12 Days of St. Patrick's Day: Kilkenny

There are many great drinking holidays throughout the world ranging from Oktoberfest in Germany to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but perhaps no one day celebrates great libation on a global scale like St. Patrick’s Day. While most drinking holidays have a regional or local appeal, St. Paddy’s Day is celebrated in the neighborhoods of numerous cities across the globe where Irish immigrants have made their presence felt.

As this glorious day of Irish festivities approach, let’s pay tribute to the great drinking traditions of the Emerald Isle by highlighting a new product every day until St. Paddy’s day (post will be sent from pub). If you are into green dyed Bud Light, the next few posts won’t appeal to you – we’re focusing on the true libations of the Emerald Isle!

On the first day of St. Patrick, my true love gave to me, a pint of Kilkenny . . . . . . .

As this verse grows you can just sing along or challenge yourself to keep up with a drinking game. If your true love comes through, the first couple days will go down smoothly, but you will have a headache around day 5….

So what is Kilkenny? To begin with, this product has no affiliation with South Park. It does, however have an affiliation with the Irish Cream Ale style which is best described as an Irish red ale (like Smithwick’s) with a creamy nitrogenated head (like Guinness). From start to finish, this ale is a winner. When poured it exhibits the creamy head of Guinness (from ¾” to 1”). The creaminess doesn’t end there as the ale drinks very smoothly and neatly. For the Irish girl or guy who wants to be authentic but can’t handle the intense bitterness of Guinness, this is an intensely satisfying beer.

Kilkenny is available in numerous Irish pubs or can be found in draught cans with floating widgets. Although you can't beat a pub poured ale, the at home version is delicious. Whether you’re Irish or not, enjoy this great beer – it is part of a centuries old tradition!

Slainte! (cheers in Irish gaelic)