Our Beers
At New Almaden Brewing Company, our beers tell the stories of the mines, the people who worked them, and the beautiful wildlife and scenery in which they thrived. All beers are 100% natural, using ingredients grown in or sourced from California and the greater West Coast wherever possible.
Village Series
Because of the demand for Quicksilver in the late 19th Century, miners from all over the world came to New Almaden to find work. They gathered and lived in villages throughout the Hacienda Hills to share their culture and memories, as well as raise families. The Village series celebrates the varied heritage of New Almaden’s inhabitants.
Village Series
Because of the demand for Quicksilver in the late 19th Century, miners from all over the world came to New Almaden to find work. They gathered and lived in villages throughout the Hacienda Hills to share their culture and memories, as well as raise families. The Village series celebrates the varied heritage of New Almaden’s inhabitants.
English Camp Ale: Long ago, the world’s best known miners came from the Cornwall region of Southwest England. These hard working men were accustomed to beers that were amber in color, lightly bittered, and had low alcohol content so that several could be consumed at public houses with their mates after a hard day in the mines. Cornish men who worked the New Almaden mines brought the tastes of Cornwall to the beer they brewed in their enclave on Mine Hill. English Camp Ale is made in the classic pub style, incorporating domestic crystal malt and Willamette hops. Its easy drinking makes it an ideal session beer.
Alcohol (ABV): 4.3% Color: 9.6 SRM Bitterness: 31 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 4.3% Color: 9.6 SRM Bitterness: 31 IBU
Spanish Town Ale: Mexico provided a steady and reliable stream of workers for the New Almaden mines. They brought with them the traditions of their home country, where barley is not easily grown in the hot, arid climates and where beer must quench a tired man’s thirst. Clever Mexican brewers often incorporated agave nectar to substitute for barley. While used most often as a sweetener, agave nectar boosts alcohol content and lends a unique flavor to beer. So, too, it’s used in Spanish Town Ale, a light and refreshing summer ale that will quench the most stubborn thirst.
Alcohol (ABV): 5.3% Color: 5.7 SRM Bitterness: 22 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 5.3% Color: 5.7 SRM Bitterness: 22 IBU
Bull Run Stout: One of the great centers of activity at the New Almaden mines was Bull Run—the highest point in the mines and directly in the shadow of Mount Umunhum, a sacred Ohlone Indian site. In the days before trucks and heavy equipment movers, miners had to haul the tools of the trade up the hill by hand or with the aid of horses. These hearty men required a great deal of food and drink to keep the materials flowing. Bull Run Stout celebrates the efforts of these hearty men. This classic, very dark ale incorporates a healthy amount of oatmeal to provide a smooth and satisfying drink.
Alcohol (ABV): 5.2% Color: 40 SRM Bitterness: 33 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 5.2% Color: 40 SRM Bitterness: 33 IBU
Mining Series
At the height of activities in New Almaden, the mines employed hundreds of workers. The unique environments and equipment give rise to their own beers, which are unique to New Almaden Brewing Company.
At the height of activities in New Almaden, the mines employed hundreds of workers. The unique environments and equipment give rise to their own beers, which are unique to New Almaden Brewing Company.
Cinnabar Lager: The prize sought by those working the mines at New Almaden was Cinnabar, a red rock that Ohlone Indians would pulverize and use as face paint. Today, only traces of Cinnabar remain in the hills. But, the memory of the valued ore lives on in Cinnabar Lager. This refreshing red beer is made almost entirely with California-grown ingredients such as pale malted barley and Cluster hops. Its crisp finish is the result of cold fermentation with Mexican lager yeast.
Alcohol (ABV): 5.5% Color: 12 SRM Bitterness: 22 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 5.5% Color: 12 SRM Bitterness: 22 IBU
Rotary Furnace Ale: Few remnants of the New Almaden mines are as well known and readily recognized as the Rotary Furnace, where Cinnabar ore was converted to Quicksilver. The charcoal-firing of the furnace often left it covered with black soot, giving it a stark appearance against the golden grasses of the area. Rotary Furnace Ale is a tribute to this easily recognized landmark. It is based on a classic British brown ale, but updated for today’s consumer. Originally brewed as Croton Falls Gooseneck Ale (in homage to Canadian geese), today’s version incorporates a small amount of malted wheat to give it smoothness and a creamy, persistent head.
Alcohol (ABV): 4.1% Color: 27 SRM Bitterness: 19 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 4.1% Color: 27 SRM Bitterness: 19 IBU
Powder House: Ever more anxious to extract Cinnabar from the Hacienda Hills, miners used explosives to free up the rock containing the valuable mineral. The explosions left a smoky air that the men could smell long after the day's mining was complete. Powder House is a robust porter that evokes the memory of that smoky smell and pays tribute to the building in which the explosives were stored. Brewed with the highest quality American and British Malts and Hops, this full bodied beer is satisfying next to a warm fire or served with oven-roasted fowl.
Alcohol (ABV): 6.7% Color: 33 SRM Bitterness: 52 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 6.7% Color: 33 SRM Bitterness: 52 IBU
Classic Series
Quicksilver Lager: The shiny silver liquid that was the end product of operations in the hills was highly sought after by people around the world. It’s a fitting name for our signature brew, combining a rich fullness that comes from domestic Munich malt with classic, noble hop bitterness. Originally brewed as Croton Falls (Premium) Lager, this is the kind of celebratory drink that miners would seek when taking an extended vacation from their hard work.
Alcohol (ABV): 5.6% Color: 5 SRM Bitterness: 27 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 5.6% Color: 5 SRM Bitterness: 27 IBU
Mine Shaft Lager: The cold, dark entrances to the mines of New Almaden brought a sense of pride to the men who entered them on a daily basis. To those who had mining in their blood, entering the shaft could have provided its own intoxicating experience. Today, the abandoned mine shafts might provide ideal conditions to ferment and age beers made in classic German styles. Mine Shaft Lager is such a beer—brewed in the Munich Dunkel style that is known throughout the world. Our version uses 100% domestic ingredients to produce a beer that strikes a balance between rich malt aroma and the pleasing bitterness of noble hops.
Alcohol (ABV): 5.2% Color: 20 SRM Bitterness: 22 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 5.2% Color: 20 SRM Bitterness: 22 IBU
Wildlife Series
The Hacienda hills surrounding New Almaden are a scenic place, full of wildlife. During a hike through the hills, views of San Jose, San Francisco and Monterey are often possible. It's common to encounter deer and quail, but occasionally one may see some of the more wild creatures.
The Hacienda hills surrounding New Almaden are a scenic place, full of wildlife. During a hike through the hills, views of San Jose, San Francisco and Monterey are often possible. It's common to encounter deer and quail, but occasionally one may see some of the more wild creatures.
Mountain Lion Ale: The largest and most graceful creature living in the hills is the California Mountain Lion. This rarely seen, stealthy cat is extremely light on its feet, and surprises its prey with lightning-fast speed. Its gold color allows it to blend in with the surrounding dried grasses and brush that are common in summertime. Mountain Lion Ale is a light body, golden summer wheat ale with a hint of lemon zest and high alcohol content. Like its namesake, it is fast drinking and surprises the unsuspecting consumer with its ability to rapidly induce a state of (joyous) submission. Made from California-grown pale malt and Mt. Hood hops (Oregon), this is a recipe that was developed by Croton Falls Brewing Company and updated at New Almaden Brewing Company. Available during the summer months, it is rapidly becoming a family and friends favorite.
Alcohol (ABV): 5.7% Color: 4.2 SRM Bitterness: 27 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 5.7% Color: 4.2 SRM Bitterness: 27 IBU
Resurrection Series
Long after the New Almaden Mines closed, brewing in California has taken on a new dimension. The Resurrection Series represents our view on what the hearty miners would be brewing if they were still alive today.
Long after the New Almaden Mines closed, brewing in California has taken on a new dimension. The Resurrection Series represents our view on what the hearty miners would be brewing if they were still alive today.
Walking Dead Trail Ale: The zombie apocalypse is upon us. If you're outside enjoying a beer, you'd better have plenty of our latest brew on hand. This aromatic pale ale incorporates huge quantities of Citra hops and can satisfy even the most blood-thirsty walker.
Alcohol (ABV): 6.7% Color: 11 SRM Bitterness: 64 IBU
Alcohol (ABV): 6.7% Color: 11 SRM Bitterness: 64 IBU
Experimental Series
Banned in Boston Lager: Using California-grown Cluster hops and Mexican Lager yeast, this clean-finishing brew would never see the light of day in an East coast city known for its revolutionary thinking.
Hacienda Hills Lager: The golden hills that are home to these famous mines inspire a light, highly aromatic lager that will draw the consumer into the park to admire the scenery and delve into its history. (Special request)
Oaxaca-toberfest: A classic German-style beer brewed as a tribute to the Europeans who migrated to our southern neighbor but kept their traditions alive.
Glutenous Maximus: When you can't get enough wheat in your diet, turn to this Belgian Wit style brew. Made in the traditional fashion, this session beer is loaded with spices and fruit.
Bobcat Blonde (Variety): A session blonde ale brewed with the goal of exploring the aromas and tastes of recently developed hop varieties. The first in the series is Mosaic, followed by Amarillo and Simcoe. The learning we get from this series will form the basis of our IPA (tentatively named "Pickaxe").
Banned in Boston Lager: Using California-grown Cluster hops and Mexican Lager yeast, this clean-finishing brew would never see the light of day in an East coast city known for its revolutionary thinking.
Hacienda Hills Lager: The golden hills that are home to these famous mines inspire a light, highly aromatic lager that will draw the consumer into the park to admire the scenery and delve into its history. (Special request)
Oaxaca-toberfest: A classic German-style beer brewed as a tribute to the Europeans who migrated to our southern neighbor but kept their traditions alive.
Glutenous Maximus: When you can't get enough wheat in your diet, turn to this Belgian Wit style brew. Made in the traditional fashion, this session beer is loaded with spices and fruit.
Bobcat Blonde (Variety): A session blonde ale brewed with the goal of exploring the aromas and tastes of recently developed hop varieties. The first in the series is Mosaic, followed by Amarillo and Simcoe. The learning we get from this series will form the basis of our IPA (tentatively named "Pickaxe").
