One of the most exciting sectors of the Irish drinks industry in recent years has been the explosion of craft beer. here we take a look at an award winning craft beer business from co. kilkenny – sullivan’s brewing company…

Established in 1702 at The Malting’s on James’s Street, Kilkenny, the brewery survived a fire in 1880 and was lost on horse bet in 1918 before being revived in 2016 by members of the Sullivan and Smithwick families. Sullivan’s Brewing Company is now back stronger than ever producing award winning beer – The Malting’s Red Ale was voted Best Draught Ale in the world, 2017/18!

The full Sullivan’s range includes their signature Malting’s Red Ale, Irish Gold and Black Marble Stout – read more about each of these below.

Sullivan’ Maltings Irish Red Ale

The clean hop bitterness and subtle fruit flavours from Sullivan’s Maltings Red Ale cask ale yeast, add balance, interest and enhanced drinkability to create a smooth, balanced classic ale. Crowned Best Ale in the Word Champion 2017/2018.

Sullivan’s Irish Gold

A delightful golden ale is inspired by 19th century Ireland and particularly Kilkenny City that enjoyed ale of this calibre and taste. The barley used to produce Sullivan’s Golden Ale is sourced from 4 local Kilkenny farms ensuring the utmost quality and flavour.

Sullivan’s Black Marble Stout

Sullivan’s black Marble Stout is a full flavoured traditional Irish stout from Ireland’s oldest brewery with roast coffee and fruit notes, balanced with a satisfying hop bitterness.

During the Great Potato Famine in the 1840’s Richard Sullivan continued to brew his by-then world famous ale, but at mealtimes & evenings the brewery transformed into one of Kilkenny’s largest soup kitchens – using many of the same ingredients essential to the making of Sullivan’s Red Ale. This gesture of goodwill & kindness was never forgotten by the people of Kilkenny, who came to the aid of the brewery in 1880 when men, women & children alike helped battle a fire and save the brewery!

Not every member of the Sullivan family had a passion for brewing however, and in August 1918 at Deauville Racecourse in northern France, the brewery was lost on a fateful bet. Faced with either paying up in full or facing a duel, Master Sullivan went with the former – and within a year the brewery doors were shut.

Fast forward to 2016 and the Smithwick family in partnership with direct descendants of the Sullivan family had a vision to re-open the once great brewery in the city where it all began. They enlisted the help of Ian Hamilton, one of Ireland’s most contemporary master-brewers & together they bought artisan brewing back to Kilkenny.

With links to Buffalo, NY Sullivan’s has also entered the US market and in recent years gone from strength to strength. As well as brewing, Sullivan’s also operates it’s own Taproom located at 15, John Street, Kilkenny where you can sample their beers alongside a range of guest beers & ales whilst enjoying a great range of food, specifically woodfired pizzas – which are great washed down with a pint or two!