Killian's

George Killian's Irish Red is a lager brewed by Coors, and is currently widely available in the US.

History

George Killian's Irish Red is a beer with an Irish heritage, based on a recipe created at Lett's Brewery in Enniscorthy, Ireland, in 1864. It was originally an Irish red ale. Coors acquired the rights to brew and market the product in America from France's Pelforth Beer Company who currently owns the rights to George Killian's Irish Red. Coors initially introduced and marketed it to the U.S. in 1981; the product was introduced and labeled as an ale, with a fruity flavor profile as per the style, but for marketing purposesFact|date=September 2008 the product was eventually toned down somewhat, and George Killian's was re-formulated and re-labeled by Coors from an ale to a lager style brew.

Properties

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. It is deep amber in color and produces a thick head on pouring that goes away quickly. It has a fruity yet hoppy aroma and tate. In Europe the original formula for George Killian's Irish Red produces a brew which is maltier, with a less pronounced reddish color than its American counter part.

George Killian's is currently available in bottles, cans and kegs. A 12-ounce serving of George Killian's has 163 calories and 4.9 percent alcohol by volume.

The George Killian's brand was once also attached to another product, Killian's Irish Brown Ale. The bottle was identical, except it had a green label. This was before the newer label design. The beer was also darker in color It was withdrawn not long after its introduction.

The new Killian's Label is basically the same label, however, the label itself is black instead of the traditional red that it was prior to 2008. The markings have remained the same. There are reports (unconfirmed but from reliable sources)Who|date=September 2008 that the formula for Killian's Red has been adjusted a number of times since its reformulation from ale to lager. Despite changes, it is a brand that continues to sell quite well and appears to be a solid performer in Coors' portfolio of products.

Awards

*1998 - Brewer's Association Beer Cup gold medalist, American-Style Amber Lager
*1998 - Great American Beer Festival silver medalist, American-Style Amber Lager
*1997 - Great American Beer Festival silver medalist, American-Style Amber Lager

External links

* [http://www.killians.com/ Killian's official website]