If you're a craft beer enthusiast, Penticton is a must-visit destination. This city has a booming brewery scene with unique flavours, inviting atmospheres, and passionate brewers. Here's a detailed look at some of the best breweries in Penticton, their standout beers, and what makes each one special.
History of Brewing in Penticton
Penticton's brewing history dates back to the early 1990s when the craft beer movement began gaining traction in Canada. The first brewery in the city set the stage for what would become a bright and diverse brewing community. Over the years, the industry has evolved, with many new breweries opening their doors and old ones refining their craft.
Today, Penticton is known for its robust brewery culture, which is driven by a mix of local support and tourism. Festivals like the Fest of Ale have played a significant role in promoting the local beer scene, drawing visitors from all over to experience the unique offerings of Penticton's breweries.
Cannery Brewing
Background
Cannery Brewing was founded in 2000 when Brew Master Terry Schoffer, Ron, and Patt Dyck transitioned from running a restaurant to starting a brewery. Their first batch was brewed on April Fool's Day in 2001 at the Old Aylmer Fruit and Vegetable Cannery in Penticton. Initially distributing in kegs, they expanded to bottling and canning their beers. By 2015, they opened a new brewery with a taproom, offering live music and bar snacks, making it a popular local spot.
Flagship Beers
Naramata Nut Brown Ale: This staple beer offers rich, malty flavours with a smooth finish, making it a favourite among traditional beer lovers.
Anarchist Amber Ale: A balanced and versatile beer, it appeals to a broad audience with its caramel notes and subtle hop bitterness.
Unique Features
Cannery Brewing is committed to sustainability, using local ingredients and participating in environmental initiatives. Their family-friendly taproom hosts community-oriented events, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. For those who wish to bring your furry friends with you, Cannery Brewing has an ample outdoor patio space, The Backyard, where dogs are allowed.
Highway 97 Brewing
Background
Named after the iconic highway that runs through Penticton, Highway 97 Brewing offers a variety of beers that celebrate regional flavours. Founded by passionate brewers, this brewery has quickly gained a loyal following.
Flagship Beers
Highway 97 Tropical Hazy IPA: A bright and fruity IPA with a blend of tropical hops and citrus notes, perfect for hop enthusiasts.
Strawberries and Cream Wheat Ale: Highlighting the local Okanagan fruits, this ale offers a unique and refreshing flavour.
Unique Features
Highway 97 Brewing regularly hosts live music events, creating a lively taproom atmosphere. Their emphasis on regional flavours and community events makes them a standout in the local brewery scene.
Slackwater Brewing
Background
Founded in 2019, Slackwater Brewing focuses on creating a relaxing and inviting brewery experience. With a nautical theme inspired by the Okanagan Lake, Slackwater offers a unique ambiance and quality brews.
Flagship Beers
Headwaters Pilsner: The Headwaters Pilsner from Slackwater Brewing is a Czech-style pilsner with a crisp and refreshing flavour profile featuring subtle floral hops and a clean, malty backbone.
Party Wave Hazy Pale Ale: The Party Wave Hazy Pale Ale from Slackwater Brewing features a juicy flavour profile with prominent citrus and tropical notes, supported by Mosaic and Amarillo hops, and finishes with a clean, dry taste.
Unique Features
Slackwater Brewing offers a range of engaging events that cater to various interests. They host live music sessions, including performances by local artists like Joe Veltri. For those who enjoy trivia, the weekly Blended Brainz Trivia night on Tuesdays offers a chance to win prizes while having fun. Their Thursday Pilsner & Pizza Party features a special pizza deal and Headwaters Czech Pilsner. Additionally, daily happy hours and mid-week taproom features provide excellent opportunities for visitors to enjoy their favourite brews at a discount.
Tin Whistle Brewing
Background
Tin Whistle Brewery, established in 1995, is the oldest craft brewery in the South Okanagan Valley and the 12th in British Columbia. Named after the first locomotive on the Kettle Valley Railway, the brewery initially operated from a railway museum on Highway 97. Its original beers, including Coyote, Black Widow, and Killer Bee, have become iconic. The brewery has since been revitalized, offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy a variety of craft beers and local snacks.
Flagship Beers
Coyote Lager: The Coyote Lager from Tin Whistle Brewery is a crisp, clean beer with a light and refreshing flavour profile.
Peach Cream Ale: Celebrating the local peach harvest, this ale is creamy and smooth, offering a delightful taste.
Unique Features
Tin Whistle Brewing is committed to sustainability, making significant strides to minimize its environmental impact. As B.C.'s first carbon-neutral brewery, Tin Whistle focuses on local sourcing and reducing waste. They recycle soft plastics, upcycle 100% of their leftover grain, and have implemented a small-batch brewing system to minimize waste. Their innovative use of an algae bioreactor captures CO2 emissions from fermentation and converts it to oxygen, reflecting their commitment to eco-friendly practices. Supporting local farmers and using sustainable packaging ensures their production processes are environmentally responsible and community-focused.
Conclusion
Penticton's brewing scene is rich with variety and quality, offering something for every beer enthusiast. Each brewery brings something unique, from the innovative beers at Bad Tattoo to the family-friendly atmosphere at Cannery Brewing. Exploring these top-rated breweries is a rewarding experience showcasing the best of Penticton's craft beer culture.
