Our History
How it all started...
The building that houses our brewery was built in 1952 and was originally a Medo-Bel Creamery. It had fallen into disrepair and was within days of being auctioned off to pay 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.
In August 1999, on a visit to Minnesota, Vaune toured St. Paul's Summit Brewery. He found 1938 25 BBL German brew House that Summit had outgrown and was willing to sell. It was shipped to Weed and a significant renovation began to retrofit the old creamery. A smaller 15 BBL PUB system was purchased as well to get the brewery started and develop sales. Mt. Shata Brewing Company's first brew was served in 2002 and served at a family wedding.
The Bottle Cap
We started producing bottled beer in 2005 to increase distribution throughout the west coast. We have 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.
In 2008, we submitted the Lemurian Lager label for approval of the logo. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (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.
The American Civil Liberties Union was willing to take the case to the Supreme Court. Eventually, TTB granted the challenge and reversed their decision. Our beers now proudly displace the "Try Legal Weed" bottle caps throughout the nation.
The Arch in Weed
The original concrete arch over the entrance of Weed was erected in 1920. The city fathers were concerned in 1963 that it would collapse and were unable to locate drawings of the old arch, so they decided to tear it down. Demolition took over three weeks as the structure was steel railroad track!
When International Paper Company closed its doors and laid off 400 employees in the 1980s, the future appeared very bleak for Weed. A large group of people developed activities that would unite the town behind a project for its future.
The idea of a new arch was born! In 1987, we built a new arch over the entrance to Weed. It was constructed of metal with natural rock pillars. Companies contributed metal, shipping, land, rockwork; students from schools drew pictures of the arch; football players and community service organizations came together to move and set the rock.
A geodetic national survey marker was installed in each column, permanently insuring the longevity of this arch. State Congressman Stan Statham dedicated the arch on December 25, 1988. Weed had its identity once again!
Our Founder: Vaune Dillmann
Vaune Dillmann: The Man. The Myth. The Legend
Vaune was born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin to a German father & Polish mother. He was the youngest of five children. Vaune moved to California in the mid 1960s to pursue a career in law enforcement. He met his wife Barbara during that time. They were married a few years later & moved up to Weed to raise a family.
It was always Vaune's d
Vaune was born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin to a German father & Polish mother. He was the youngest of five children. Vaune moved to California in the mid 1960s to pursue a career in law enforcement. He met his wife Barbara during that time. They were married a few years later & moved up to Weed to raise a family.
It was always Vaune's dream to open a brewery. In 1992, he saw an opportunity in an old creamery building. Vaune negotiated an agreement with the Belcastro family to purchase the Medo-Bel Creamery & developed it into a microbrewery.
The brewery project evolved over the next two decades. It brought together a combination of new & old as Vaune restored many artifacts from various areas of the county. Those fascinating fixtures adorn the interior of the building to this day.
Vaune received approval from the Abner Weed family to use their name on his first brew the "Abner Weed Amber Ale". He also coined the phrase "Try Legal Weed" that is still displayed on our bottle caps. Vaune could often be seen working in the building & sharing the history of the town & his brewery.
Vaune passed away in September of 2020, but his spirit & his legacy live on. Come raise a glass with us & cheers to all he accomplished!