Historically referred to as “the capital of the Canadian Alps”, the small mountain town of Revelstoke is a mecca for adventurers and thrill-seekers. There are endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding in every direction, so there’s something to do year-round. Like many of BCs mountain towns, Revelstoke attracts the fun, friendly, passionate, and the slightly eccentric, all of whom are some of the best sorts of people to share a bevy with.
A & R Brewery, Revelstoke’s first, opened way back in 1890, kickstarting the brewing tradition in the small town. The oldest brewery nowadays, Mt Begbie, has been a local watering hole since 1996, but in the past few years they’ve seen some friendly competition emerge in the form of another brewery and a craft distillery. Whether you’re here to hit the trails or the slopes, there’s no doubt that whatever your après drink of choice, there somewhere in Revelstoke for you.
As always, this list of Revelstoke’s breweries and distillery isn’t ranked in any particular order. If you think I’ve missed something, feel free to leave a comment below!
Monashee Spirits
When Josh and Jenn McLafferty opened Monashee Spirits in 2017 they were gambling on success – selling nearly everything they owned at the time to buy the cozy old building in downtown Revelstoke. It’s safe to say their gamble has paid off – the distillery and its spirits have won numerous prestigious awards, and has been featured on more than one “Top 100 Bars in Canada” list. It’s hard to pick a highlight here, as everything is fantastic. From the massive collection of whiskys and spirits on floating shelves above the old-timey bar to the fantastic vodkas, gins, and whiskys made here, as well as the friendly engaging staff, it’s impossible to pick. The cocktails are complex and delicious – far more so than I’d expect to find in a small mountain town. The Ethos Gin is also fantastic, utilizing locally sourced botanicals. A Fireball-esque liqueur called Vulcan’s Fire is the perfect drink after a day on the mountain, made with whisky, apples, cinnamon, honey, maple syrup and red thai chili peppers.
Rumpus Beer Co
Rumpus Beer Co perfectly captures the fun and adventurous spirit of Revelstoke in its brightly coloured downtown taproom and with its range of fresh and delicious beers. Everything is casual and approachable here, from the cozy yet comfortable space to the constantly rotating collection of small-batch brews on tap. There’s plenty of experimentation going on though; Brewer Fred Orndorff has collected local wild yeast culture to use in some of his fermentations, giving the beers an entirely Revelstoke flavour. One of the only beers that’s consistently available here is Space Nugs, an oat pale ale that Fred’s been making since the brewery opened.
Mt. Begbie Brewing
Mt. Begbie Brewing Co is located just outside of town in an industrial-looking building (their third location!) surrounding by stunning mountain views. This Revelstoke brewery has been crafting delicious brews since 1996, and has long been a local staple, even winning Canadian Brewery of the Year in 2017. Beers here are easy-drinking and approachable, making for perfect sipping on their outdoor patio. Try their award-winning High Country Kölsch, Attila the Honey, or Begbie Cream Ale, all of which are local favourites. Classic pub-style food is available including nachos and pretzels made from spent grains from the brewing process.
