First Look: Side Project Brewing in Maplewood

Beer nerd, prepare thyself. After nearly a year of anticipation, Side Project Brewing is opening its brewery and tasting room at 7458 Manchester Ave., in Maplewood on Sunday, Dec. 18.

As Sauce reported in January, co-owners Cory and Karen King received the go-ahead to begin construction of the 2,500-square-foot space in Maplewood. Now the 20-barrel brewhouse is in full swing, and the Kings are ready to open.

The building, which once housed St. Louis Closet Company, now features bright white subway tile, picture windows and light wood tables and chairs made by Goebel & Co. Furniture. Patrons can grab a stool and watch brewers King and Brian Ivers at work through the large window looking into the brewhouse. Behind the bar, 11 taps will pour mostly Side Project beers, as well as a new collaborative label between King and Ivers – Shared.

While all Side Project beers spend time aging in oak barrels, Shared beers don’t have to be barrel-aged. King said this will allow them to create Pilsners, pale ales, IPAs and other styles best consumed fresh. Shared beers will also ready in a matter of weeks, not the months that Side Project beers require.

The brewery’s tasting room will only be open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m., but those looking to get their weekday fix can still visit The Side Project Cellar, which remains open just around the corner from the brewery at 7373 Marietta Ave. During the holidays, the new brewery’s tasting room will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but it will be open on New Year’s Eve.

Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect when the new space opens this Sunday: