The Pub That’s Got Me Hopping
Pull up a stool at The Up and Under Pub, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a veritable wonderland of beer. This place is like a choose-your-own-adventure novel for the brew-inclined – with a rotating selection of craft taps that could make even the most seasoned hop-head’s head spin.
As I bellied up to the bar the other day, I couldn’t help but wonder: What’s the story behind all these suds? The Up and Under is clearly a hub for beer enthusiasts, but there has to be more to it than just frothing mugs and witty bartenders. I was determined to uncover the rich, beer-centric history that lies beneath the foam.
From Humble Beginnings to Hops Haven
The Up and Under Pub first opened its doors back in the early 2000s, when the craft beer revolution was just starting to pick up steam. At the time, the owners – a passionate trio of homebrewers – saw an opportunity to bring their love of artisanal ales to the masses.
The pub started out modestly, with a relatively small selection of taps featuring local and regional brews. But as word of their impressive offerings spread, they quickly outgrew their original space. In 2010, the pub underwent a major expansion, nearly doubling in size and adding dozens of new taps to accommodate the ever-growing thirst for craft beer.
Today, The Up and Under boasts an astounding 72 taps, pouring a diverse array of styles – from crisp, hop-forward IPAs to rich, roasty stouts. And the selection is in a constant state of flux, with new kegs being tapped on the regular. “We’re always scouring the country, searching for the latest and greatest releases,” says head bartender, Samantha. “Our customers expect us to keep things fresh and exciting, and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver.”
The Science (and Art) of Suds
Of course, all those taps don’t just magically appear out of thin air. A tremendous amount of thought, planning, and science goes into curating The Up and Under’s beer lineup. And at the heart of it all is the pub’s in-house beer expert, Dr. Emily Wilkins.
With a Ph.D. in Brewing Science, Dr. Wilkins is something of a rock star in the local beer community. “People are always asking me about yeast strains, mash temperatures, and hop varietals,” she tells me, “and I love nothing more than geeking out about the nitty-gritty details of the brewing process.”
Dr. Wilkins is particularly passionate about the role of mash temperature in shaping a beer’s final character. “Mash temperature is arguably the single most important factor in determining a beer’s fermentability, body, and overall flavor profile,” she explains. “It’s a delicate balancing act – too low, and you end up with a thin, overly-dry beer; too high, and you risk a cloying, syrupy mess.”
But Dr. Wilkins doesn’t just rely on textbook knowledge. She’s constantly experimenting, conducting her own small-batch trials to better understand how minute changes in the brewing process can impact the final product. “I’ll never forget the time I mashed a batch at 147°F and another at 161°F,” she recounts, “the differences in attenuation, body, and overall flavor were really quite striking.”
Putting Theory into Practice
Of course, all that scientific know-how would be for naught if the bartenders at The Up and Under couldn’t execute flawlessly. Fortunately, Samantha and her team are true beer geeks in their own right, with a deep understanding of what makes each style tick.
“We’re not just here to pour beers,” Samantha insists. “We take the time to really get to know our products – their origins, their brewing processes, and their flavor profiles. That way, we can make informed recommendations and help our customers discover new favorites.”
And the customers certainly seem to appreciate the effort. On any given night, you’ll find the bar bustling with a diverse crowd – from hop-heads comparing notes on the latest IPA releases, to novice drinkers seeking guidance on where to start their craft beer journey.
“The best part is seeing the look on someone’s face when they try a beer they’ve never had before and just absolutely fall in love with it,” Samantha beams. “That’s what keeps us coming back day after day – the joy of sharing our passion for great beer with others.”
Beyond the Pint Glass
But The Up and Under Pub isn’t just about what’s flowing through the taps. No, this place is a veritable hub for all things beer-related, with a packed calendar of events and activities that cater to every type of brew enthusiast.
For the homebrewers in the crowd, there are monthly workshops led by Dr. Wilkins, covering everything from recipe formulation to troubleshooting common brewing issues. “I love being able to share my knowledge and inspire the next generation of craft beer pioneers,” she tells me. “Who knows, maybe one of these homebrewers will be the next big thing in the industry!”
And for those looking to simply kick back and enjoy the atmosphere, The Up and Under hosts weekly trivia nights, beer tastings, and even the occasional homebrew competition. “We’re always looking for new ways to get the community involved,” says Samantha. “Beer is such a social beverage, and we want this place to be a hub for like-minded enthusiasts to come together and bond over their shared love of the sudsy stuff.”
Raising a Glass to the Future
As I reluctantly order my last round and prepare to head out, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy for the patrons who get to call The Up and Under their regular haunt. This place is clearly more than just a bar – it’s a haven for beer geeks, a hub for the local brewing community, and a welcoming space for anyone looking to expand their hop-horizons.
And if the past is any indication, the future of The Up and Under Pub looks brighter than ever. “We’re always looking for ways to push the boundaries and keep our customers on their toes,” Dr. Wilkins shares with a mischievous grin. “Who knows what crazy experiments I’ll cook up next?”
So, the next time you find yourself in the area, be sure to swing by The Up and Under Pub. Grab a seat at the bar, strike up a conversation with the bartenders, and get ready to embark on a sudsy adventure that’s sure to leave you thirsty for more.
