Brehon Brewhouse - Killanny Red

Pouring a deep russet-ruby to dark amber hue, Killanny Red presents a softly dulled copper glow with a light beige head and persistent lace. On the nose, expect rich caramel and biscuity malt aromas, toasted hazelnut or nutty-bread undertones, and hints of red-berry fruit and subtle woodsy or leaf-tea character. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, opening with the same caramel and biscuit malt core, underscored by toasted bread crust, nutty edges and a thread of red-berry or slightly dried-fruit sweetness. Crisp hop tones bring a dry finish with mild bitterness and a leafy or herbal astringency that keeps the finish clean and balanced. Easily drinkable yet flavourful, this Irish-style red ale pairs beautifully with hearty stews, grilled lamb, roast beef, mature cheddar or black pudding—comforting, characterful, and true to its roots.

et among the drumlin hills of County Monaghan, Brehon Brewhouse is a working farm brewery that beautifully blends Irish tradition, rural heritage, and modern craft brewing. Founded in 2014 by farmer Séamus McMahon on the family’s 10th-generation dairy farm near Carrickmacross, the brewery was born out of his desire to diversify the land while preserving its centuries-old legacy. The name “Brehon” pays tribute to Ireland’s ancient Brehon laws, which governed everyday life long before English rule—including a right for every household to brew its own ale. That connection to Ireland’s earliest brewing customs runs deep in Brehon’s philosophy: beer made by hand, from the land, for the community.

Brewing takes place in a converted stone outbuilding beside the milking parlour, where the family’s dairy herd still grazes on the same rolling fields that provide the character of their beers. Spent grain is fed back to the cows, creating a closed-loop, sustainable cycle that defines the brewery’s farm-to-glass ethos. Visitors to the brewery often remark on its authenticity—smelling the malt while hearing the lowing of cattle nearby. Inside, a small but dedicated team crafts a lineup of beers inspired by Irish storytelling and hospitality, from classic stouts and red ales to experimental limited editions. Local art and folklore adorn their bottles, reinforcing the sense that each pint tells a story of Monaghan’s land, people, and past.

In an industry often defined by scale and speed, Brehon Brewhouse remains proudly small, rooted in its surroundings and committed to the belief that great beer is as much about place as it is about process. Whether enjoyed in a rural pub, at the brewery’s tasting room, or on a misty Irish afternoon, Brehon’s beers reflect the timeless rhythm of life on the farm—unhurried, genuine, and distinctly Irish.