George Killian’s Irish Red is a lager brewed by Coors, and is currently widely available in the US.
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 called “Enniscorthy Ruby Ale,” and brewed from 1864 to 1956, when the brewery closed and it was discontinued. Coors acquired the rights to brew and market a product based on the original recipe in America from France’s Pelforth Beer Company who currently own it along with the name. Coors initially introduced and marketed Killian’s Irish Red in the U.S. in 1981; the product was initially an ale as it had been originally, with a fruity flavor profile as per the style, but for marketing purposes[citation needed] the product was eventually toned down somewhat, and it was reformulated as a lager. It is not sold in Ireland The beer is named for George Killian Lett, the great-grandson of George Henry Lett, who founded the brewery in Enniscorthy. Lett serves as a spokesperson for the beer, and is known as “Bill Lett” in Ireland.
Killian’s Red, as it is sold in France 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 taste. 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 It was withdrawn not long after its introduction.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 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.
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