Behind the Scenes at Uptown Market

Uptown Market, the nearly two year old specialty brew store that offers beer on draft, bottles to drink there or to go and homebrew supplies, is getting ready to add one more facet to their business - commercially licensed brewery. Located west of Portland in Beaverton (a bit of a craft beer desert) their tap selection includes beers brewed on their small homebrew set up, a stepping stone to the increased production in their future.

The ownership trio of brothers AJ and Chris Shepard and Stuart Faris are in the process of making the necessary modifications to their space to turn a back area into a brewery. One of the two on demand water heaters that will supply the brew kettle has been installed while the 7-barrel system purchased from Two Kilts patiently waits for installation.

I had visited Uptown Market a couple of times previously for a pint and bottles to go but this was the first time I had tried any of their brews. Of the three, ISA (India Session Ale), IPA and Imperial Oatmeal Red, the red turned out to be my favorite. I'm excited to see their house brewed beer selection expand once the brewery is up and running. In the meantime, stop in for a pint, grab some bottles to go or perhaps pick up some supplies to brew up your own.