Loved this tour. Be sure to sign up in advance (online or in person). Current word is this is it's last year :O(. Don't miss it!
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4087 posts
Alas, you are correct. Here is an explanation kindly sent by Smithwicks management in confirmation: "Production will cease at the St. Francis Abbey Brewery in the coming years. However, Smithwick's will still be produced at Diageo's main brewery in Dublin. There is lots of information on the history of the brewery on our website. www.smithwicks.com "
Diageo, the owner of Smithwick's, is the world's largest vendor of alcohol. It also owns Guinness which of course operates a huge brewery in Dublin with a very touristy tour in its reception centre beside, but not in, the brewery itself. Heineken has bought up other Irish brands followed inevitably by consolidations. The picky beer drinker's only alternative to bigness is to search out the remaining independents, especially from Galway, and the growing interest in microbrew and brewpub offerings.