The artisanal microbrewery La Compagnie, in Sept-Îles, was the first to set up in the region in 2018. It then became the fourth microbrewery to open on the Côte-Nord in less than two years, after St-Pancrace in Baie-Comeau, the Tadoussac microbrewery and La Mouche in Natashquan.
Marie-Pier Johnson, co-owner of La Compagnie, explains that the concept was two years in the making before work began on transforming the space next to the Convention Centre, in the former bowling alley downtown. In addition to brewing equipment, it includes a pub with seating for 85, a boutique, and a stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the sea.
The company's name is tied to the city's history. "People who came to work in Sept-Îles came to work for the company, which refers to IOC. We wanted to reflect this in every aspect of the project, from the names of the beers to the decor in the pub," explains Marie-Pier Johnson.
The three co-owners are on a mission to "celebrate the pride that has united us in Sept-Îles for generations, in a relaxed atmosphere, among friends to chat, share a laugh and drink a good craft beer. And if you get hungry, treat yourself to one of our comfort foods, made right here or at one of our partner businesses," reads their promotional copy.
The menu offers snacks and meals such as fondue, various pizzas, tacos, salads and mac & cheese, among others.
The beers all have evocative names, such as l'Ouvrière, la Wagon Rouge, la Blanche des Forges, la Pointe-aux-Basques, la Clarke and la Sorensen (IPA). The latest addition is La Corossol, their first-ever Gose. They are brewed and reflect the company's focus on the industry's role in the region's development.
This allusion to the workers and industrial builders of Sept-îles is also evident in the original promotional messages, such as this one: Here, we're not afraid to say that our beer is made from iron ore, whale blubber, paper pulp, and stories of hardworking workers. Back in the day, they said, "I'm off to work at Compagnie," today they say, "I'm off to drink at Compagnie."
La Compagnie has won several awards in the microbrewery industry in recent years for its beers. "But honestly, what makes us most proud is knowing that it's the people here who drink them," according to the company's Facebook page. "Let's be honest, we brew them first and foremost so that the people of Sept-Îles will love them... and be proud of their microbrewery," add the owners, who thank the entire team.
The company store offers a variety of merchandise bearing the La Compagnie brand: clothing, accessories, and gift cards. Currently, home delivery is not available; purchases must be picked up at the downtown microbrewery.
La Compagnie employs about twenty people and its pub is open year-round. Several of its 10 products have been available in convenience stores since 2020. The company now plans to stabilize operations and distribution before discussing new product development, says Marie-Pier Johnson.
La Compagnie Microbrewery and Pub
microlacompagnie.com
15, rue du Père-Divet
Sept-Îles (Québec) G4R 5B6
418.961.2337