History of Mount Shasta Brewing Company
1992--Mount Shasta Brewing Company renovated the old Medo-Bel Creamery
built in 1952. It had fallen into disrepair and was within three days of being
auctioned for taxes when Vaune Dillmann purchased the property in 1992. His life
long dream had been to follow in the footsteps of his German ancestors who were
in brewing-related businesses. This prime location near Interstate 5 and College
of the Siskiyous was the perfect site.
1999--The first challenge was to clean up the contaminated soil caused by an
underground gasoline tank. Vaune wrote a grant and was awarded a $995,000 from
the CA Clean Up Fund. It took over seven years of daily restoration before the
property received a clean bill of health from the CA Regional Water Quality
Control Board (CRWQCB) in May, 1999. In August, on a visit to family in
Minnesota, Vaune got side tracked and toured St. Paul's Summit Brewery. He
"found" 1938 25 BBL German brew haus Summit had outgrown and was willing to
sell. It was shipped to Weed and a major renovation began to retrofit the old
creamery. A smaller 15 BBL PUB system was purchased in order to get the brewery
started and develop sales. Vaune's first brew was made for his daughter's
wedding.
2003--MSBC brewed it's first beer "Weed Golden Ale" in kegs and as our town was
named after Abner Weed, founder of the first lumber mill, the family of Mr. Weed
authorized "Abner Weed Amber Ale" in his honor. Two months before MSBC sold its
first brew, a disaster occurred when Butte Creek Brewery of Chico, CA, patented
a beer called Mt. Shasta Pale Ale. They sued MSBC for the right to take the Mt.
Shasta Brewing Company name but lost.
2005--Bottled beer was produced to increase distribution throughout the west
coast. MSBC has liquor licenses for the states of California, Oregon,
Pennslyvania, and Washington. Tap handles, bottle labels, and growlers were
designed to include an actual picture of the beautiful Mt. Shasta, and Vaune's
Weed Arch, now the gateway to our town.
2008--MSBC submitted its Lemurian Lager label for approval. TTB would not
approve the label until the "Try Legal Weed" bottle cap was removed. Vaune
appeared on regional and national TV shows, radio talk shows, and was
interviewed by newspaper reporters from around the world, everyone was astounded
that TTB would challenge free speech. The ACLU was willing to take the case to
the Supreme Court. TTB granted the challenge and reversed their decision. MSBC
beers now proudly displace the "Try Legal Weed" bottle caps throughout the
nation.
Weed Ales and Lagers
Abner Weed Amber Ale
Our beautiful Amber named Abner is a session brew dedicated to California State
Senator Abner Weed, founder of the town in which we craft our delicious brews.
The red colored ale has a stable, tan head, and an aroma of mild hops with
overtones of carmel and roasted malt. This rich ale starts sweet and malty, then
progresses into a light bitter flavor. Slightly thick on the palate, our Amber
at 5.5% ABV has a balanced bitterness resulting from a combination of Chinook
and Cascade hops. It ends clean with a light lingering bitterness at 43 IBUs. We
raise our glasses in celebration to our town Weed!"
Lemurian Lager
Lemuria's finest, from our hollow mountain to your glass! This bohemian
pilsner's recipe is so good, you might think it was encrypted in a Lemurian
quartz crystal that showed up on our doorstep! With the continent of Telos on
our side, we used German pilsner malt and a blend of noble hops infused with
crystal to create a brew even 5th dimensional beings could enjoy. Light and
almost fruity from the yeast characteristics, this brew is a perfect summer
refresher and is also delicious whenever you are in need of some Lemurian
company. 35.2 IBU - 6% ABV
Mountain High IPA
A deep golden, mild and malty India Pale Ale. Late hop additions contribute
floral and pine aromas reminiscent of Mount Shasta. A classic American IPA
uniting hops with fresh mountain spring water. The alcohol by volume is at 7%
and uses Centennial and Simcoe hops to reach its 63 IBU's. The hop profile is
not overpowering, starting smooth and building up to its mellow, bitter finish.
A generous dryhop emphasizes a green hop accent and enjoyable aroma. A
worthwhile trip, high on a mountain, to reach Hop Heaven. 62.1 IBU - 7% ABV
Shastafarian Porter
A mild bitterness and a spicy aroma balance this perfect blend of caramel,
coffee, and subtle roasted malt flavors. This brew emphasizes smooth, chocolatey
goodness. A complex malt body gives this porter its robust character. Hops are
present, yet almost untraceable on the foreground of the palate. Beneath a solid
head of dark tan, our porter is black in color and highlighted with auburn hues.
This brew tastes as deep as it looks and at 6% ABV, is stronger than most in its
class. Dedicated to Shastafarians near and far, we salute the mountain that
unites and refreshes us all. 43.2 IBU - 6% ABV
Weed Golden Ale
A light, fruity, golden colored ale, tasting crisp and clean as the mountain
air. Whether you are summiting Mt. Shasta, tending a hop garden, drinking with
friends after work, or dancing the night away, we proudly offer our Golden Weed
to refresh and enthuse your palate. Peer into the light golden color and allow
the aroma of citrus to lure your tastebuds to a chilled glass of this scrumptous
Weed ale. With a modest bitterness, the taste left in your mouth is mild and
relaxed. Hop flavors are of citrus, due to the low alpha of our Saaz dry hop.
Savor the undertones of our quality grain and the clean, dry finish of the low
final gravity. At 5% ABV this ale is not a heavy hitter. 24.5 IBU - 5 % ABV
