The taps are on at Kamloops’ newest craft brewery. Iron Road Brewing opened its taproom today and curious beer lovers couldn’t wait to get the first taste.
Plans for the brewery emerged last fall and construction was underway early this spring. Today marks the soft opening for the newest player in the local beer scene, with plans for a larger celebration to take place a month down the road.
All hands were on deck during the initial launch at Iron Road. Co-owners Jared Tarswell, Richard Phillips and head brewer Aaron MacInnis were on hand, doing everything from pouring pints to running food.
"We’ve had great turnout today so far so super excited about that. We're getting really good feedback from everyone on the beer and the food, so it's a perfect first day,” Phillips said.
“We were busy before, but we're really busy now, just trying to get everything sorted for point of sale and our daily routine, switching from construction to operating. But it's been totally worth it just to see people drinking beer and telling us they like it.”
Iron Road launched with four beers on tap: the Locomotive Lager, Summer Ale, Farmhouse, Loop Line IPA and Red Bridge Pale Ale. They’ll be canning the brews and hope to have them in stores by the end of August.
“Our brewer has been working so hard. Lots of times it takes a little while to get the beer dialed, but we feel we are coming out strong,” Phillips said.
Located on Camosun Crescent just across the street from TRU, Iron Road hopes to bring a new attraction to the South Shore. Check out our earlier interview with Tarwsell and Phillips to learn what have planned for Iron Road.
