Kamloops Carts and Crafts
Summer heat is quickly approaching, and what better way to celebrate your day of golf with some quality refreshments. Kamloops is quickly growing into a hot spot for specialty craft beers, ciders and locally sourced cuisine. Whether you consider yourself an expert or just getting into the craft scene, we’ve selected 3 microbreweries that are a must visit for your 19th hole.
The Noble Pig Brewhouse
Located in the heart of downtown, Noble Pig is Kamloops’ founding micro-brewery. You’ll immediately notice the down to earth and relaxed atmosphere the Pig has to offer, complete with contemporary cuisine and distinct craft beer choices ranging from flavourful IPA’s to peppered ales.
The Noble Pig’s eats can’t go unnoticed either. Tasteful food options from their scratch kitchen include the “Pulled Pork Mac n’ Cheese”, a Memphis-style BBQ pork dish and perfect beer- paired Crispy Pickles and Intergalactic Pretzels are local crowd pleasers. All entrées and appetizers are prepared with fresh ingredients, with a tavern style twist that matches the vibe the Noble Pig exudes.
Passionate staff will walk through the detailed craft beer menu with enthusiasm and provide an interactive learning experience for those interested in expanding their craft beer knowledge. Just 15 minutes from Kamloops Golf and Country Club, the Pig’s patio is a favourite and the perfect après golf gathering spot.
GK Favourite: Mocha Porter
Brewed with a unique blend of chocolate and caramel infusion to create a rich, well- hopped Porter that works well any time of day.
Red Collar Brewing
A second downtown hotspot is Red Collar Brewing, a modern tap house that “brings the best of old-world brewing to the heart of British Columbia.” Red Collar’s old-fashioned 80-person lounge creates an authentic tasting experience with over 25 craft beer choices brewed each year, ranging from Belgian Trappist style to traditional English IPAs.
The knowledgeable staff at Red Collar aim to show everyone that life is better with beer. Aside from the craft beer options, quick appetizers and bar-style grub enhances the tasting experience. Their classic nachos from Kamloops’ own Fresh Is Best Salsa Co. is a great choice.
This bustling micro-brewery comes complete with a covered patio for those warm summer nights, is known for their live music and seasonal events. Just 20 minutes from Eagle Point Golf Resort, Red Collar creates a welcoming environment to sip and savour all year-round.
GK Favourite: Red Collar India Pale Ale
Australian hops mixed with traditional English ale yeast creates a punchy, flavourful IPA that comes unpasteurized, unfiltered and naturally carbonated.
Iron Road Brewing
Head uptown to Kamloops’ newest micro-brewery stop, Iron Road Brewing for an up close and personalized craft beer experience. The quaint, modern and family-friendly tap room allows patrons to witness the brewing process as it takes place, with the large stainless-steel brew tanks located just beyond the tasting bar. The old fashioned brick interior with classic bar style seating matches Iron Road’s railway inspired décor and creates a low-key, family-friendly environment.
Iron Road brings flavours of Eastern Europe to Western Canada from classic Czech-styled lagers to Russian imperial stouts, and it is apparent that careful planning and detail comes stock with each unique craft blend. If you’re in the snacking mood, the in-house Taqueria creates tasty taco pairings that can be enjoyed with any of the quality craft beers on tap.
A 20-minute rendezvous from Tobiano, Iron Road Brewing is another product of the growing craft beer scene in Kamloops, and hosts expert, outgoing staff that will guide you through the process of choosing your next favourite craft choice.
GK Favourite: Locomotive Lager
A hoppy, crisp lager mixed with Munich and Vienna malts. This Euro-style selection is a good start for a craft brew rookie.
Look for some of the fan favourites on-tap at Kamloops golf courses or drop by one of the micro-brews to truly understand what makes the BC Interior an emerging player in the craft beer and wine scene.
More information on Kamloops’ craft beer culture and tour options can be found here.
