A New Craft Brewery and Bar Is Opening in the CBD

It's no secret that Wellington is the craft beer capital of New Zealand. This month the windy city will welcome a brand new brewery to its crafty family. Found in the old Salvation Army store on the corner of Taranaki and Ghuznee Streets, beer connoisseurs will find Whistling Sisters brewing up a storm.

The Fermentery is a new labour of love from the Scotts, the hospitality family behind some of Wellington's sweetest spots (Ombra, Leuven, Avida, and The Featherston). But this new haunt isn't just about brewing beer and serving up delicious bites. The brewery was established in honour of Karen Louisa Hunter (nee Scott) the family's daughter and sister who they lost to breast cancer in 2015. The family set up the Karen Lousia Foundation to honour Karen's memory and fund research into advanced breast cancer. Whistling Sisters has been set up as way to keep the foundation flame burning and to celebrate the spirit of remarkable brothers and sisters everywhere.

Visitors to the Fermentery can expect a lovingly curated array of craft beers from some of Wellington's favourite breweries, and of course their own fine selection (featuring a coconut milk stout for all ye adventurous). Food will be on hand and the team encourages patrons to invent their own unique food and beer pairings — expect plenty of pickled and fermented flavours, plus home-made breads. They will also be running a packed program of live gigs, tastings, meet-ups and more. Fermentery is looking to be a nice addition to the classic Wellington experience.

The bar and restaurant will have room for around 140 punters, while the brewery will have the ability to pump out 1200 litres of the good stuff. You can currently find Whistling Sisters pouring in a few spots around Wellington, including The Tasting Room, The Bresolin, Leroy's, Hashigo Zake, Ombra, Mr Go's and more.

The Fermentery is scheduled to open this February.