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I recently reviewed Guinness' Harp Lager and covered a bit about the history of the brewery here, Beer #50
Kilkenny is similar to Smithwick's Ale (Which I will be reviewing soon as well) but, has less hop finish and Kilkenny is nitrogenated to produce the distinctive cream head, as Guinness is. The name 'Kilkenny' was originally used during the 1980s and 1990s to market a stronger version of Smithwick's in Europe and Canada due to a difficulty pronuncing 'Smithwick's.' Kilkenny is the result of brewing traditions started in the 14th century in the Abbey at Kilkenny where the monks were brewing ales which grew to become Smithwicks and Kilkenny.
Kilkenny has a nearly clear copper colour with a creamy ivory head. As with Guinness it takes some time to pour and settle in to drink, creating that anticipation as you watch.
It smells quite distinctive as well, all the aspects of the hops used can be smelled. At first whiff you notice the bitter aspect and the floral note, but the citrus aspect comes in a little too, all the while smelling the maltiness and a nutty, earthy aroma.
It starts off with a dry roasted nutty taste, with the bitterness of the hops slowly creeping in and continuing to grow right to the finish, the maltiness comes in along the way and the citrus notes join in at the finish.
Kilkenny is a classic, if you haven't tried it you must. It is somewhat filling, but goes great with pub fare.
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