Commercial brewing, distilling, malting and milling took place in the city in the 18th century by a merchant class of predominantly Catholic families, namely Archdeakin, Brennan, Cormick, Connell, Dullard, Hyland, Kinchella, McCreary, Meighan, Smithwick, Sullivan and Watters.

Due to County Kilkenny's favourable climate, the city's agricultural hinterland provided abundant yields of corn, wheat and barley.

[3] The company was acquired by Guinness in 1965 and the current brand was launched, replacing other now discontinued beers brewed by Smithwick's, such as 'Time ale' and 'Time barley wine'.

In 1987, Guinness developed an export-only brand of Smithwick's known as Kilkenny, which has since evolved into its own distinct variant, with a redder colour, more bitter taste and foamier head.

In 1981, Coors licensed Killian's Irish Red from Heineken France, which became one of the top selling specialty beer brands in the United States.