Kamloops is making its mark on the craft beverage scene with a growing selection of cideries and distilleries. From crisp, locally sourced ciders to unique small-batch spirits, these establishments showcase the region's creativity and dedication to quality. If you're a cider lover, a gin enthusiast, or someone seeking new flavours, Kamloops offers an array of tasting experiences celebrating local craftsmanship.
Woodward Cider Co.
Woodward Cider Co., located about 20 kilometres from Kamloops, is a family-run cidery known for its relaxed atmosphere and high-quality beverages. Founded by the Woodward brothers, the cidery focuses on small-batch production using apples sourced from BC's Okanagan Valley. Their range includes classic dry ciders as well as inventive seasonal varieties.
Visitors to the tasting room can enjoy their drinks while overlooking the orchard, creating a welcoming environment for families and groups. Outdoor games like cornhole add to the laid-back vibe, and pets are also welcome, making it a perfect destination for everyone.
Tasting Highlights
Woodward Cider Co. offers a rotating selection of ciders, ensuring there's always something new to try. Their flagship cider is a crisp, semi-dry option that balances refreshing acidity with subtle sweetness. Like berry-infused or spiced ciders, seasonal flavours highlight their innovative approach to classic techniques.
Left Field Cider Co.
Left Field Cider Co., situated near Mamette Lake in British Columbia's interior, is a family-owned cidery specializing in traditional English-style ciders. Founded by sisters Theresa and Kate and their parents Gord and Deb, the cidery began commercial production in 2011 on their family ranch. Their approach focuses on small-batch production, blending English and French cider apple varieties with BC dessert apples to craft authentic, full-juice ciders.
Visitors can experience Left Field Cider Co.'s offerings at their tasting room on Highway 97C between Merritt and Logan Lake. The cidery is open for tastings every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the summer, providing an opportunity to sample their handcrafted ciders in a welcoming setting.
Tasting Highlights
Their cider lineup includes offerings such as the 'Big Dry,' a blend dominated by bittersweet cider apples balanced with the fruity aromatics of Okanagan dessert apples, and the 'Little Dry,' a bright and refreshing cider that highlights the natural characteristics of crisp, fresh apples. Seasonal selections like the 'Pear Dry' and 'Bunkhouse—Dry Hopped' showcase their innovative approach to traditional cider-making.
The Distilleries
Route 1 Distillery
Route 1 Distillery pays homage to Canada's Trans-Canada Highway with its name and spirit offerings. Known for its precision and quality, the distillery uses a triple distillation process with a 20-plate still, creating exceptionally smooth spirits.
Their product lineup includes a variety of spirits, such as the 1962 Gin, Mile 0 Vodka, and Limecello. Each bottle is crafted precisely, producing crisp and clean flavours for cocktails.
The tasting room offers a straightforward experience that highlights the products themselves. Visitors to Route 1 Distillery can book tours to explore the production process and sample their offerings. The distillery provides an informative experience, allowing guests to learn about the dedication and passion that go into each bottle.
Red Bridge Distilling
Red Bridge Distilling, established in 2020, is known as Kamloops' first craft distillery. Specializing in small-batch production, Red Bridge Distilling offers a range of spirits, including their signature gin and vodka. Their Devil's Flower Garden Gin is noted for its floral-forward spirit with a bold finish, resulting from the founder's passion for cooking and experimenting with unique botanical blends. The vodka is crafted to achieve a smooth profile, appealing to various palates. They also offer a Cold Brew Coffee Vodka, blending rich coffee notes with the smoothness of premium vodka.
The distillery sources ingredients exclusively from British Columbia, emphasizing local collaboration and quality. Their spirits are available for tasting and purchase at the distillery's on-site tasting room, which operates from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours when the door opens. For larger group visits, they recommend contacting them to arrange a suitable time.
Named after the iconic Red Bridge in Kamloops, the distillery strongly connects to the local community and landscape. Their commitment to quality and local sourcing has positioned them as a notable player in the region's craft beverage scene.
Gin Lane
Gin Lane, tucked within Red Collar Brewing, offers an unexpected addition to Kamloops' craft scene. Their menu features inventive cocktails, such as the Habanero Gin Daisy, which pairs the heat of habanero with the botanicals of their signature gin. Gin Lane's cozy setting is ideal for those who enjoy beer and spirits under one roof.
Their lineup includes:
- Aquarius New Age Gin: Infused with botanicals like grapefruit, chamomile, and lavender, this gin provides a contemporary twist on traditional flavours.
- Borealis Haskap Gin: Incorporating locally sourced haskap berries from Salmon Arm, BC, this gin delivers a unique berry-infused profile.
- Edmond's London Dry Gin: A classic juniper-forward gin, ideal for traditional cocktails such as gin and tonics or Negronis.
- Polaris Navy Gin: A robust gin with a higher proof, catering to those seeking a more intense gin experience.
- Gin Lane Absinthe: Available in variations like Ruby Rhinoceros and Emerald Elephants, these absinthes are distinguished by their finishing botanicals, including wormwood, lemon balm, mint, and hibiscus flower.
Visitors to Gin Lane can enjoy these spirits in a welcoming taproom, which operates from Tuesday to Thursday between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This integration within Red Collar Brewing Co. allows patrons to experience diverse craft beverages, from European-influenced beers to innovative gin creations, all under one roof. This combination makes it a notable destination for beer and spirit enthusiasts visiting Kamloops.
Planning Your Craft Beverage Tour
Planning a tour to experience the region's entire range is worth planning when visiting Kamloops' cideries and distilleries. Many establishments provide tasting flights, allowing visitors to sample multiple offerings. Check operating hours and consider booking ahead for groups to ensure a seamless experience.
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