Killian's
Encyclopedia
George Killian's Irish Red is a 4.9% abv amber lager brewed by Coors
, and widely distributed in the US. The brand name was purchased from the Pelforth Brewery in France, who had previously bought it from Lett's Brewery
in Ireland
, which had closed in 1956.
in Enniscorthy
, Ireland
, in 1864. The beer is named after George Killian Lett, the great-grandson of George Henry Lett, who founded the brewery in Enniscorthy. George Killian Lett died at the age of 84 in Enniscorthy, Ireland in December of 2010. It was originally an Irish red ale called "Enniscorthy Ruby Ale," and brewed from 1864 to 1956, when the brewery closed and it was discontinued. It is no longer sold in Ireland. The brand name "George Killian" was purchased by the Pelforth Brewery in France. In the mid 1980's Coors bought the rights to use the brand name "Killian's Irish Red" in America. While the name is most often associated with a 4.9% abv amber lager which had become very popular, it was originally marketed by Coors as an ale
George Killian's derives its color and taste from a special caramel malted barley
that is roasted at a high temperature longer and more slowly than most malts. There are no coloring agents or artificial additives used in the brewing process.
George Killian's is currently available in bottles, cans and kegs. A 12-ounce (355 ml) serving of George Killian's has 163 calories (682 kJ) and 4.9 percent alcohol by volume.
Coors Brewing Company
The Coors Brewing Company is a regional division of the world's fifth-largest brewing company, the Canadian Molson Coors Brewing Company and is the third-largest brewer in the United States...
, and widely distributed in the US. The brand name was purchased from the Pelforth Brewery in France, who had previously bought it from Lett's Brewery
Lett's Brewery
Lett's Brewery was a beer manufacturer based in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland. It opened in 1864.Owned by G.H. Lett & Co., Ltd., the brewery halted beer production in 1956. It was the last small independent brewery in Ireland...
in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, which had closed in 1956.
History
George Killian's Irish Red is a beer with an Irish heritage, based on a recipe created at Lett's BreweryLett's Brewery
Lett's Brewery was a beer manufacturer based in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland. It opened in 1864.Owned by G.H. Lett & Co., Ltd., the brewery halted beer production in 1956. It was the last small independent brewery in Ireland...
in Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy is the second largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. The population of the town and environs is 9538. The Placenames Database of Ireland sheds no light on the origins of the town's name. It may refer either to the "Island of Corthaidh" or the "Island of Rocks". With a history going...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, in 1864. The beer is named after George Killian Lett, the great-grandson of George Henry Lett, who founded the brewery in Enniscorthy. George Killian Lett died at the age of 84 in Enniscorthy, Ireland in December of 2010. It was originally an Irish red ale called "Enniscorthy Ruby Ale," and brewed from 1864 to 1956, when the brewery closed and it was discontinued. It is no longer sold in Ireland. The brand name "George Killian" was purchased by the Pelforth Brewery in France. In the mid 1980's Coors bought the rights to use the brand name "Killian's Irish Red" in America. While the name is most often associated with a 4.9% abv amber lager which had become very popular, it was originally marketed by Coors as an ale
Properties
Malt
Malt is germinated cereal grains that have been dried in a process known as "malting". The grains are made to germinate by soaking in water, and are then halted from germinating further by drying with hot air...
that is roasted at a high temperature longer and more slowly than most malts. There are no coloring agents or artificial additives used in the brewing process.
George Killian's is currently available in bottles, cans and kegs. A 12-ounce (355 ml) serving of George Killian's has 163 calories (682 kJ) and 4.9 percent alcohol by volume.
Awards
- 1998 - Brewer's Association Beer Cup gold medalist, American-Style Amber Lager
- 1998 - Great American Beer FestivalGreat American Beer FestivalThe Great American Beer Festival is a three-day annual event hosted by the Brewers Association, held in Denver, Colorado, in mid to late September or early October. This year, 2011, the festival runs from 29 September through 1 October. The GABF brings visitors from around the world to sample more...
silver medalist, American-Style Amber Lager - 1997 - Great American Beer FestivalGreat American Beer FestivalThe Great American Beer Festival is a three-day annual event hosted by the Brewers Association, held in Denver, Colorado, in mid to late September or early October. This year, 2011, the festival runs from 29 September through 1 October. The GABF brings visitors from around the world to sample more...
silver medalist, American-Style Amber Lager