At 1390 Hopkins Street stands 5 Paddles Brewing Company, a craft brewery that embodies the spirit of Whitby itself - a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, community, and creativity. Now under new ownership, the pioneering craft brewery that's been an integral part of Durham's story since 2013 is once again making waves in the craft beer community.

The journey of 5 Paddles began with a vision shared by five individuals who were part of a brewer's club. Together, they set out to create the first-ever craft brewery in Durham, and from that seed, a thriving establishment grew. As Durham Region's brewing landscape evolved, 5 Paddles was right there at the forefront.

In May 2023, the business was taken over by Sarah and Tristan Jeanneault, both craft beer lovers. The couple knew they wanted to take over a brewery, but they had a clear vision of what that should look like. Sarah and Tristan wanted to be more than just the creators of exceptional beer; they wanted to be the backbone of a brand that was deeply entwined with the local community, and 5 Paddles offered exactly that.

Since taking over the brewery, Sarah and Tristan have established five core values that act as the guiding principles of their day-to-day operations - community, sustainability, creativity, quality, and flavour:

At 5 Paddles, our mandate is our compass, guiding us through every brew and business decision. We stand for community, as it's the heartbeat of our existence, sustainability, as we strive to preserve the environment, creativity, as we push the boundaries of craft brewing, quality, as we deliver excellence with every sip, and flavour, as we explore and create new and enticing brews.

Sarah Jeanneault, Co-Owner, 5 Paddles Brewing Co.

The 5 Paddles team goes to great lengths to source the finest ingredients for their brews, ensuring that each sip embodies their dedication to quality. Further, the brewery thrives on community connections. The team cherishes their relationships with patrons, other local businesses, and fellow craft brewers, offering a welcoming taproom where friends can gather, enjoy exceptional brews, and create cherished memories.

Like quality and community, environmental responsibility is a cornerstone of 5 Paddles’ operation. Sarah and Tristan wholeheartedly embrace sustainability and have implemented eco-conscious practices across their brewing process. From conserving water to donating spent grain to local farmers, the duo is committed to minimizing the brewery’s environmental footprint.

But at the heart of it all, and what 5 Paddles has been known for since first opening in 2013, is the creativity and flavour of their brews. The brewery’s true distinction lies in crafting beers that are not just balanced and complex, but also unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or new to craft brewing, you'll find the perfect pint waiting for you at 5 Paddles.

Sarah notes that behind 5 Paddles' success are dedicated individuals, like Garrett, their full-time brewmaster, who breathes life into each brew. Garrett started as a cellarman when the brewery first opened. He honed his skills working at other breweries in the Region, which is what allowed him to return to 5 Paddles as brewmaster. Garrett’s journey has given him a deep understanding of brewing, allowing him to infuse his creativity into every batch.

In the past five months, Sarah and Tristan have worked to reinvent the brewery through events and partnerships. August saw the brewery’s first large-scale event, the Good Vibes Festival, which featured over twenty local artisans, live music, food trucks, beer (of course), and more. Like the festival, another success came in the formation of a partnership between the brewery and Durham College:

Our partnership with Durham College goes beyond beer; it's a dynamic collaboration that nurtures students and fuels the next generation of entrepreneurs. Currently, we’re working with students from the college’s Horticulture program, who grow ingredients for our brews, from the rhubarb for our rhubarb sour to the basil for our basil beer.

Sarah Jeanneault, Co-Owner, 5 Paddles Brewing Co.

The future of 5 Paddles Brewing Company is as vibrant and exciting as the beers they craft. With seasonal brews like the Pumpkin Spice Latte Blonde and holiday favourites like Ophelia and Midnight Paddler in the pipeline, it's a testament to their dedication to pushing the boundaries of flavour and creativity. As this new chapter unfolds, 5 Paddles Brewing Company continues to be an integral part of Whitby's story, a place where tradition meets innovation, and community meets craft beer excellence.

Visit 5 Paddles Brewing Company’s website or follow their Instagram for more information on new brews, upcoming events, and more.

Interested in sharing the story of your local business? Contact Whitby Economic Development to participate in future business stories.