Alchemy Lounge at Foundry Distilling Co. brings craft spirits and cocktail culture to West Des Moines in a sleek, modern space at 111 S 11th Street. Founded by Scott Bush, a former technology executive who traded coding for distilling, Foundry opened its doors in 2016 with the vision of creating premium spirits using locally sourced Iowa corn and traditional copper pot stills. The 4,000-square-foot facility combines a working distillery with an upscale cocktail lounge, making it one of Iowa’s first distillery-bar hybrids. Bush’s journey from tech to spirits wasn’t accidental—he spent years perfecting his craft at home before investing in professional equipment and securing the downtown location. The team includes master distiller Jake Morrison, who brings experience from Kentucky bourbon country, and head bartender Sarah Chen, whose cocktail program showcases how Foundry’s spirits perform in mixed drinks. Their philosophy centers on transparency: every bottle shows exactly what went into it, and visitors can watch the entire process from grain to glass. The Alchemy Lounge side of the operation elevates the typical distillery tasting room experience. You’re not just sampling spirits neat—you’re experiencing them in expertly crafted cocktails that highlight each product’s unique characteristics. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick, copper accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the distillery equipment with natural light. It’s part craft distillery tour, part cocktail masterclass, and entirely focused on showing visitors what Iowa-made spirits can achieve.