Exploring Kamloops' Best Breweries: A Craft Beer Lover's Journey
Craft beer thrives in Kamloops, where innovative brewers combine local flavours with creative brewing techniques. If you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just curious about what's on tap, this journey through Kamloops' breweries will introduce you to must-visit spots in the city. Let's explore five standout breweries offering something special for your next tasting adventure.
Red Collar Brewing Co.
Red Collar Brewing & Distilling Co. is a family-owned establishment that has become a cornerstone of the local craft beverage scene. Founded by brewmaster David Beardsell, who has a rich history in the brewing industry dating back to the 1990s, the company has built a reputation for producing a diverse range of high-quality beers and spirits.
Their Red Collar IPA is a standout, boasting bold hop flavours balanced with malty undertones. At the same time, the Dubbel offers a smooth, rich experience that fans of Belgian beer styles will appreciate.
The brewery offers a variety of traditional and innovative beer styles, including their notable Dubbel, Tripel, and Quad, which are brewed using proprietary yeast strains obtained from Trappist monks in Belgium. In addition to its beer selection, Red Collar has expanded into distilling under the Gin Lane Distilling brand, offering products such as Polaris Navy Gin, Aquarius New Age Gin, and Borealis Haskap Gin.
The taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy pints and jugs on-site and options for take-home purchases, including bombers, growlers, squealers, and kegs. Complementing their beverage offerings, Red Collar serves a small food menu featuring locally sourced, in-house-made items like daily paninis and soups. Local artwork on the walls adds a unique touch, reflecting the community's creativity. The establishment is family-friendly, allowing minors to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and is known for its dog-friendly patio, making it a popular gathering spot.
The Noble Pig Brewhouse
The Noble Pig Brewhouse is the city's first microbrewery. Established in 2010, it seamlessly combines house-made craft beers with a unique beer fusion cuisine, all prepared from scratch in their kitchen. This humble neighbourhood spot offers a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for everyone.
The brewhouse features a selection of five to ten Noble Brews created on-site, complemented by a rotation of seasonal and specialty beers. Their flagship brews include the Stick House Belgian Peppered Ale, Straw House Munich Helles Lager, and Stone House Mocha Porter. These offerings reflect the creativity and dedication of their brewing team.
In addition to its beer selection, The Noble Pig is renowned for its innovative menu that emphasizes market-fresh ingredients and classic preparation techniques. Signature dishes such as the "Free Bird" crispy pickle fried chicken sandwich and the "Carnivore Pizza" showcase their commitment to quality and flavour. The establishment also boasts a distinctive patio area, the "Piggy Patio," constructed atop a former outdoor pool, providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
Iron Road Brewing
Iron Road Brewing takes inspiration from Kamloops' railway history, blending industrial aesthetics with a commitment to high-quality craft beer. It is a craft brewery founded by geologists Richard Phillips and Jared Tarswell. They combined their passion for geology and beer to create this establishment. They partnered with award-winning brewer Aaron MacInnis to produce a range of balanced and flavourful beers.
The brewery's taproom, conveniently located near Thompson Rivers University, offers a family-friendly environment with seating for up to 60 guests. Patrons can enjoy a variety of beers on tap, including the Locomotive Lager, a classic Czech-style lager with a strong malt backbone and crisp hop character, and the Loop Line IPA, known for its light body and aromatic, fruit-forward hops. In addition to its core lineup, Iron Road Brewing frequently introduces seasonal and experimental brews, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the craft beer scene.
Complementing their beer selection, Iron Road Brewing's kitchen serves a menu inspired by Mexican cuisine, featuring beef and chicken tacos, nachos, and empanadas. This combination of quality beer and flavorful food has made it a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Bright Eye Brewing
Bright Eye Brewing is a newer addition to Kamloops' beer scene, but it has quickly gained a following for its bold beer styles and vibrant atmosphere.
The tasting room features a live tree, a mural by a local artist, and a refurbished Austin Mini mounted on the wall, creating a unique and welcoming environment for patrons.
The brewery offers a diverse and ever-changing lineup of beers, served directly from the tanks in which they were brewed. This commitment to freshness and innovation ensures that everyone can enjoy a variety of flavours with each visit. Their Hazy IPA is a crowd-pleaser, packed with juicy citrus notes, while the Raspberry Sour provides a refreshing, tart alternative.
In addition to its beer offerings, Bright Eye Brewing strongly emphasizes its culinary menu. The kitchen serves made-to-order pizzas, hearty burgers, sandwiches, and unique dishes like the "Throwback Burger" and "Margherita Pizza." The establishment also features an arcade, adding an element of fun to the dining experience.
Alchemy Brewing Company
Alchemy Brewing Company is a craft brewery and restaurant that delivers quality craft beer and scratch-made food. Their mission centers on creating unique and complex flavours by utilizing creative local ingredients in their brews and preparing all food items in-house from the ground up.
The brewery offers a rotating selection of nine micro-brewed Alchemy beers on tap, alongside three guest taps featuring a non-alcoholic beer, a seasonal cider from local cideries, and a BC-brewed staff pick. Signature brews include the Bad Hombre Mexican Lager and the Broken Resolution IPA, showcasing their commitment to balanced and innovative flavours.
Complementing their beer offerings, Alchemy Brewing's menu features a variety of dishes such as brick oven, fire-cooked pizzas, smoked wings, and other barbecue-inspired items. Their emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures a high-quality dining experience. The establishment also provides entertainment options like pool tables and pinball machines, fostering a fun and relaxed atmosphere for patrons.
Conclusion
Kamloops is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with each brewery offering its unique brewing take. From the family-run charm of Red Collar to the innovative spirit of Bright Eye Brewing, there's no shortage of flavours to discover. These breweries showcase what Kamloops offers. Cheers to exploring great beer!
