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Kilannan Brewing Company
Owen Sound, Ontario

If you’ve been in Owen Sound at all, chances are you’ve at least heard the name Kilannan before.

Founded in 2012, Kilannan has since found its way into the refrigerators of many local establishments and the hearts (and bellies) of Owen Sounders. On my trip to Kilannan Brewery in the Rockford Plaza, I sampled their flagship brews, two seasonals, and a new beer in the lineup!

 

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Kolsch – 5% ABV

Appearance
Transparent golden colour, with minimal head

Nose
Almost no discernable scent. Only the tiniest hint of malt to be found here.

Taste
The Kolsch is a mild, easy drinking beer. It’s faintly sweet and completely refreshing.

Body
Light, smooth, and clean

Where to Enjoy
Up to your knees in a lake on a hot afternoon.

Available at the brewery, Owen Sound Beer Stores, LCBO, and many bars and restaurants in Owen Sound

 

Altbier – 5.2% ABV

Appearance
Transparent, deep caramel

Nose
Smoky, malty, with a subtle sweetness.

Taste
Malt is the star of the show in the Altbier, taking on a sweet, bready… Almost smoky flavour towards the end.

Body
Very smooth, but on the heavier end of things.

Where to Enjoy
In a hazy, dimly lit bar with a very good jazz or blues band playing.

Available at the brewery, Owen Sound Beer Stores, LCBO, and many bars and restaurants in Owen Sound

 

Cucumber Kolsch– 5% ABV

***SEASONAL

Appearance
Transparent golden colour, with minimal head

Nose
Like a field of cucumbers

Taste
This beer shares the same basic recipe as the Kolsch, with the addition of freshly grated Ontario cucumber. As such, it‘s as drinkable as the Kolsch, but the cucumber gives it an undeniable freshness

Body
Light, smooth, and clean

Where to Enjoy
On a veranda, overlooking a wide open field.

This seasonal beer can be purchased at the brewery while supplies last

The Men Who Stare at Oats
Oatmeal Stout – 4.8% ABV

***SEASONAL

Appearance
Dark brown, approaching black

Nose
Sweet and bready

Taste
The flavour matches the scent. The grains are the centerpiece, especially the sweet flaked oats, giving it a hearty flavour.

Body
Full-bodied, with satisfying weight

Where to Enjoy
In a big chair by a fireplace, with a big curly dog by your feet

 

ISA ‘Bout Time
India Session Ale – 4% ABV

***NEW!

Appearance
Rich golden colour

Nose
Hoppy and powerfully citrusy

Taste
The India Session Ale is hoppy, without being in-your-face bitter. Rather, the hops give it a refreshing citrus character that leaves you wanting more.

Body
This is a light, easy drinking beer

Where to Enjoy
ISA ‘Bout Time is the perfect beer to enjoy after helping your friend move.

 

Final Thoughts

Kilannan’s beers are accessible. Whether you’re a veteran craft beer connoisseur or just getting into the game.

Their German-style brews highlight just how different beers can be from one another without resorting to any extremes. Everything’s superbly drinkable. And with more seasonal brews on the horizon, this is a brewery to keep your eye on… because beer is good, and craft beer is better.

 

Written by Andy Elliott

Photos by Andy Elliott

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