When they opened the doors to their taproom last week, Wilmington Brewing Company owners John and Michelle Savard came one step closer to seeing their business come full circle.

In mid-June the couple moved their homebrew supply store to its new location at 824 S. Kerr Ave. where they would have the opportunity to not only expand their retail offerings but to brew, serve and sell their own beer as well.

The 11,000-square-foot building houses the brewery's retail outlet as well as a taproom and brewing facility. There is also an outdoor beer garden with picnic tables. The Savards plan to invite local food trucks to park outside the beer garden on Friday and Saturday evenings.

“It’s a nice secluded space in the middle of Wilmington,” Michelle Savard said.

Wilmington Brewing Company is now serving three of its own brews: the Sneaky Goose Double IPA, weighing in at a hefty 10.2 percent alcohol by volume; the Summer Stranger Extra Pale Ale; and a yet-to-be named brown porter.

With 15 available taps, the brewery plans to serve nine of its own brews and six rotating local or North Carolina beers. Beer is served by the pint as well as in small or large growlers.

“The response so far has been awesome. Several people have been in two or three times already to refill their growlers,” Michelle Savard said.

She explained that although the taproom is now open, she and her husband are considering it a soft opening. Once they have all nine of their beers on tap they will host an official grand opening.

“It’s so cool to be finally selling the beer that we make on site,” she said. “It’s a very fulfilling feeling, and we’re very excited. This will always be a work in progress, but opening the taproom really makes this new space feel complete.”

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