Meet Zech Algood, our Barrel Manager & Brewer. He’s always thinking of new ways to create delicious BBL-aged beers. If you loved any of our TBK Variants this year, he’s the one to thank.
Zech has worked at Upland for 6 years and when he’s not busy brewing or putting new stuff in barrels, he’s outdoors with his wife and twin daughters camping, hiking, boating, and bicycling. Zech often drives down to Kentucky to pick up freshly dumped bourbon barrels to create our next round of barrel-aged innovation. On any given day you can see him in the brewery wearing Grateful Dead shirts and talking about the latest thing he saw on Reddit.
Brewing & Inspiration
When did you start home brewing?
05/15/2003
When did you start brewing at Upland?
05/13/2013
What brought you to start brewing?
I was already a fan of craft beer and had been drinking it since around 1997 or 1998. I had a neighbor give me some home brewing supplies he didn’t need, and that led me to trying to brew my first batch of beer
How long have you been brewing for Upland?
6 years
About The Beer
What was the first beer you ever brewed?
An American Pale Ale. I believe it was a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale clone
What is your favorite current Upland Beer?
It’s hard to say, but probably Dragonfly or Champagne Velvet
What do you like about being a brewer?
I love the process, the atmosphere, the science, and the creativity. I like the fact that, at the end of the day, I have a tangible think I’ve created
About The Brewer
If you were going to die tomorrow, what would your last meal & beverage be?
Steak, warm German potato salad, and a liter of Oktoberfest
Where are you from?
Bloomington, IN
Did you do the college thing? If yes, what was your major?
I have certificates in Audio Engineering from Vincennes University and The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Science, as well as an Associates Degree From Ivy Tech in Applied Science with a focus in Carpentry
What do you like to do when you aren’t brewing?
I like to be outdoors with my family. Camping, hiking, boating, and bicycling
What is your favorite activity to do outside?
Walking in the woods
