Where is Smithwick's brewed?
Smithwick's is genuinely imported from Ireland.
In short
Smithwick's is the real thing on origin: the beer in UK shops is brewed at Newbridge, Co Kildare in Ireland. The UK version is 3.8%; the home-market strength is not established. The brand belongs to Diageo plc.
Who has brewed it here
| Years | Brewer | Site | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1710 to 2013 | Smithwick's / Guinness / Diageo | Kilkenny, Ireland | irishtimes.com |
| 2013 to 2026 | Diageo Ireland | St James's Gate, Dublin | irishtimes.com |
| 2026 to now | Diageo Ireland | Littleconnell, Newbridge, Co Kildare | irishtimes.com |
What changed
- 5 September 2026:
recommendwas not established, now "real_import" (source) - 5 September 2026:
verificationwas "partial", now "verified" (source) - 5 September 2026:
abv_notewas "ABV varies by format (draught red ale around 3.8%, bottled around 4.5%). Not confirmed from a UK retailer page, so the strength is not established rather than guessed.", now "A UK retailer listing for the retail pack gives 3.8%. An earlier note suggested the bottled version was nearer 4.5%; that is not borne out by this listing, and no separate bottled figure is established." (source) - 5 September 2026:
uk_label_origin_text_sourcewas not established, now "https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/smithwicks-red-ale/113865094" (source) - 5 September 2026:
uk_label_origin_textwas not established, now "Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick's has been brewed with passion here in Ireland since 1710. Diageo Ireland, St James Gate, Dublin 8. Diageo Northern Ireland Ltd, Capital House, 3 Upper Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6FB." (source) - 5 September 2026:
uk_abvwas not established, now 3.8 (source)
Questions people ask
Where is Smithwick's brewed?
The UK product is imported. It is brewed at Newbridge, Co Kildare in Ireland.
Is Smithwick's brewed in the UK?
No. The UK product is brewed in Ireland.
Is Smithwick's really Irish?
Yes, on origin: the UK product is brewed in Ireland.
Who owns Smithwick's?
Smithwick's is owned by Diageo plc, headquartered in the United Kingdom. In the UK the brand is handled by Diageo Great Britain Ltd.
What strength is Smithwick's in the UK?
Smithwick's is 3.8% ABV in the UK.
What does the Smithwick's label say about where it is brewed?
The UK label text on record reads: "Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick's has been brewed with passion here in Ireland since 1710. Diageo Ireland, St James Gate, Dublin 8. Diageo Northern Ireland Ltd, Capital House, 3 Upper Queen Street, Belfast, BT1 6FB."
See also
Every beer sold as Ireland · Every brand owned by Diageo plc
Sources
- The Irish Times (irishtimes.com), 11 May 2026: Smithwick's now brewed at the new Kildare brewery
- Irish Examiner (irishexaminer.com), 1 January 2024: Diageo likely to keep Smithwick's and Harp for the time being
- Morrisons (groceries.morrisons.com), 5 September 2026: UK pack: 3.8% ABV, brewed in Ireland, Diageo Ireland St James Gate address. Read in a parallel verification pass; the retailer pages could not be fetched from this machine.