The Saanich Peninsula now has its own brewery.
Category 12 is the newest craft brewer to open its doors in the region and the first on the Peninsula since the Prairie Inn stopped making its own beer in 1994.
The brewery, which opened Friday at 2200 Keating Cross Rd., features a tasting room and growler filling station.
Category 12 is run by Michael and Karen Kuzyk.
“I started homebrewing during grad studies first as a necessity, but it quickly became a passion of mine,” said Michael Kuzyk, who claims his style is influenced by Belgian and Pacific Northwest brewers. “I wanted to turn my passion into my full-time occupation so I could really explore the creativity of industrial fermentation and, most importantly, share it with others.”
The brewery opens with two brews — a saison and a black India pale ale. The pair will become year-round beers while the brewery plans to have two other seasonal offerings available as well.
“We wanted to make it clear that we are here to make creative styles and experiment. We have to stand out in a competitive market,” said Kuzyk.
With the addition of Category 12, Victoria has six craft brewers and five brew pubs.
