West Koot Craft Brew Route

TAP INTO 16 WEST KOOT CRAFT BREWERS

You’re spoilt for choice along the West Koot Route, where an incredible brewing scene is waiting to be found. Between snow capped mountains, lush forests, pristine lakes and steaming hot springs, you’ll explore our award-winning brews. Discover new distilleries, an emerging wine region and sample incredible craft brews tapped fresh from the keg.

wineries

Our mineral rich soils and warm summers are to thank for our burgeoning wine scene, that’s growing stronger along the West Koot Route. Valley of the Springs Winery make crisp and aromatic wines with cool climate grapes, on a ridge above Nakusp with panoramic views of Arrow Lakes. Deposits from ancient oceans and glaciers help Wynnwood Cellars, near Sirdar, achieve their characteristically complex wines. Mountain Soul wines are grown on the majestic slopes of the Columbia Valley near Trail, BC. A range of diverse microclimates along this valley provides the unique growing conditions that enhances the flavour array of their grapes.

Distilleries

If you’re looking for unique and innovative libations, there’s 4 thriving distilleries that are making waves around Kootenay Lake. Kootenay Country Craft Distillery, found at the south end of the Slocan Valley, strives for a 100-mile philosophy, sourcing their ingredients from as locally as possible. You’ll find classic and obscure spirits at Tonik Distillery, in Crescent Valley, whose “Miracle Cures” promise to remedy what ails you.

Over on the East Shore, Wyndell Craft Distilleries turns the fruits of the Creston Valley into delightful liqueurs and brandies. New kids on the block are Kootenay West Distilling, with a pink gin and espresso vodka distilled by a husband and wife duo in Trail.

8 breweries, 4 distilleries, 3 wineries & 1 cidery

Let’s go! #WestKootRoute

BREWERIES & A CIDERY

Our region makes some world class beer. Whether it is the glacier fed water, the delicate balance of hops or our entrepreneurial spirit, we know these brews will leave you hoppy.

Harking back to Trail’s mining history is Trail Beer Refinery, with nearby Rossland Beer Co. tucked away by Red Mountain ski resort. Named for their love of fishing, Castlegar’s Tailout Brewing crafts their outdoor passions straight into their tasty beer.

Drink where the locals do at Nelson Brewing Company‘s newly renovated taproom, where they strive for quality, excellence, but most of all bringing people together. Try Torchlight Brewing, who are going where no beer has gone before, and Backroads Brewing who brew small-batch brews smack dab in the heart of Nelson’s Baker Street.

Only the purest water source helps Salmo’s Erie Creek Brewing achieve their iconic beer – with no filtration needed. Female operated and owned, Angry Hen Brewing in Kaslo combines experience with passion and outrage to bring you the finest of beers. Our cidery, Burton City Cider near Nakusp, makes award winning cider from orchards planted just like the pioneers did.

Find your next ale-venture

Natural Beauty and Friendly Communities Brimming with Craft Beer

Hop on to the West Kootenay leg of the BC Ale Trail, celebrating over 220+ craft breweries across the whole of BC. Every February our region’s breweries and tap houses join together, along the West Koot Route, in celebration of our buzzing beer culture, world class mountain activities and the most spectacular scenery.

Bc Ale Trail

find out more with our west koot route stories

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