A new tap room and brewery is in the works, looking to open in early 2017. Senn Bierwerks, founded by Dustin and Kristen Chalfant and James Hellmuth, will produce and distribute beers from a facility at 7593 Olive Blvd., at the corner of Olive and North and South boulevards.
“We’re thrilled to be able to go into U. City,” said Kristen Chalfant. “There’s a lot of opportunity for redevelopment, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” Senn Bierwerks will be the first brewery in University City.
Dustin Chalfant and Hellmuth are both Morgan Street Brewery alumni. Dustin Chalfant served as head brewer until April 2015, while Hellmuth worked at Morgan Street, attended brewing school, and has worked at Schlafly and in quality assurance at a brewery in Indianapolis.
Once open, the trio will offer a variety of brews. “We’ll roll out with three flagship beers,” Kristin Chalfant said. “A Northwest IPA, an amber-style lager and a hopped-up Pilsner.”
The suds will be packaged in 16-ounce aluminum cans and 32-ounce crowlers (aluminum growlers) available in the tasting room. Senn Bierwerks also plans to distribute in Missouri and western Illinois, starting first in St. Louis and expanding outward.
The planned 2,500-square foot tasting room has an estimated capacity of 200 people. In addition, a Biergarten will provide additional seating, and the trio is looking to heat and cool the beer garden utilizing energy captured from the brewing process and reused as climate control. This green energy plan is part of the brewery’s mission to “brew no harm.”
“We want to provide an all around experience that people crave,” said Chalfant. “Whether you drink a pint in the tasting room or pick up a four-pack, we want people to enjoy the experience and feel refreshed.”
This article appears in April 2016.