Sullivan’s Brewing in Kilkenny revived an old brewing name to make Maltings, a craft take on the Irish red ale. It has more body, malt depth and character than the big-name reds, while keeping the smooth, easy drinkability the style is known for. Kilkenny has serious brewing history, and this is a modern beer that honours it. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red at a glance
| Style | Irish red ale |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 170 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Sullivan’s Brewing, Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Character | Toasted malt, caramel, biscuit, smooth |
| Best served | Cold, in a pint glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a fuller, maltier take on the Irish red, with more depth than the everyday classics.
The full review
It pours a rich reddish-amber with a creamy head. The aroma is fuller than a standard Irish red, toasted malt, caramel and a biscuity, bready note.
The flavour has real depth. There is a generous toasted and caramel malt character, a hint of biscuit and toffee, and a smooth, rounded body that carries it. The bitterness is low and the finish is clean but satisfying. It tastes like a red ale that has been given a bit more care.
At 5% it has a touch more strength and body than the mass-market reds, which suits it. It keeps the easy drinkability of the style but rewards you with more flavour, which is exactly what a good craft version should do.
It is a lovely example of the modern Irish craft scene taking a traditional style and giving it more substance. If you like Smithwick’s but want something with more to it, this is the upgrade.
If you like Smithwick’s but want something with more depth and body, Sullivan’s is the craft upgrade.
- More depth and body than mass-market reds
- Rich toasted malt and caramel
- Smooth and still very drinkable
- Honours Kilkenny’s brewing history
- Harder to find than the big names
- Still a malt-led beer, low on hops
Who it is for
If you enjoy Irish red ales and want a fuller, more characterful craft version, Sullivan’s Maltings is a great pick. A step up from the mass-market reds.
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red FAQs
What does Sullivan’s Maltings taste like?
A fuller Irish red with generous toasted and caramel malt, a biscuity, toffee note and a smooth, rounded body, all with a low bitterness and a clean finish.
How strong is Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red?
It is 5.0% ABV, a touch stronger and fuller than typical mass-market Irish reds.
Where is Sullivan’s brewed?
It is brewed by Sullivan’s Brewing in Kilkenny, Ireland, a city with a long and serious brewing history.
Where to buy Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red
Sullivan’s Maltings is available in cans across parts of the US and Ireland. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Sullivan’s Maltings is a characterful craft take on the Irish red ale, with more depth and body than the classics while keeping their smooth drinkability. A quality pint.
FAQs
Who makes Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red?
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red is brewed by Sullivan’s Brewing (independently owned Irish craft brewery).
What kind of beer is Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red?
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red is an Irish red ale, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red?
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red?
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red has Around 170 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red made?
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red is brewed by Sullivan’s Brewing in Kilkenny, Ireland. For more from that country, see our best Ireland beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red?
If you can’t find Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red, Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale is a close alternative in the same Irish red ale category.
How do I open Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red?
Cold, in a pint glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
