NANAIMO – Located in a strategic location on Nanaimo’s waterfront, the city’s newest and only downtown brew pub is quickly taking shape. “We’re working pretty hard right now, and should have the mail brewing equipment in place and working by the end of this month,” explained Principal Brad McCarthy September 17. “With any luck we should have everything operating and be ready for our first customers by the end of October.”
Ideally situated directly across the street from the Maffeo Sutton Park, the White Sails Brewing outlet will initially be offering four different craft beers at any one time, with new beverage options introduced throughout the year. “I’m a beer drinker just like a lot of the guys here and have always enjoyed visiting micro brews and have been delighted to try out new and different types. By including a tap house customers will be able to sample the different products to help them decide what they like. Of course they can also stay and enjoy some of their favorites, just like at any other traditional pub.”
While the White Sails tap house will not offer hot meals, there will be an assortment of freshly made sandwiches and other snacks on hand. “Everything will be made locally and will be as fresh as we can make it,” McCarthy said. “We’re also thinking we can have live music, or an Open Mic Night, but don’t expect big screen TVs or a Sports Bar atmosphere, everything here is going to be about the beer.”
An in-house Brewmaster has been hired to oversee the construction effort and the installation of the state of the art brewing equipment, as well as to oversee the ongoing production of the operation’s product. “This is a great location, and we’re looking forward to becoming an entertainment focal point in the neighborhood,” he said.
The name White Sails came about as a tribute to the white masts that serve as welcome markers at Nanaimo’s north and south entry points. In the company literature it states that it: “is also a tribute to Nanaimo’s heritage, environment and community. It reflects the City flag, which includes a ship with billowing white sails that commemorate the settlers of Nanaimo that sailed from England.”