These are exciting times for Penticton’s craft beer scene. First, our sip-happy city was named Canada’s Craft Beer Capital by the iconic travel bible, Lonely Planet. And now, we eagerly await the opening of two more craft brewery locations, bringing us to eight in total.
One of these, as most of know, will be the new location of Highway 97 Brewing Co. – conveniently situated on Ellis Street, just steps from Cannery Brewing. Expect a huge patio space, indoor seating and a full kitchen, opening by this fall.
And let’s also give a warm welcome to Scott and Nicole Breier (plus new baby Caleb), owners of the Abandoned Rail Brewing Company, which will be opening soon. They’re converting the former Trail Store on the KVR Trail, at 1220 Davenport Avenue, to offer an indoor tasting room, patios and lounge.
One thing that sets this brewery apart, says Scott, is the fact that it’s situated on agricultural land, making it possible to grow their own barley.
“We’re one of just a handful of craft breweries in B.C. that are able to do that,” he said.
Abandoned Rail’s location will provide the “genuine Okanagan experience,” he added, embracing the outdoors, with its patios and picnic area surrounding with barley and fruit trees.
The couple seeks to create a kid- and dog-friendly space, “packed full of families.” They’ll keep the iconic apple slushies, too, from the Trail Store. Scott’s long-time friend, Peter Schulz, joins as their certified German brewmaster, who trained in Germany for five years.
The brewery is surrounded by wineries, located on the Naramata Bench, offering the ultimate tasting trail opportunities.
The Penticton Ale Trail is certainly one to explore. Check out our breakdown of Penticton’s craft breweries.
Penticton's 8 Craft Breweries
Bad Tattoo Brewing
This brewery near Okanagan Lake is a popular attraction with an on-site rock oven pizzeria, covered patio, the new ‘Badlands’ outdoor patio, and extensive craft beer lineup.
Barley Mill Brew Pub & Bistro
This craft brewery is set in an old English Tudor-style building, offering an historic and friendly atmosphere. Families are welcome in the upstairs sports bistro. The brew pub offers indoor seating as well as patio seating equipped with patio misters for hot Okanagan afternoons.
Cannery Brewing
Cannery Brewing's much-loved taproom, patio and backyard are packed with great beer, delicious snacks, local wine and cider. Their micro-brewery produces individually crafted fine ales and lagers.
Tin Whistle Brewing
We wrote about this newly revamped brewery earlier this year, which has new owners and has undergone a rebrand. They have a new interior space, outdoor patio and new can designs. Not only is Tin Whistle one of the Okanagan’s oldest breweries, it’s also one of the first in B.C. to become carbon neutral, located in the historic Cannery Trade Centre.
Neighbourhood Brewing
It’s been a big year for Penticton, with Neighbourhood Brewing opening eight months ago, offering a 10,000-square-foot building spread over two floors, with patios and an industrial feel to the interior space. While beer is their specialty, they also like to have fun in the kitchen, putting a tasty spin on traditional Mexican dishes.
Slackwater Brewing
Their website declares: “We make beer for people who love nature. And beer.” This brewery offers a beachy, welcoming feel, with outdoor patios, live music and fantastic food. It’s also one of the newer breweries in Penticton, located downtown.
And these two, as featured above...
Abandoned Rail Brewing Company
Highway 97 Brewing Co.
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