Smithwick's 12Pk

Smithwick's 12Pk is a 12-pack of Ireland's flagship red ale, brewed at 4.5% ABV in 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottles. Winner of five gold medals at the Monde Selection Beer Tasting Competition and a first-place finish at the London Bottled Beer competition, this ruby-red session ale traces its origins to a 1710 Kilkenny brewery built on the grounds of a 14th-century Franciscan abbey.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Dublin, Ireland  |  Style: Irish Red Ale  |  Brewery: St. James's Gate (Diageo)

Production & Heritage

John Smithwick founded his brewery in Kilkenny in 1710, on the site of a Franciscan abbey where monks had brewed ale since the 14th century — ruins of the original abbey still stand on the grounds. Production moved to Diageo's iconic St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin in 2013, but the recipe remains faithful to its roots: a blend of mild hops, sweet ale malt, and roasted barley. The result is a quintessential Irish red ale — approachable, sessionable, and distinct from both pale lagers and heavier stouts, with more than 300 years of brewing tradition behind every pour.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh floral hop notes give way to warm caramel and biscuit, with a subtle undercurrent of toasted bread. The overall impression is inviting and malt-forward without heaviness.

Taste: The entry is sweetly malty, with biscuit and caramel flavors quickly met by a gentle hop bitterness. Mid-palate, hints of roasted coffee from the roasted barley add measured depth. The body is medium, keeping the ale refreshing and highly drinkable.

Finish: Clean and moderately dry, with lingering toffee sweetness and a faint roasted grain character. The finish is short to medium, encouraging the next sip rather than lingering on the tongue.

How to Drink Smithwick's

Best served chilled to around 45–50°F in a tulip pint glass, which concentrates the malt aromatics and showcases the ale's deep ruby color. Smithwick's also shines in classic beer-based serves: a Half and Half layered with Guinness creates a creamy, two-toned pour that balances roasted stout character with malt sweetness; a Boilermaker paired alongside a measure of Irish whiskey lets the caramel and toasted barley notes in both drinks play off each other; and a Shandy mixed with lemonade transforms it into a lighter, lightly tart warm-weather refresher.

Best For

• Hosting a St. Patrick's Day gathering with authentic Irish beer
• Introducing mainstream lager drinkers to flavorful ales
• Pairing with hearty pub-style comfort food
• Stocking a home fridge for easy-drinking session nights

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Smithwick's taste like? Smithwick's delivers a malt-forward flavor profile with caramel and biscuit sweetness balanced by gentle hop bitterness and subtle roasted barley notes. It is medium-bodied, clean, and refreshing with a short, dry finish.

How does Smithwick's compare to Killian's Irish Red? Smithwick's is brewed in Ireland with a heritage dating to 1710, while Killian's Irish Red is produced in the United States as a lager rather than a true top-fermented ale. Smithwick's tends to have more pronounced malt complexity and roasted barley character compared to Killian's smoother, lighter body.

Is Smithwick's good for beginners? Smithwick's is an excellent entry point into red ales, with its approachable 4.5% ABV, balanced sweetness, and absence of aggressive bitterness making it accessible to those transitioning from mainstream lagers.

Where is Smithwick's made? Smithwick's is brewed at Diageo's St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland — the same historic facility that produces Guinness. The brewery was originally founded in Kilkenny in 1710 before production relocated to Dublin in 2013.

What foods pair well with Smithwick's? The caramel malt character complements shepherd's pie and beef stew, while the roasted barley notes pair naturally with grilled sausages and sharp cheddar cheese. The ale's gentle bitterness also cuts through the richness of battered fish and chips.

What sizes does Smithwick's come in? Smithwick's is commonly available in 12-packs of 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottles, as well as individual bottles and on draft at select pubs and restaurants.

Is Smithwick's worth the price? Smithwick's positions as a mid-range import ale with over 300 years of brewing heritage and multiple Monde Selection gold medals, offering strong value for an authentic Irish red ale compared to domestically produced imitations of the style.

Why Smithwick's?

Smithwick's stands apart as one of the few genuine Irish red ales widely available outside Ireland, backed by a brewing lineage stretching to 1710 on the grounds of a medieval Franciscan abbey. Five gold medals at the Monde Selection Beer Tasting Competition and a first-place result at the London Bottled Beer competition validate its standing in the category. At 4.5% ABV, it delivers real flavor — caramel, toasted malt, roasted barley — without the weight of a stout or the blandness of a mass-market lager. For drinkers seeking an authentic, sessionable Irish ale with genuine provenance, Smithwick's remains a defining example of the style.