False Idol to re-brand as Chimera Brewing under V-Grits ownership
The former False Idol Independent Brewers will re-brand as Chimera Brewing starting Friday, Oct. 30.
False Idol Independent Brewers is becoming Chimera Brewing, and the grand opening happens this weekend.
V-Grits owners Kristina Addington and Jeff Hennis purchased the business from False Idol founders Shawn and Becky Steele and will refocus the brewery to have an accompanying community-minded mission. The grand opening begins Friday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m.
Every beer brewed by Chimera will have an associate non-profit or organization associated with it that will receive a portion of proceeds from each pint sold. For example, St. Hyena, a sour pale ale that is one of the beers that will make the transition from False Idol to Chimera, will support Change Today, Change Tomorrow, a group dedicated to supporting the Black community with a focus on education and community service.
In addition, Sanctuary, Chimera’s pilsner, will benefit Uplands PEAK Sanctuary in Indiana, which provides sanctuary for former farm animals.
Other organizations Chimera will support through beer sales include Louisville Metro Animal Services, New Roots, and the Jefferson County Parent Association for Foster, Adoption, and Kinship Care.
Shawn Steele has been named head brewer, with Chris Woodall as assistant brewer and front of house manager.
“He makes some of the best beer I’ve ever had,” Addington said of Steele.
Chimera will begin canning soon in small batches, she said, with Sarah Tidwell creating animal-inspired artwork for most of the beers released (those pictured above are mockups and are not final versions). The first beer to be canned will likely be Jinxx, a pumpkin spice latte oatmeal porter that will debut this weekend.
Other new beers that will be unveiled for this weekend’s opening are It Takes a Village New England IPA and Uncaged San Francisco-style lager. Look for more new beers and collaborations with other local breweries to follow, the focus on marrying beers to causes continuing.
“We love the food and drink industry, and of course craft beer,” Hennis said in a news release. “Using the brewery as a way to promote causes we care about like social justice, fostering and adoption, and animal welfare, is the cherry on top for us.”
“We have so many organizations in Louisville that are doing the grassroots, hands-on, hard work to create positive change. We want to celebrate them and encourage our customers to support them,” Addington added. “Jeff and I are long time animal advocates – hence the vegan restaurant – who also care deeply about racial equality and food justice. And we’re foster parents. Each nonprofit is important to us, but they deserve everyone’s recognition.”
Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Look for Chimera on social media starting today.