Kilkenny (beer)

Kilkenny is a nitrogenated Irish cream ale from Guinness, which originated in Kilkenny, Ireland. The brand is produced and managed by Guinness owner Diageo. Kilkenny is available in draught, bottles and cans. Kilkenny is similar to Smithwick's Draught; however, it has less hop finish, and it has a nitrogenated cream head similar to Guinness. The Kilkenny name was originally used during the 1980s and 1990s to market a stronger version of Smithwick's for the European and Canadian markets due to difficulty in pronunciation of the word Smithwick's. It now refers to a similar yet distinct beer.

Kilkenny was brewed in St. Francis Abbey Brewery in Kilkenny, which was the oldest operating brewery in Ireland until its closure in 2013. It is now brewed at Guinness brewery, Dublin, and served in similar manner to Guinness; fully risen with a head of about 19 to 25 millimetres (0.75 to 1 in). The ingredients are water, malted barley, roasted malted barley, hops, and yeast.

While Ireland is the primary market for the brand, Australia and Canada are the two largest importers of Kilkenny.