Category 12 Brewing
Category 12 Brewing
4.5
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Beer worth leaving your career for! Category 12 is Saanich's best Tasting Lounge experience. We offer pints, tasting flights and a great selection of scratch made food. Take home beer, growler fills and merchandise also available. Enjoy our Tasting Lounge and Food Lab 7 days a week! Stop by after work, on the weekend, while dodging ferry traffic or on a mid-ride hydration break! Children welcome.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
34 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
7
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Greigk
Central Saanich, Canada138 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The beers at Category 12 mostly are in the hoppy end. In my humble opinion the hops are overdone here. I can’t find a single beer I would buy twice. There are many more decent breweries in the area offering diverse selections.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Greigk,
I'm sorry to hear that our beer isn't to your liking. It's true- we do make bold beer and love our hops. We're really lucky to have so many great craft breweries in our area so I'm glad you can find something that suits your taste. Thanks for the review!
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phil C.
Central Saanich, Canada198 contributions
Mar 2019
I enjoyed going here a couple of times to taste a flight of seasonal beer. Some quite string, others less so, but going inside and sitting for a while is a real treat. You can fill your growler on site, too. I have not tried the pizza oven on site, but it's on my list!
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Phil,
Thanks for the warm review. It's fun to have an ever-rotating selection of craft beer for our fans. Make sure to try our Food Lab next time you are in- my fave are the corn dogs!
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adi3333
Canada15 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Fantastic local, authentic, friendly and convenient brewery and more. WOW - Category 12 is in a league of its own…Owners Karen and Micheal have created a unique experience that will leave you in awe, together with their dedicated, knowledgeable staff and expertise, you will not be left disappointed. Not only will you find an exceptional selection of rotating hand crafted beer created by Micheal, brew master extraordinaire, you will be impressed by the outstanding selection of fresh food options, supporting local farmers here on Vancouver Island that continue to inspire Chef Chris.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VancouverIslanders41
Victoria, Canada298 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a hidden little jewel of a microbrewery. Cyclists on Lochside Trail should consider making this an afternoon brew break. Cycle on a extremely quiet and safe Central Saanich Road. Access by Island View and Amity Drive from the Trail.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen F
Nelson, Canada5 contributions
May 2022
I consider myself a bit of a beer snob. I have enjoyed craft beers in the US long before they started to come on strong in Canada. I have been living in BC since 2007 and enjoy visiting breweries wherever I go internationally. I would rate Category 12 as my current favourite in the greater Victoria area. Why you ask? I will tell you why: they have a diverse selection of flavours including sours, Belgium ales, stouts, IPA's, pale ales, lagers and wheat ales. Their beer is also among the most potent as well. One of my current favourites is a Wild IPA aged in old bourbon barrels to give just the hint of whiskey and is it potent. I believe it's rated 8.7% alcohol. Good thing they have a nice selection of home made snack food to help ground you for the ride home. I usually prefer to ride my bike from Victoria on the Lochside trail. It's about 25 k's roundtrip but is broken up by a pint of their wonderful beer.
If you are a stout beer fan, they are currently offering two different ones that are superb. The nitro stout is as creamy as you can get and could challenge Guinness stout for the creamiest head.
Well worth the trip out there. Beware of one of their Belgium wheat ales with one that is over 11% alcohol and tastes smooth and light.
If you are a stout beer fan, they are currently offering two different ones that are superb. The nitro stout is as creamy as you can get and could challenge Guinness stout for the creamiest head.
Well worth the trip out there. Beware of one of their Belgium wheat ales with one that is over 11% alcohol and tastes smooth and light.
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DAVE_and_ADRIENNE
Victoria, Canada299 contributions
Jun 2022
We had a GREAT Time at Category 12 ! The Food was wonderful and the Beer was really special. Really great service and you can tell that the staff are happy to be here !
A special mention to Chris, the Chef !
We had an IPA Beer Flight, a Meat and Cheese Board and Roasted Potatoes. The Meat and Cheese Board was AMAZING and great value for $11.00. One of the cheese was so good and just melted in my mouth like butter !
We are definitely going back !
We had a chance to meet the local farmers that supply the vegetables for Category 12. How nice that everything is locally sourced.
You guys have a winning formula, amazing beer and I promise, we will be back ! (If I have my way, TOMORROW !)
A special mention to Chris, the Chef !
We had an IPA Beer Flight, a Meat and Cheese Board and Roasted Potatoes. The Meat and Cheese Board was AMAZING and great value for $11.00. One of the cheese was so good and just melted in my mouth like butter !
We are definitely going back !
We had a chance to meet the local farmers that supply the vegetables for Category 12. How nice that everything is locally sourced.
You guys have a winning formula, amazing beer and I promise, we will be back ! (If I have my way, TOMORROW !)
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DAVE_and_ADRIENNE
Victoria, Canada299 contributions
Oct 2022
Great Lunch on the patio at Category 12 Brewery and Bistro! We had the Charcuterie Plate and Pork Belly Sandwich with Crispy Potatoes. Both were amazing, delicious and great value.
I tried their Oktoberfest Lager (Munich Helles - 5.0%) and Irrational IPA (8.2%) and both were very good. The Helles was a bit lighter flavored and the Irrational was very bold and funky!
My wife and I would recommend Category 12.
I tried their Oktoberfest Lager (Munich Helles - 5.0%) and Irrational IPA (8.2%) and both were very good. The Helles was a bit lighter flavored and the Irrational was very bold and funky!
My wife and I would recommend Category 12.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GR186
Spring, TX39 contributions
Aug 2022
Lived in Victoria for three years. Category 12 was my go to for the best IPA's on the island. Menu is great and changes regularly. A must visit and also on the way to Butchart gardens.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MustTravel88
The Woodlands, TX404 contributions
Sept 2021
Excellent craft beer. Chromatic and Juicy are favorites. Delicious food to pair with the beer. Worth the drive.
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmlmlm
Austin, TX455 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Excellent beer and good food. Staff incredibly helpful and friendly - and kid friendly. Will definitely be back.
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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