Kilkenny, a well-loved Irish beer with a distinctive ruby-red hue, is more than just a drink; it’s a piece of Irish tradition in every pint.
What is Kilkenny?
Kilkenny, often fondly referred to as “Smithwick’s Kilkenny” or simply “Kilkenny,” is a traditional Irish red ale that originated in the medieval city of Kilkenny.
A nitrogenated Irish cream ale crafted by the makers of Guinness, originated in Kilkenny, Ireland, and is currently produced and managed by Diageo. Available in draught, bottles, and cans, it is brewed in Ireland and shares similarities with Smithwick’s Draught, featuring a nitrogenated cream head akin to Guinness but with a milder hop finish.
Known for its smooth and malty flavor profile, Kilkenny is a go-to choice for those seeking a taste of Ireland in their beer.
How is Kilkenny Made?
- Ingredients:Crafting Kilkenny commences with a meticulous selection of key elements: water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. The utilization of specialty malts imparts Kilkenny with its iconic ruby-red hue and a robust, malty character.
- Mashing:The brewing process initiates with mashing, where malted barley is blended with hot water to extract fermentable sugars. This process gives rise to wort, a sweet liquid that forms the foundational essence of the beer.
- Boiling and Hopping:Subsequently, the wort undergoes boiling, with hops introduced during this stage to infuse the beer with its characteristic bitterness and aromatic notes. The specific blend of hops chosen for Kilkenny is a deliberate selection, aimed at achieving a flavor that is both well-balanced and approachable.
- Fermentation:Following the boiling stage, the wort is cooled, and yeast is introduced to instigate fermentation. This pivotal step transforms sugars into alcohol and carbonation, resulting in the distinctive character that defines Kilkenny.
- Maturation:Kilkenny enters a maturation period, a critical phase allowing the fusion of flavors and the beer to attain its desired equilibrium. This stage is indispensable in cultivating the smooth and malty taste that characterizes Kilkenny.
History of Kilkenny
Originally bearing the ‘Kilkenny’ name in the 1980s and 1990s as a robust version of Smithwick’s for European and Canadian markets, it now represents a distinct yet similar beer. Brewed at St. Francis Abbey Brewery in Kilkenny until its closure in 2013, it is now produced at St. James’s Gate brewery, Dublin.
Served like Guinness with a fully risen head of approximately ¾ to 1″, the ingredients include water, malted barley, roasted malted barley, hops, and yeast.
While Ireland remains the primary market, Kilkenny finds significant importers in Australia and Canada.
How to Pour a Kilkenny
Pouring a perfect pint of Kilkenny is an art form that enhances the drinking experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pour a Kilkenny:
- Choose the Right Glass:
- Use a tulip-shaped pint glass, allowing the beer’s rich color to be appreciated. The inward curve at the top of the glass helps trap the aromas, enhancing the overall experience.
- Hold the Glass at a 45-Degree Angle:
- Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour the Kilkenny slowly, allowing the beer to flow down the side of the glass. This technique helps preserve the carbonation and create a creamy head.
- Pour Until Half Full:
- Pour the beer until the glass is approximately halfway full. This initial pour allows the beer to settle and prepares the glass for the final pour.
- Let it Settle:
- Allow the beer to settle for about a minute. This crucial step allows the nitrogen bubbles to rise, creating the characteristic creamy head that defines Kilkenny.
- Top Off the Glass:
- Complete the pour by filling the rest of the glass with a slow and steady stream of Kilkenny. Aim for a slight dome-shaped head above the rim for the perfect presentation.
- Serve:
- Serve the Kilkenny promptly while it maintains its creamy head. The visually appealing pint enhances the overall drinking experience.
Kilkenny – A True Irish Tradition
From the historical cobblestone streets of Kilkenny to the lively pubs that generously serve it, Kilkenny stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Smithwick’s Brewery and the artistry inherent in Irish brewing.
Whether relishing a pint in the snug ambiance of a local pub or partaking in the cherished ritual of pouring Kilkenny at home, each glass narrates a tale of camaraderie, and the timeless allure of Irish beer.
Here’s a toast to the ruby-red brew that seamlessly bridges generational gaps, offering a sip of Ireland’s brewing heritage to beer enthusiasts worldwide. Sláinte!
Learn about it’s often compared Irish beverage, Guinness.
