Press Release:
(Chicago, IL) – In 1864, George Lett first brewed the rich, red beer that would become known and loved as George Killian’s Irish Red. His simple inspiration? He wanted a beer he could share with friends and family in his local pub in Enniscorthy, Ireland. Nearly 150 years later, George Killian’s Irish Red is returning to its roots with a complete re-launch of the brand leading into St. Patrick’s Day.
Killian’s is introducing bolder, modernized packaging that more prominently calls out its Irish heritage. The brand’s subtle transformation continues right down to the beer itself. The recipe update results in a rich, roasted, full-bodied, well-balanced lager that maintains the beer’s deep ruby red color, but links it more closely to the beer George first brewed back in Enniscorthy.
“George Lett brewed a beer for his friends, and it’s our friends we have in mind as we reintroduce the new look and taste of George Killian’s Irish Red,” said Katie Cowan, Killian’s brand manager. “This is a more robust, more complex lager, but still balanced and easy to drink with friends.
About George Killian’s Irish Red
George Killian’s Irish Red is an authentic Irish lager based on an original family recipe that dates back to 1864 in Enniscorthy, Ireland. George Killian first brewed a ruby ale that later became the inspiration for George Killian’s Irish Red. He used only pure spring water and the finest caramel malts roasted longer and slower to give his brew a rich red color and distinctive taste. The beer is still known for its rich amber color and thick, creamy head. More information is available at www.GeorgeKillians.com or at Facebook.com/GeorgeKillians.
What happened? You changed the packaging, fine if you thought you needed to but what happened to the taste? The first one from a new package tasted like ale. some still taste slightly like ale but all the bottles in the new packaging are leaving an aftertaste.
I hope this is temporary, because if it continues, I may have to find a new beer.
I agree, I have been a long time drinker of Killians and I REALLY dislike the new taste. Very disappointing.
I AGREE WITH THE TWO UPPER GUYS; it
tasted like “Newcastle” and it was not RED!!!!!!
You botched the taste! It was my main brand since 1990. Not any more. Remember what happened to Schlitz in the 70’s when they changed their recipe.
I have been drinking Killians beer exclusively for 10+ years. At first I thought the new version was “spoiled”. After the next two separate purchases in two different sources, I have decided it’s definitely different formulation. It has no rich flavor and the after taste is cheap tasting. Please give me back he original. I am a loyal consumer and I have begun being a loyal Guiness drinker now. Shame on you. If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. I feel like a friend has died.
I’m surprised at the above comments. I’ve had Killian’s Irish Red in the past but never found it to be anything more than average and forgettable. I purchased a six pack after the recipe change and all of the sudden the beer was outstanding. The flavor was bolder, richer, and more enjoyable. I actually did not know of the recipe change and after enjoying the six pack did some Googling and saw the articles. I can appreciate not wanting your beer to change, but Killian’s changed for the better and then some. I really enjoy the new recipe and am glad I can find it if only at one store and only in six pack bottles. I have to show respect to a macro brewer for stepping up and giving one their beers an improved taste.
The taste back in 2005 or 6 was special. It had a little “twang” that was different and special. The new stuff tastes like nut brown. At least come out with “Killian’s Classic” so we can all be loyal again.