Kern River Brewing Company was started in September of 2005 by Kyle Smith, Rebecca Giddens and Eric Giddens. Their goal in starting the brewery was to provide a comfortable place where locals and visitors to the valley could gather and enjoy great food, great beer and great friends.   

Kyle was a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service and had been home brewing for nearly 10 years; Eric and Rebecca were both Olympic Kayakers (Rebecca won a sliver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics) drawn to the area by the rapids of the Kern River.  All of them were looking to make a lifestyle change, and while enjoying a few of Kyle’s brews, the three of them realized they had similar ideas; soon the idea of the brewpub was born.

With a lot of help from friends and family, they transformed an old building in Kernville into the inviting brewpub known locally as “KRBC” which opened the Summer of 2006. “When we were building the place people would show up and volunteer, most of this place is built by volunteers,” says Brewmaster Kyle Smith.

It was an easy decision to create a local theme with the brewpub.  Pictures on the walls show old scenes of Kernville and Southern Sierra landscapes.  The beers have a local theme as well, from the Isabella Blonde (named after Lake Isabella), to the Class V Stout, named after the Class V rapids on the Kern.  The most popular of the beers, however is the Just Outstanding IPA, which is named after a local mountain bike trail; the beer is also outstanding, and is distributed as far south as San Diego and as far north as San Francisco.

KRBC is a family friendly place and a perfect spot to come and relax after a big adventure in the Southern Sierra.  There is indoor and outdoor seating and the friendly staff will do their best to make you feel at home.

KRBC's year-round lineup of beers include the following

Isabella Blonde
4.5% ABV
The Kern River flows into Lake Isabella less then one mile south of Kernville, Ca. So we named this great drinking blonde ale after her.  It has an easy malt body and a mild hop aroma produced by traditional English hops. The light straw color and crisp finish make this an easy drinking beer that's great for those hot summer days. If you are looking for great taste and good times, don't settle for just any blonde, choose Isabella Blonde!

Sequoia Red
5.2% ABV
The Sequoia National Forest surrounds Kernville, Ca. Locals and tourists are attracted to the town of Kernville because of the many activities the forest has to offer; seeing the majestic Giant Red Sequoia trees is one of the all-time favorites for folks, so a memorable trip to the giant trees deserves an equally memorable beer.  This classic American Amber Ale balances a variety of malts with a blend of German hops. With its distinctive copper color and caramel flavors, this beer is unforgettable and "Giantly Delicious".

Just Outstanding IPA
6.8% ABV
Our best selling beer; this India Pale Ale has a strong malt character and a large hop profile. We dry hop this beer with Simcoe and Amarillo hops to give it that great floral aroma and citrus finish. If you like a strong IPA, you'll find this one just outstanding.

Class V Stout
"Not for the Timid"
8.5% ABV
River rapids are rated by a numeral system. Class V is the most difficult level rapid that can be negotiated.  This non-traditional beer is equally extreme; an Oatmeal Stout, Milk Stout and an Imperial Stout all in one. With a complex flavor profile ranging from coffee to chocolate, the sweetness is complemented with Chinook and Cascade hops to produce an extraordinary finish. But at 8.5% ABV, don't let the smooth taste fool you; this beer is like the Kern at high water - "Not for the Timid".

KRBC also offers a variety of seasonal beers.  The Pumpkin ale offered in the fall is definately a local favorite and is made with real pumpkin and allspice.  Citra Double IPA is also rated one of the top beers on planet earth by Beeradvocate.com  

For more information about their locally brewed beers and food, check out what's On Tap and their Food Menu

Hours Open: http://www.kernriverbrewingcompany.com/hours.html

Seasons Open: Open all year, reduced hours in Winter see HOURS link above.

The Kern River Brewing Company is a privately owned "S" Corporation and is managed by a three-member board of directors. The business of the company is the production of fresh high-quality beer and food in a fun, comfortable environment. Kyle Smith, Eric Giddens and Rebecca Giddens make up the perfect combination to do just that.

Kyle Smith – Master of Brewing
Kyle is a Kernville native and the man behind the brew at KRBC.  As a home brewer since 1996, and a beer fan long before that, Kyle has developed his own style that is reflected in the tasty beer that he brews.  Curious about the brewing process? Ask and he may be happy to give you a tour (as long as he's not too busy creating magic, cleaning vats, working the bar or maintaining accounts).  Now this is a man that loves his work and there is no doubt about that after one sip of KRBC's products.

Rebecca Giddens
If you "Google" Rebecca, you will find a long list of kayaking achievements:  2004 Olympic Silver Medallist, 2002 World Champion, many time National Champion and U.S. Team Member.  Spend some time with Rebecca and you'll find that she just wants to hang out in Kernville and go on adventures with her friends.  One of the hardest workers anywhere, you may find her in the kitchen, behind the bar, or hauling a 100 lb bag of barley in the brewing area.  Stop by and chat with her sometime, just don't give her too much grief since she already has to put up with the rest of the KRBC crew.

Eric Giddens, Ph.D.
Eric has an undergraduate degree in environmental biology from Georgia Tech and a Ph. D. in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.  When he is not fulfilling his duties as President of KRBC, such as mopping the floor and schlepping kegs, you can most likely find him on the river.  Eric has been paddling for as long as he can remember, and has found the perfect playground in the high Sierra Mountains.  He has traded in his Olympic training regime for class V rapids and beer at the take-out.  On days where the rivers are too low, keep an eye out for him on the trails; he's the one trying to hurry up the Basset hounds so that he won't be late for work.

Kern River Brewing Company gives all its spent grain from the brewing process to local farmers who use it to feed livestock.

Outside picnic table area is pet friendly.