Smithwick's Irish Ale

Some beers epitomize what a beer should be. Few and far in between, but this is one of them. I first had Smithwick’s in a neo-classic setting (neo-classic for a beer that’s been around three centuries). I was in Boston a couple years ago, at Fenway Park, Sunday night, Red Sox-Yankees. My brother and I go to buy beer, and lo and behold, the “good” beer (read: Guinness stand) was only a dollar more than the “bad” beer (read: fill-in-the-blank Light beer stand).

So we head over to the stand and I - not feeling a stout, commit the most egregious sin of beer ordering I have ever committed.

A-Rand: “Yes, could I please have a SMITH-WICK’s?”

Beer Vendor: <dull stare>

Lady Behind A-Rand in Line (with I-swear-true-as-green-blood Irish accent): “It’s SMIT-ICK’s! If ya don’t say it right, we’re gon’ throw you outta heah.”

A-Rand (sheepish): “I’m sorry. Could I please have a smit-ick’s?”

Yes, friends, as Wikipedia will tell you, it is pronounced /smɪθɪks/, or ’smith-icks’. (silent h). And it is truly one of the more wonderful beers available nationwide.

Pours beautifully, a deep rich mahogany, with no hint of the Killian’s style red in it. A beautiful head tops it, that lasts through easily the first half a pint, sticking around like pond scum on an Iowa lake. (You have to see it to understand)

This is a nice bitter ale, not artificial tasting like other Irish reds. Very malty, which does not diminish throughout the drink. This is not an overstated beer, it could fairly easily get overwhelmed by strong flavors. That said, it does pair well with food, either traditional Irish fare on St. Patty’s Day (seems light-years away, doesn’t it?), or just a burger or Fenway Frank. This beer is far from Guinness-heavy, for those who are not fans of stouts. On the other hand, its mouthfeel and after taste are not heavy at all, making it for a great session beer (”session beer” is a trademark of mike, I use it without reservation and no rights reserved/granted).

I believe Smithwick’s is available nationwide, from your friendly diegeo/Guinness distributor. Not cheap, but not ridiculously pricey, it’s a great beer to surprise people with, bring to a party, or of course just enjoy on your own. I highly recommend you try it if you haven’t. If you have tried it, go buy another sixer.

Oh, and the game? Back and forth. Future Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia double for the Sawx, but alas the MFY’s won it that rainy night. A-Rod (not a-rand) hit a home run in the top of the 9th to win it. Even still, one of the best ballgames I’ve ever experienced.