300 years of brewing celebrated in multi sensorial masterclass
Photos by Dylan Vaughan
Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is broadening its visitor appeal with a new Masters of Ale Experience which includes a sensorial tasting masterclass, a perfect pint pouring tutorial and an unforgettable journey back in time where participants learn about the prominent role the Smithwick family played in the evolution of Irish ale.
The 75-minute tour runs on Friday and Saturday evenings and on Thursday evenings from the start of June. Masters of Ale is the last tour each day and this allows participants maximum time to enjoy the sensory touchpoints and a sensorial tasting masterclass where visitors isolate the senses and break down the raw ingredients across different ale styles.
The Masters of Ale experience finishes with a guided tutorial in the bar on how to pour a perfect pint of Smithwick’s. Participants also receive an engraved Smithwick’s glass as a memento of their experience.
Masters of Ale has been trialled over the winter months and Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Manager, said it’s proving a great success. Visitors are really engaged and their feedback has been exceptionally positive. The traditional tours remain in situ at the award-winning site.
“We’re delighted to officially launch our brand-new Masters of Ale Experience. This new, premium experience will run on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 5.20pm from now until the end of August, with Thursday evenings added in from the start of June.
“It has been timed as a pre-dinner or night out activity to help continuously develop the night-time economy in Kilkenny city. Because it’s our last tour each day, visitors will have plenty time to really immerse themselves in this very special multi-sensory experience.
“The tour is an absolute must for the culturally curious and beer enthusiasts. The visitors from Ireland and all over the world who’ve trialled the tour have been really impressed and we’re very excited about it.”
Simon Walsh been guiding tours at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny since it first opened. His family has worked at the site for several generations. He said trials of the tour with test groups were a phenomenal success and that they’ve tweaked the tour and its content to meet customer demand and ensure everyone enjoys the experience.
“On this tour we get to really explore the brewing process, the flavours and what makes Smithwick’s so special, so popular and appreciate all of the ingredients that go into our brew. We’re very proud of the Masters of Ale tour and really look forward to guiding even more visitors through these iconic gates as the busy tourist season now begins.”
For more on Smithwick’s Experience, the Masters of Ale tour, traditional tours and the Barrel Yard sessions, visit www.smithwicksexperience.com
