Over the past few years, Regina has seen many different breweries open. At a glance, Copperhead Brewing is just one more name in the growing industry. Oddly enough, Jeremy Brehms began leasing the building that would become Copperhead Brewing without any industry experience whatsoever. 

“I came across the opportunity to buy the place and only had a couple days to decide,” Brehms says. “I hadn’t even been a server in a restaurant or anything, just completely new to the industry.” 

The cavalier approach to business is one that Brehms is proud to have as an entrepreneur. “When I see something that I like, I jump right in and then I just have confidence that I’ll be able to figure it out,” he says.

And figure it out, he did. After months of conducting his own research, meeting with brewmasters and testing different recipes, Brehms was ready to unveil the results of his hard work.

The brewery boasts a wide range of drinks on its menu. The selection ranges from classic New England IPAs, sweet honey-flavored ale, and the rather eye-catching Prickly Pear Sour, made with cactus fruit.

What is most noteworthy, however, is the fact that the drinks are more of a means to an end for Brehms. Though he has gained valuable experience and information about beer-making, he says that making a famous beer wasn’t ever the top priority for him. “To see people be happy, and I can create some sort of experience for them, that is what matters,” he says. “Right now it’s with beer … who knows what’s next?”

In pursuit of making memories, Brehms wants to bring new flavors to Regina, but also a completely new pub experience. “I’d like pubs to be a bit more European in nature, where people go in and visit with others outside of their group,” Brehms says. “American-style places, you sit down and only talk with the people you walked in the door with. I’m aiming to build a sense of community, where people can mingle.”

It appears this vision for a more social venue is resonating with the people of the city. Brehms has already hosted multiple private events at the brewery, and has been praised for the unique atmosphere. 

“People have booked the space and we’ve convinced them not to close the place down, and they always say afterwards ‘That was the right decision. Never thought I’d want other people to come and join my birthday party!’,” he says. “I’ve been to pubs where you got whole crowds of people singing and cheering- it’s just a big fun party. That’s what we want here.”

According to Shawn McCabe, one of Copperhead’s patrons, the brewery is certainly on-track towards Brehm’s vision. “I love the place, and everyone is always so friendly. The owner is always chatting with people, you can talk with him about what he’s got coming up next for beer ideas,” McCabe says. “You can tell he cares about what’s going on.”