QUESNEL, BC – According to a well-informed source, BC is expected to have another busy year for new brewery openings in 2014, and it’s an expectation that’s easy to believe given that two breweries have already opened their doors since the beginning of January, with the latest – Barkerville Brewing – bowing in last week.
Founded by owner Russ Ovans and brewmaster Troy Rudolph, Barkerville is located in the small city of Quesnel in the province’s Cariboo Region. Named after the historic town of Barkerville that played a key role in the Cariboo Gold Rush, the brewery and its beers feature names and branding that reflect that important part of the province’s history.
The flagship brand from Barkerville is 18 Karat Ale, a 4.5% abv and 33 IBU pale ale described as “a smooth and balanced blend of malted barley and hops.” It will soon bw joined by three other core brands – Prospector’s Peril Pilsner (5.4% abv / 38 IBU), Wandering Camel IPA (6.5% abv / 48 IBU) and Hound of Barkerville Brown Ale (4.5% abv / 21 IBU) – with various seasonal and one-off beers also being planned.
Barkerville beer is now available in 650 ml bottles and 1.89 litre growlers at the brewery retail store in Quesnel, and on draught at select bars and pubs in the area.