Kilkenny beer: history and overview of the drink

Kilkenny - is a nitrated Irish cream ale from the producers Guinness, which was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. The British company Diageo owns the rights to the brand. It tastes similar to Smithwick's Draft, but it has fewer hop flavors and a nitrogen-rich, creamy foam.

The beer is compared to Guinness, but it tastes worse. Available on draft, in cans and bottles. On the territory of Russia the representative of the brand is Heineken.

Kilkenny and Smithwick's what is the difference?

Kilkenny was originally used in the 1980s and 1990s to sell a stronger version of Smithwick's in the European and Canadian markets. The thing is, it's not easy to pronounce Smithwick's. Now this name is given to another, no less delicious drink.

Composition of Kilkenny beer

Classic water, hops, barley malt, hops. Bittering beer due to roasted malt. A nitrogen capsule, or floating widget, is placed in cans. It is needed to "perfect" the foam cap. Guinness was granted a patent for this invention.

The history of Kilkenny beer

1810: Date of foundation of the Kilkenny brewery by John Smithwick among the ruins of a 13th century abbey. St. Francis Monastery, to be exact. His success was so great that the beer became one of the most famous in the entire county.

The intoxicating drink draws inspiration from the lush greenery of the city of Kilkenny, lined with trails and wild rivers. The undeniable charm of the region and its rich history created the character of the ale consecrated for centuries in honor of St. Canis, the founder of the monastery.

It is believed that the beer recipe was created by monks who used to live in the monastery, and the local population immediately liked the alcohol.

1827: The business passed into the hands of his descendants, namely Edmond Smithwick. He increased sales from 5 to 40 thousand barrels of beer and promoted exports.

1892: An exhibition was held in Dublin, where the company's products took first place.

1937: The drink not only gained immense popularity at home and became a national brand, but also received the first place award at a London competition where bottled beer was judged.

1965: Guinness became the owner of the Smithwick business.

2013: Production on the monastery grounds closed and moved to Dublin. There, at the St. James’s Gate, another famous beer is brewed - Guinness.

2020: The beer can be found in the United States, Russia and European countries.

Kilkenny in Russia

Kilkenny Irish Red Draught, 4.3% is available in stores. Crystal clear, dark amber in color. Creamy foam as high as two fingers. Red fruits, sweet malt and a bit of spicy hops intertwine in the delicate aroma. The taste is rich with a malt flavor and mineral aftertaste. Bitter aftertaste. It is easy to drink. In general, the beer is pleasant and distinctive.

How and what to drink Kilkenny beer with

It is recommended to cool it down to 4-6 °C at first. The beer is poured quickly into a pint, and then its characteristic feature - a nitrogen foam cap - is manifested. Served with meat, smoked fish. Desserts are out of place.

Update: 02.04.2020

Category: Beer, Cider, Ale