April 07, 2021

Q&A WITH UPTOWN GARAGE BREWING COMPANY

The craft scene in Iowa is bustling! As one of our most recent additions to the PubPass family, Des Moines and surrounding areas are home to some incredible spots and none represent what is going on quite like Uptown Garage Brewing Company. We got the scoop from General Manager Alex Mortenson on this former auto garage turned brewery for Behind the Beer. To learn more about Uptown Garage Brewing, check out their website here.

Q. WHAT'S YOUR NAME?

A. Alex Mortenson

Q. WHAT'S YOUR TITLE?

A. General Manager

Q. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME OF YOUR BREWERY?

A. We're located in a building with a rich automotive history. Since 1930 it has been a Ford showroom, service center, and ultimately a body shop. More cars than beers have gone through these doors, but we think we can change that.

Q. WHAT BEER/BRANDS INSPIRED YOU IN CREATING YOUR OWN BRAND?

A. There are so many brands in Iowa that inspired us that it would be impossible to name them all; but Reclaimed Rails in Bondurant is a close neighbor that is especially close to our heart. They've inspired us with their relaxed atmosphere and their unmistakable quality of beer. We love to showcase anything that they have to offer.

Q. WHAT IS YOUR BREWERY MOST KNOWN FOR?

A. We are an Iowa Craft Beer focused taproom. Iowa is an incredible up-and-coming location for the craft beer scene, and we want to showcase that.

Q. THE ALIENS HAVE FINALLY HAD ENOUGH, YOU GET ONE LAST ITEM FROM YOUR BREWERY'S MENU BEFORE THEY EVAPORATE EARTH. WHAT IS IT?

A. I'd pour up a glass of Hipster Juice in Space, hoping that the Galaxy hops would be a suitable offering of peace to our galactic neighbors.

Q. WHAT BEERS ARE IN YOUR FRIDGE RIGHT NOW?

A. Lion Bridge TAG, Reclaimed Rails Hipster Juice, and Big Grove Easy Eddy

Q. WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE BEER(S)?

A. Athletic Closer by the Mile

Q. WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU GOT INTO BEER?

A. I floated between several desk jobs in the financial world. It wasn't until I picked up a random part time job at a local brewery that I found my love for the craft beer industry.