British Columbia Beer Guide - Breweries in B.C. and Their Beers
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Bear Brewing

 - Microbrewery, Brewery closed  
(see Kamloops Brewing Co.)
Kamloops
www.kbbeer.com

Now Kamloops Brewery Ltd. Started in 1995 by Dave Beardsell, a former brewer at Okanagan Spring Brewery. In 2001, Bear took over the brewing of Whistler and Bowen Island brands. Products such as "Rhino Albino" and "Winter Pudding" are brewed for Earls and Joey Tomato's restaurant chains. In 2002, the brewery was purchased by Big Rock of Calgary.

In late 2005, the brewery was purchased from Big Rock by Bruce Dean and partners and became "Kamloops Brewery Ltd". Bear brands were then phased out, although the Black Bear remained as part of the new KB line-up. Head brewer is German-trained Jody Hammell.

(28/06/2007)  More Comments [7 4 stars - above average]   Add Your Comments/Rate this Brewery

Brands

21st Century Champagne Ale (Amber Ale, 12%) - (Seasonal - 1999/2000) Even the check-out counter lady at the liquor store was hyping this one - the alcohol strength gets attention. Packaged to convey the impression of a champagne bottle, albeit with cheesy glossy label and plastic cork. A well-aged, highly carbonated, clear bronze-coloured barley-wine. The nose is actually reminiscent of champagne, or at least white wine, with its alcohol fruitiness. Real warming mouthfeel, but remarkably smooth considering the alcohol content. Eminently drinkable and very suitable substitute for champagne on whatever milestone you may be celebrating. I salute the lady at the check-out counter for her excellent taste.  12/12/1999  More Comments [0]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer

Albino Rhino (Pale Ale, 4.5%) - Known in a previous life as 'Golden Bear Pale Ale' (which would seem to fit a little more closely with the 'bear' theme), this is the bottled version of the Albino Rhino served up from the taps at Earl's restaurants. A welcome return under any name, the deep golden colour, hoppy aroma, firm body, and lingering hop finish makes this a standout among B.C. pale ales.  02/04/1999  More Comments [0]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer

Black Bear Ale (Porter, 5%) - A porter-style ale, very dark, with reddish hues, nice fluffy head. Big, malty body, with black berries and currants contributing a fruitiness that is obvious but not over-powering or syrupy. Nicely balanced bitterness. Every time I drink it, I like it better.    More Comments [4]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer

Brown Bear Ale (Brown Ale, 5.5%) - A smooth, sweet, and delicious brown ale with just the right hop accent. Most enjoyable.  12/04/1998  More Comments [0]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer

Golden Bear Pale Ale (Pale Ale, 4.5%) - (Discontinued - see Albino Rhino above)    More Comments [0]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer

Polar Bear Lager (Lager, 5%) - A crisp and clean golden lager, with just enough bitterness to show someone cared.    More Comments [0]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer

Rethink Beer (Lager, 4.5%) - Novelty beer produced in collaboration with marketing agency Rethink as an experiment. 'Herbal charged' with ginkgo, ginseng and tribulus because... well, because herbs are 'hot', right? Comes in 6 packs with multi-purpose plastic case and its own website. Average tasting lager. (They promise the herbs won't affect the taste.) Originally brewed at Tree Brewing, Rethink moved their contract to Bear after Tree ran into trouble in early 2001.    More Comments [0]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer

Umpire London Style Porter (Porter, 7%) - (Seasonal?) A strong porter that is a rich and warming beverage for a cold winter night. Very dark reddish-brown, with an aroma that is malty but doesn't hide the alcohol content. A full-bodied, chocolately beer, with a bit of alcohol sharpness coming through. The label says it is unfiltered, although there is no physical evidence and the beer, though very dark, does not appear cloudy. I'm assuming this is a seasonal beer, given the robust flavour, alcohol strength, and the fact that it is available only in 650ml bottles.    More Comments [0]   Add Comments/Rate this Beer


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