Ireland’s Oldest Ale, since 1710.

“The basic Smithwick’s Draught has a creamy head, a palate that is very soft at first but develops in sweetness, and a hint of treacle toffee dryness in the finish. It seems bigger than might be expected from a gravity of 1036.

It is brewed from Pale Ale malt, roasted barley and 20 per cent corn syrup, with English bittering hops, plus Fuggles and Goldings for aroma.

Smithwick’s had used the same yeast for many years, and the beer has a week’s cold maturation. Draught Smithwick’s is also made by the Cherry’s brewery, in Waterford.

The bottled version of Smithwick’s, known as Number 1, is a point higher in gravity, and has 10 per cent corn syrup.