First Look: Wellspent Brewing Co. in Midtown

St. Louis welcomes another brewery Friday, March 2, when Wellspent Brewing Co. opens doors at 2917 Olive St.

Kyle and Angela Kohlmorgen spent most of 2017 building out the 7-barrel brewery, which features a tasting room, kitchen, barrel room and spacious patio. Kyle, a former homebrewer turned professional, said the Midtown space housed the Bonanza Theater in the early 1900s, but has sat vacant for decades.

Wellspent will focus on “yeast-driven” beers, working with Belgian styles, sours and lagers to start. It will launch with three brews: a Belgian-style single made with buckwheat, a saison and a pale ale. Kohlmorgen has spent nearly 10 years cultivating his yeast cultures and plans to put many beers into spent wine barrels for further development.

The tasting room seats 80 and offers 15 drafts. Until more Wellspent makes its way to the lines, many taps will feature breweries like 2nd Shift, Narrow Gauge, The Bruery and Jolly Pumpkin. Kohlmorgen intends to eventually add a few wine and spirit options for non-beer drinkers . The large kitchen is currently empty. Until the brewery finds a culinary partner, rotating food trucks will park outside to sate hungry patrons.

Wellspent will be open Tuesday to Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. Here’s what’s in store at St. Louis’ newest brewery.

Catherine Klene managing editor, digital at Sauce Magazine.