt character that Irish Red Ales should strive for. I think its fair to say this is a "dumbed down" example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2011 19:21:20 | More by BradLikesBrew

socon67

New York

3.2/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours darek amber\red with a slight rust color head. No foam retention, and mild lacing.

S - Scents of malt, and cherries.

T - Flavor of malt, some residual sweetness. Flavors are typcial for an irish red, but just seemed diluted somewhat.

M - Light bodied, low carbonation, slightly watery, some acidic bite at the end.

O - Standard irish red. Good with food. While standard for the style, I'd recommend plenty of others.

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2011 02:42:59 | More by socon67

iSip

Colorado

3.08/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Smithwicks Irish Ale: I sampled a Smithwicks on tap during at the Minneapolis airport. It must have been near the bottom of the barrel, as the bar tender had to resort to filling a pitcher with beer and foam, let a glass of beer settle to the bottom and then pour my glass. So this pour may not be a fair review of Smithwicks, but what can I do. I paid top dollar for this beer, so I will review it as it came. There was a deep tan color to the body with light carbonation. The head was thin and off white with a good aroma of malt and some subtle spice. The Smithwicks had a great malt flavor tempered with a subtle bitter at the finish, some heft to the body. Overall a good Irish Ale, even when I got the bottom of the barrel. It went down easily, and I would have had another if it were not for my one beer per day rule.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2011 23:12:57 | More by iSip

mrfrancis

Kentucky

3.8/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a dark, ruddy amber with a thick, pillowy off-white head that laces deep into the glass. Really a nice looking ale.

S: Earthy aromas of cocoa, chocolate, chalk, cream, and peppery ale hops are present on the nose. Nice malt character.

T: Opens malty and mildly tart with notes of coffee, tobacco, moss, moist earth, heavy cream, chalk, minerals, cocoa, vanilla bean, leather, and peppery, herbal hops. The finish is dry and clipped with notes of earthy, peppery hops, cream, coffee, and leather.

M: Medium-bodied, firm, and dry with subtle, prickly carbonation. For an ale of such a modest strength, it is surprisingly filling.

O: This is a very nice Irish red ale. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it is solid and widely available. I think this will remain a standard in my refrigerator.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2011 20:29:04 | More by mrfrancis

goldbot

District of Columbia

3.35/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep, coppery red with decently thick, cream-colored head. Low visible carbonation. Grainy aroma with caramel and bread notes. A hint of floral hops but not much going on there. The flavor hits pretty hard with the caramel malt, with some nutty and grainy undertones. A touch of bitterness and a sharp, cold crispness hit the tongue.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2011 20:19:11 | More by goldbot

JayS2629

Alabama

3.4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a beautiful ruby red with great clarity and a creamy white head. Nice retention and walls of sea foam lace.

The aroma is of toasted malts, nutty notes and fruity hints. Musty and earthy notes.

The flavor is clean malts, toast and nuts with light cherry-like notes with an earthy background. Watery.

Thin, watery, crisp, clean

Overall a little watery, bland and boring but above average. Easy to drink and enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2011 11:27:51 | More by JayS2629

blakelive784

Colorado

3.43/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle poured into a low ball glass (all that's available) -

A - pours a lovely dark amber/copper color with a creamy, off-white head of two fingers. Solid retention and nice lacing.

S - Nutty, toasted malts with sweet caramel and musty hops. Smells quite sweet and rather appealing.

T - taste follows the nose quite closely. Sweet malts, fruity esters and mustyness. Nutty and toasted notes. Simple, yes, but nice all together.

M - smooth, wet and a bit coarse. A bit over-carbonated.

D - all in all a great beer. It's simplicity is one of its strengths, but it is by no means flawless.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2011 04:29:01 | More by blakelive784

TheElusiveAlexT

Minnesota

4.08/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - A dark colored beer reddish brown color with a fuzzy white head that thins out to a color. Lots of sticky lacing down the glass side. I was impressed from what I've heard about this beer and what I actually saw. Bravo.

Smell - Sweet caramel malts came through the strongest then a watered-down creamy, cherry smell. I didn't detect any hops.

Taste - Sweet malts and cherry. Better than the smell let on but not by much. A very light hop finish.

Mouthfeel - Average

Overall - Goes down easy, a friendly beer. Still, its not as good as others but its something a little different that I can recommend.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2011 03:08:21 | More by TheElusiveAlexT

tony223366

California

3.28/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

From my beer journal. Reviewed on July 3, 2011.

A: Dark brown and clear with a hint of red. Awesome fluffy head. Really white and creamy that lasted throughout with fantastic lacing.

S: Lots of malts. Really smells sweet.

T: Malty and bready up front and lasts pretty much throughout. This beer is very bland. Very light bitterness at the finish.

M: Medium body with a little carbonation. Creamy

O: Not my choice, but not terrible. I wouldn't pick it up again

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2011 01:26:16 | More by tony223366

NWer

Washington

3.15/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Served on tap at an Irish Pub.
Looks good. Rich red appearance, minimal head. Served cold. Allowed to warm.
First impression first sip was disappointing. Bland. Thin. Is that all there is? Nothing much I can say about this beer that was memorable.
An OK beer but nothing to seek out.

Serving type: on-tap

10-07-2011 12:37:56 | More by NWer

gtermi

Texas

3.5/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This beer has a nice brownish red color and has a nice bit of head.

The smell has a lot of malt

The taste is the best part of the beer. It has a nice amount of malt and has a great after taste.

The mouth feel is good, but not great. It isnt the smoothest beer ever, but still very easy to drink.

This use to be one of my go to beers. I don't get it very often anymore, but it sure is nice during the hot summer days.

Serving type: on-tap

10-06-2011 06:24:50 | More by gtermi

Dave128

Kentucky

3.8/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Duvel tulip.

A - A pretty rigorous pour gives to a single finger slightly off-white head that doesn't last very long. The color is brown with amber highlights.

S - Smells of caramel malts all the way. It is very clean. Can't detect hops anywhere.

T - Similar to smell. A little bit more bready, but tastes like sweet caramel. A little bitterness and hop spice finish it out.

M - A little over carbonated in my opinion. Fairly light bodied but goes down a little harsh.

O - I don't know if I've had a beer that smells so much like its ingredient malts than this one. It smells just like a nice hot mash tun and its oh so clean.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2011 23:28:14 | More by Dave128

PhageLab

Virginia

4/5  rDev +14%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a standard pint glass.

A - Aggressive bar pour produces a thick head on this clear reddish brown brew. Retention was moderate.

S - Sweet malts, dark cherries, and something that reminds me of fresh leather. Odd but surprisingly not too detracting.

T - Dull sweetness on the tongue with a bit of fruity tart. Mild bitterness offers some balance. Not terribly complex, but tasty.

M - Light bodied with a medium carbonation level. Finish is clean. There is a bit of an earthy aftertaste, but it is faint.

D - Very well rounded and easily enjoyable. I don't mind having a pint of Smithwick's every now and then, not at all.

Serving type: on-tap

09-26-2011 22:35:26 | More by PhageLab

Gilly1980

North Carolina

3.68/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A- Dark brownish red. Crystal clear. Poured into a pint glass, resulting in about an inch of off-white head with moderate lacing.

S- Lots of malt and biscuit. Very rich aroma.

T- Big malt flavor with hints of caramel in the aftertaste.

M- Very middle of the road. Not overly sticky yet not watery.

O- A perennial favorite of mine. Tastes like a more expensive micro brew yet is readily available. Very good session beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2011 03:03:55 | More by Gilly1980

tykees88

Indiana

3.23/5  rDev -8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A- It's a very dark brown beer with a red tone. The head is creamy and white.

S- Very mild on the nose with some sweet malt characteristics.

T- This has a dry crisp taste balanced with that sweet malt. The hops in this beer leave you with a nice bittering finish.

M- Medium bodied and bread chewy. pretty nice.

O- It's a good beer. Standard run o the mill type brew, but you can't go wrong with it if you were at an irish pub

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2011 22:17:16 | More by tykees88

kylehay2004

Florida

2.93/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A: quarter finger head. Hazy, dark brown with amber hues.

S: not a whole lot on the nose. Maybe some malt.

T: opens with metallic bitterness up front. lots of malt.

M: high carbonation. Medium body. crisp, moist finish.

Overall: A little more bitter than I like. The aroma is non-existent. One of the better regular beers at your standard irish pub.

Serving type: on-tap

09-16-2011 01:13:56 | More by kylehay2004

evlu1441

Alberta (Canada)

3.3/5  rDev -6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

This beer pours a clear reddish brown colour with a slightly tan finger of head sitting on top. The head retention is quite nice.

The aroma is light, toasty and slightly sweet. Nothing exceptional, but still pleasant.

There is some slight sweetness and alcohol up front. Toasty malts come through, and there is some oily hops that come through for a bit of a cutting finish. It's a pretty direct beer with little complexity. It's a bit too carbonated for my taste.

Overall, this is a pretty standard beer. Nothing to write home about, but certainly drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2011 06:48:28 | More by evlu1441

Osirus

Tennessee

2.13/5  rDev -39.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Appearance - Deep copper. In a curved pint it was a beautiful copper on the bottom and dark hued brown on top which was good. A little lacking on the foam but I did not control the pour. Good Belgian Lace considering the lack of head.

Smell - Caramel, grain, not much hop presence. Simple and leaning heavily towards malt.

Taste - Like the smell, the taste is simple and straightforward. Straight to maltiness with little complexity.

Mouthfeel - A little on the thin side. Carbonation was ok.

Overall - Simple. Middle of the road. Pedestrian but that is sometimes a good thing. There is nothing bad about this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2011 15:33:44 | More by Osirus