Sunday, October 12, 2014

Ireland- Smithwicks experience Kilkenny

Little did we know that the Smithwick (the w is silent) tour is brand new having just opened in July 2014. It was fabulous!

Very state of the art with movies, talking portraits, and other neat visuals. Also a human guide to answer questions and fill in history fun facts.

Originally, this was the site of a franscican monastary and beer makers. However the English ran out the monks centuries ago. Than came Mr. Smithwick who couldn't have a business because he was Catholic but his Protestant friend put it in his name. He created this delicious beer and also sold tea all under his friends name is wasn't until 100's of years later that his name could legally be over the door.

On the tour you get a chance to grind barley and mix the barley powder into Wort. They also had samples of the wort to taste. It is like a very sweet barley tea.

Lastly you get to try a pint! This is when we discovered the mascot is a red squirrel!! The original flavor Smithwick's is amazing!

I also learned that Smithwick's is distributed by Guinness which is how they have become known worldwide. So next time you get a beer try a Smithwick's and tell me what you think! They aren't as dark as a Guinness.

2 comments:

  1. You have Great timing hitting that brand new tour!!! And you look like a mad scientist stirring your concoction of wort....hehehehe just in time for Halloween. By the way where will you be Oct 31st? Don't think the Belgians celebrated it, if I remember correctly. Pretty much the entire country is Catholic. Ant L

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    1. I have no idea where we will be for Halloween. Likely Germany or Austria. I don't think a lot of Europe celebrates it.

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