BEER WORTH LEAVING
YOUR CAREER FOR
You might call it magic. Perhaps you call it luck. But in reality it all comes down to this…
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(Sound Science + Good Taste) × Art = (Great Beer)
4
8
12
THE C12 STORY
There is a fundamental basis of biology and chemistry that guides the fermentation process and enables the creation of consistently great beers.
Category 12’s head brewer and founder, Michael Kuzyk, has been brewing beer for more than 25 years and has his doctorate in microbiology and biochemistry from UVic. But all work and no play makes… well, you know the rest. After leading the creation of several world–class research labs, he decided it was time to make his own – dedicated to the pursuit of exceptional beer.
The C12 Thesis
Bold beers for strong minds. With Michael’s continual tinkering, you can expect a continually expanding line of seasonal releases, including those that pay homage to our favourite big Belgians and hoppy Northwestern ales.
We make beers that we like to drink, and we’ve learned how to play nicely, we share!
Michael’s obsession with great beer, recipe optimization, and meticulous record keeping practices–honed during his research days–make him a brewer to be reckoned with.
Don't Worry. I'm a Doctor.
The Future of the Brew
We experiment with a 50 L pilot brew bench that allows us to fine tune recipes that scale to our 1,500 L production capacity - and we have more than a few on the books. Our brewhouse is proudly made on the Island, just around the corner from the brewery. Specific Mechanical has made over 350 brewing systems over the last 30 years, and ours was the first one that they were able to walk over and enjoy in person.
But good beer doesn’t do any good if no one knows about it! Enter Karen Kuzyk, our co-founder, who leads up branding and marketing. Karen will be introducing you to Category 12 beers at your local pubs, liquor stores and festivals. Watch for her – but be careful as her passion is contagious!
Michael started brewing his own beer in the mid-1990s, during graduate studies. Hundreds of Untappd check-ins later, his passion for brewing finally prevailed and his wife Karen conceded to the inevitable.
In preparation for launching Category 12, they both traveled up and down the West Coast, visiting and talking to the very best brewmasters and building a beer-making syllabus that is sure to cement their uniquely precise place in this exciting industry.
Welcome to the Ultimate Lab
Category 12 is the complete Northwest craft brewery experience. We look forward to welcoming fellow craft beer aficionados into our “growler testing facility”, where beer always comes first.
To repeatedly produce top quality craft beers that stand out from the crowd – and keep customers returning for more–requires both creativity and intense attention to detail. We’ve got both. Welcome to our lab.
VISIT OUR
TAP ROOM BISTRO
Tap Room Hours
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday, Wednesday | 12 - 7 pm |
Thursday - Saturday | 12 - 9 pm |
Sunday | 12 - 7 pm |
BEER + DELICIOUS FOOD
Our Bistro is open! Food always tastes better when you get to eat it with your hands. Featuring delicious fare made from scratch with local ingredients by our Red Seal Chef.
EVERYONE IS ALWAYS WELCOME
…into our tap room and brewery. The Lab gives you a window into our super secret brewing process. Grab a pint of fresh Category 12 beer and watch us work while you wait for your growler to be filled.
KEEPING IT LOCAL
At Category 12 Brewing, we value quality above all else. We only source the very best ingredients and all of our brewery equipment is Canadian-made by Specific Mechanical, located less than 1 km away from our brewhouse.
WE CARE. MAYBE TOO MUCH.
We brew in small batches, just 30 kegs at a time. This gives us optimum control over our product and allows us to fine tune our recipes, ensuring you get the best beer, every sip.
HOW TO FIND US
GETTING TO THE BREWERY AT
2200 Keating Cross Road, Victoria, BC
From Victoria, 15 min N on the Pat Bay Hwy
From BC Ferries, 15 min S on the Pat Bay Hwy
From Victoria, 1 hr N via Lochside Trail
From BC Ferries, 1 hr S via Lochside Drive
Your most responsible option!
CONTACT US
LIQUOR LICENSEES
WE ARE READY TO MAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS THIRSTY FOR MORE.
Our sell sheets are now online! Check back weekly to find the latest product availability.
CRAFT BEER CONSUMERS
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ORDER BOTTLES & CANS
- OFF SALE KEGS
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MERCHANDISE
Check out our Online Store for
up-to-date availability of cans and 19.5 & 50 L keg off sales!
If you want to place an order or have any questions, we're just an e-mail away.