After years of planning, the doors to Compass Brewing have opened.
Earlier this month, the newest craft brewery in Timmins officially opened to the public.
So far, Kevin Patriquin, one of the four owners, said there has been a really good response from the community.
“They love the location, it’s the only beer store on this side of town — the west end,” he said.
The most popular brews heading out the door are Victor’s Bitter, an English bitter, the light Belgian ale called La Grisette, and Polar Day, a Session IPA.
Their menu also includes the stout No Stone’s About It. Because it’s a dark beer, Patriquin said people tend to think it’s going to be heavy and are surprised that it’s light.
“It’s smooth, it goes down good. They love it so much they take a growler home,” he said.
The three flagship brews are Polar Day, Polar Night and La Grisette.
Of the mainstays, Polar Night is the only one that hasn’t hit the shelves yet, but will be available soon.
A lot of planning has gone into the setting up the craft brewery.
Patriquin and his partners, Corey McLister, and Joel Bradette all work at the Kidd Mine full-time. Up until recently, Mael Girard, who is also a partner, was working at the mine as well but is now working fulltime at the brewery.
Earlier this year, Patriquin told TimminsToday that he’s been a serious home brewer since 2012.
The company, originally referred to as Timmins Brewery, has been reaching out through social media for about three years, and even held a beer-tasting event in 2015 to engage potential partners and the community.
Compass Brewing is located in the Timmins Auto Mall on Riverside Drive, just east of the Timmins Square.
The beer is also served at the Moneta, Cheapsters Wings, and Kamiskota Snow Resort, with more locations in the works. They are also part of the upcoming Timmins Beer Fest being held April 14 at the McIntyre Curling Club.
