3rd Turn brings craft beer south of Watterson

When people talk about the growth of craft beer, for a long time they had a specific area of Louisville in mind — the area inside the Watterson Expressway.

But in recent months, Jeffersontown — located south of the line — has embraced the beverage full-force, selling out its first craft beer festival this month and assisting the creation of a new brewery: 3rd Turn Brewing.

"When you look at craft beer, it's being enjoyed by everyone," said 3rd Turn co-owner Greg Hayden. "... But there really wasn't much in the East. This area appealed to us because we could be pioneers in bringing the stuff out here."

3rd Turn Brewing seemed to have popped up out of nowhere this summer with an announcement that the owners planned to renovate a former church into a brewery by September's Gaslight Festival. But the owners — Hayden, Brian Minrath and Dale Shinkle — said they've actually been working on the business for about two years.

The members have been homebrewing for two decades and, after deciding to pursue craft beer full-time, spent a while finding the right building.

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They settled on an 1860s church, which was home to a chapter of the Loyal Order of Moose until earlier this month, when the owners closed on the Watterson Trail property. The building is in need of repair, but it's located in the middle of the suburban city's downtown, within walking distance of several restaurants and Jeffersontown City Hall.

The owners — led by Dale's brother Ben Shinkle, a construction company owner — are now renovating the building into a hybrid lounge and sports bar, attempting to save the church's character while creating a cozy atmosphere.

"When we first walked in here, the ceiling was four feet lower; the space felt crowded," Hayden said. "We lifted the ceilings up to 22 feet, and it feels a lot more comfortable."

The brewery will also have a beer garden and patio and will give customers a view of the four-barrel brewing system in the basement through a two-story glass wall.

Ben Shinkle will act as brew master once the brewery is open, creating a mix of beers in mostly small batches. For the opening, he said he plans to work with other local breweries on larger batches so that 3rd Turn's taps will be fully stocked.

3rd Turn's owners said they owe finding the space to The Chamber Jeffersontown and they're thankful for the city's help. The owners bought the building from a city-developed board of independent business employees, called the Jeffersontown Economic Development Authority, and continue to receive advice and assistance.

"What they are planning on doing both brings people downtown and ties different businesses to them," Jeffersontown Mayor Bill Dieruf said. "... They'll be the first one here, and others might want to come."

Remember to drink smart, drink safe. Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at (502) 582-4646. Follow her on Twitter at @bloosemore.

3rd Turn Brewing

The owners plan to solidify craft beer's place south of the Watterson Expressway with Jeffersontown's first brewery, located in a renovated church.

Where: 10408 Watterson Trail

When: Expected to open in September.

What to drink: The brewery will offer a variety of beers brewed on a four-barrel system.

More info: Find the brewery under 3rd Turn Brewing on Facebook and @3rdturnbrewing on Twitter. Check out the website at http://3rdturnbrewing.com/.