6 Questions With Patti...
This is our chance to get to know someone better who is working in the B.C. craft beer industry.
1. Who are you?Â
My name is Patti Savard. I'm a trans female mom, married to my lovely wife Tammy. I love to trail run with my husky dog, go on surf trips (more like, sitting on the beach drinking and a bit of surfing), having dance parties and having dance parties. I guess beer is ok too. ;)
2. What do you do?Â
I am an owner and head brewer at New Tradition Brewing in the 'oh so beautiful' Comox, BC. I was/am a homebrewer who got my start by watching Papa Don (my dad) brewing when I grew up. After years of brewing from extracts and kits we did an all-grain course together at Askim's Beer Emporium in Victoria and then I was hooked on making beer. Sharing my beer with others and seeing that it becomes part of their social is a special thing for me and my biggest reason to keep on brewing.
3. What is your biggest pet peeve about the industry?Â
Competitiveness. It's not about being better, it's about being different. My wife and I rotate around the breweries in the Comox Valley on date night for the enjoyment of their unique experiences from one another and to say hi to our friends who run them. One of the coolest things about the brew scene, here in the Comox Valley, is how different we all are from each other, in beer styles, who we are and our atmosphere.
4. What do you love most about working in the industry?
The great friends I've made in Comox and the family that has formed around gathering here is such a blessing to me and my family. Looking forward to events being a thing again so I can meet more brewery people from other regions. Also, I love blaring a funky soul mix and dancing while I mash in on a brew day.
5. What is your favourite beer right now?
Operis from Four Winds is a beer I gravitate towards, when it's available. I love a barrel aged Saison and I think they do a great job with this one. One of these days I'm going to have to find space for a barrel program here at NTB.
6. What local charity should we be paying attention to?
We have put the most of our donation efforts to the Kus Kus Sum Project Watershed. They're raising funds to restore a section of the estuary in Comox which has a huge mark left on it from former logging industry infrastructure. https://projectwatershed.ca/2020/01/27/kus-kus-sum/
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