Imp-ish Entrepreneurs
Indigo Imp Creating Small Batches of Supernatural Craft Brew

If you've ever cracked open a beer and wondered what it might be like to have your own microbrewery, your daydream may not be that crazy. Clevelanders Matt and Kathy Chappel decided to start their own microbrewery as an entrepreneurial venture and have seen their vision become a reality.

"It was time to do something on our own," says Matt, who was a home brewer for several years. He and Kathy carefully determined what would set their microbrews apart from others and hopefully make them appealing to local beer connoisseurs. Two years, many hours of research and one business plan later, Indigo Imp Brewery, Ltd. was unveiled to the public.

That was just last December, and Indigo Imp has already made an impression on much of Northeast Ohio. All 17 Heinen's grocery locations stock their beer, as do Whole Foods in South Euclid, Lily's Handmade Chocolates in Tremont and The Wine Room in Avon. Restaurants like Fire Food and Drink at Shaker Square and Prosperity Social Club in Tremont have placed it on their beer lists.

So what makes Indigo Imp beers so special? According to Matt, it’s open fermentation. A batch of beer ferments in a long, shallow steel vat. Because of the unique shape (most fermenters are long and cylindrical), the wild yeast travels a shorter distance to the top of the beer and spends less time in contact with the beer, allowing unique flavors to remain.

Bottle conditioning is another trait of Indigo Imp beers. “We add a little sugar to the bottom of the bottle. The yeast eats the sugar and creates its own carbonation,” Matt explains. “It’s natural and smoother.” In fact, the way the beer tickles the tongue can remind you more of fine champagne than your typical beer.

Right now, Indigo Imp brews three beers: Blonde Bombshell, Jester and their even more "limited" edition Winter Solstice beer. Blonde Bombshell features complex flavors with a fruity aftertaste. Jester is a pale ale with a special blend of Belgian-style yeast that gives it a subtle spiciness which contrasts nicely with the bitterness from hops. Seasonal beers are also available from time to time.And the spicy Winter Solstice is brewed with four different kinds of malts.

The Chappels handle all aspects of the microbrewery business themselves: brewing, bottling and distributing. Because Indigo Imp brews only seven barrels of beer at a time, Matt and Kathy can maintain quality control. Kathy helps with brewing and bottling before heading off to the full-time job she maintains. Matt delivers the beer to grocery stores, beer and wine shops and restaurants from Downtown Cleveland to Montrose and from Middleburg Heights to Willowick.

The likely next step for Indigo Imp would be to grow to a regional brewery, but the Chappels aren’t looking that far ahead just yet. For now, they’re happy slowly growing their business and being able to be home at the end of the day with their two school-age children. Although Matt says he feels a little guilty dragging the kids to the brewery some weekends so he and Kathy can get caught up with work, he believes that they’re learning a lesson about owning your own business.

“The kids will get to see that we tried something on our own,” he says. They could also be witnessing the beginning of the Indigo Imp dynasty.

Next time you're trolling the beer cooler or aisle, keep and eye out for Indigo Imp's beers. You'll know you've found the right six-pack when you see one of the six bottles dipped in wax.

If you're interested in picking up a six pack and maybe a T-shirt with the intriguing Indigo Imp logo, the brewery is open every Friday between 2:30 - 5:30PM. Indigo Imp is located at 3615 Superior off East 36th Street. It's a tad tricky to find the entrance, so call ahead 881-0650 or visit the website http://www.IndigoImpBrewery.com for detailed directions.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Diane DiPiero ohiodianeATnetzero.com

Photo by Kyle Roth (:divend:)