After a long day of skiing I think we can all appreciate a cold beer and a warm delicious meal. Today I invite you to take a journey with me and check out Kamloops, (according to yours truly!) top four breweries. First and for most we will be checking out the beer selection of each brewery, followed by their atmosphere, menu, size, and location. The top four breweries in Kamloops are as follows: Red Collar Brewing Co., Iron Roads Brewing, Alchemy Brewing Company, and Bright Eye Brewing.

Red Collar Brewing Co.

Red Collar Brewing Co. is located downtown in the heart of Kamloops and is unlike any other brewery on this list for one simple reason. You have the opportunity to bring your dog! However, that is only one very small reason to visit this establishment. Red Collar carries a variety of twelve beers on tap which means they have something for almost everyone. They also do a good job at seasonally rotating the taps and brewing up some new delicious concoctions. Red Collar has a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you are at your second home. With their rustic yet cozy décor, you get a sense of comfort as soon as you walk in the door. Red Collar is a great place to meet up with your friends and to sit back and relax with a couple cold ones. Red Collar also carries a variety of board games for customers to enjoy while enjoying the company of others. Due to Covid-19, there are currently rules and restrictions set in place that limit the capacity of the restaurant making a medium sized brewery feel bigger with everyone so spaced out.

Address: 355 Lansdowne St, Kamloops, BC V2C

Iron Roads Brewing

Iron Roads Brewing is located just off of McGill Rd, and across from the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campus. If you haven’t been to Iron Roads, it is a must stop for any TRU student! Chances are if you pop in at Iron Roads sometime for a cold pint, you’ll probably see a couple familiar faces. This is partly due to its close proximity to the TRU campus. Iron Roads has an assortment of eleven beers on draft. Iron Roads Beer seems to have a bit more of a European influence when compared to the rest of the breweries on this list. Iron Roads is also home to my all-time favourite beer, the Loopline IPA. If you’re a fan of IPA’s or are just looking to broaden your pallet, then this light bodied fruit forward IPA is for you. Iron Roads really knocks it out of the park with their Canadian spin on Mexican classics like their brisket tacos and pulled pork tacos, not to mention they arguably the best nachos in Kamloops. Iron Roads has a very unique exterior and interior as it doesn’t try to hide its industrial roots. At first glace one might question if they’re at the right place if they haven’t been there before. It feels like you’re standing outside a factory. However, while the interior still has an industrial feel to it, it also resembles New York city flats, with their industrial sheik design of exposed brick, pipes and ductwork throughout.

Address: 980 Camosun Crescent, Kamloops, BC V2C 6G2

Alchemy Brewing Company

            Alchemy Brewing is located downtown on Victoria Street. Alchemy Brewing separates itself from the rest of the pack in a unique way. With its small batch brewing it is constantly coming up with new and innovative flavours along with spins on old favourites. This technique has allowed Alchemy Brewing to stumble across a few hidden gems. Alchemy’s inhouse draft selection is constantly changing, so you never know what delicious concoction you might stumble upon. Alchemy Brewing is for your more seasoned craft beer drinker. However, that being said, they seem to have a beer for almost everyone with twelve beers on draft. Alchemy Brewing has a pub inspired food menu, however they put in a very unique twist to each of their dishes to truly make them one of a kind. The atmosphere of Alchemy is very similar to their food menu in that it also has a pub feel as well, and yet it has a distinctive natural light and welcoming feel to it compared to most pubs. Alchemy is also home to one of the best trivia nights in Kamloops, so if you haven’t been I highly recommend you check it out!

Address: 650 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B4

Bright Eye Brewing

Last but certainly not least Bright Eye Brewing, which is located on the north shore of Kamloops just off of Tranquille Rd. This little firecracker of a brewery is really starting to make a name for itself as it has hardly been open a year and is already becoming one of Kamloops top breweries. Bright Eye Brewing has ten beers on tap and brews eight of them inhouse. They have two guest taps, one from Iron Roads as they are a sister company and one Euro draft. Bright Eye excels in introducing beautiful floral and fruity tones to some of the beers which help to elevate the already expertly crafted blends. Bright Eye’s food menu is similar to their beers, in that they both have an emphasis on bright and bold fresh flavours. The atmosphere of Bright Eye Brewing invokes a west coast rustic modern combination. The Brewery is also shows itself with big glass windows, which helps bring a lot of natural light into the brewery. Thus, adding to its already pleasant and warm atmosphere.

Address: 292 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC V2B 3G3

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Conclusion

After a long day of skiing I think we can all appreciate a cold beer and a warm delicious meal. I can guarantee that one of the four breweries I have mentioned above will satisfy that craving for you. I suggest that the next time you take a journey to Sun Peaks that you finish your trip in one of my top four breweries. The beer selection, atmosphere, menu, size, and location are all reasons to check these places out. Whether you are going to Red Collar Brewing Co., Iron Roads Brewing, Alchemy Brewing Company, or Bright Eye Brewing you are guaranteed to leave with great memories that will last a lifetime.