USA, CO: Sparge Brewing becomes Wellington's third brewery

Sparge Brewing opened on June 7, becoming Wellington's third brewery, The Coloradoan reported.

Located just off Interstate 25 at 3999 George W. Bush Ave., the brewery specializes in sessionable beers, with low- to moderate-alcohol levels and "easy drinking."

Sparge, named after a rinsing method used in the brewing process, is owned by founder Rich Efird, who developed an interest in craft beer and home brewing more than a decade ago.

Born into a military family in North Carolina, he lived in Germany and traveled the world during his Army career, tasting beers in all the countries in which he was deployed.

Efird retired after 20 years in the Army and eventually settled in Northern Colorado with his family. He began winning accolades in amateur brewer competitions. Efird hired Rick Hatch, a recent graduate of CSU's fermentation science program, as Sparge's head brewer.

The brewery plans to offer 10 beers on tap: a witbier, IPA, stout, porter, saison, cream ale, red, hefeweizen and APA, to start.

In addition, they'll have Turtle Mountain kombucha in bottles and packaged snacks. Spokeswoman Jeanette Daig said Sparge is working on filling its food truck schedule to offer additional food choices.

In a previous interview, Efird said Wellington was the "perfect town for what we want to do. We will emphasize refreshing, easy-drinking but flavorful beers."

He said he came to the conclusion that if everybody will drink it, people will stay longer.

Wellington's other two breweries are Soul Squared Brewing, 3740 Cleveland Ave., and Old Colorado Brewing, 8121 First St.

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