Tap Handle #440: Beermann's Beerwerks

November 23, 2014

Tap Handle #440: Beermann's Beerwerks - Rip Roarin' Red

Tap size: 11.25"
Rarity: Scarce
Mounting: standard 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

It's always a great feeling to obtain a scarce tap representing a brewery that has closed, as the chance of finding another one becomes incredibly difficult (and more expensive) as time passes. Although this tap is showing some wear - the labels are lifting at the ends a little bit, and the paint is starting to flake off of the base and crackle on the man's face and clothes - it's not bad enough to warrant a restoration attempt and just adds a little character. The top is interchangeable, where the "Beermann" had different colored shirts depending on the beer variety, and he can be unscrewed from the anchor bolt holding him in place. The labels on the beautiful pedestal base also indicate the variety. The front and back of the pedestal base are identical to each other, as are the two sides to each other. This tap is very rare, I have only seen one other.

Click through to read more about Beermann's Beerwerks, their signature Rip Roarin' Red Ale, and to see more photos of this elusive tap...

Beermann’s Beerwerks was founded in Roseville, California in 1999 by David Rosenaur and a

partner. In 1998 they began working on getting the brewery running, while at the same time remodeling the Beermann's Beerwerks restaurant, located in Lincoln. The restaurant was 19,000 sq. ft. and was originally built in 1864 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) and the Masons. The first floor had been occupied by local merchants since it was built, and was previously Beermann’s Meat Market from 1909 to 1950. It also houses the historic Empire Ballroom. The building, with its 140+ years of history, is said to be haunted.

In 2006, Rosenaur closed the restaurant, despite claims from employees that it was always packed and was making money. Customers were also taken by surprise when they showed up for dinner and drinks, only to find the building closed. Rosenaur cited a move to Southern California, which took him too far away from the restaurant, as well as a desire to retire, as the primary reason for the closure and subsequent sale. 54 employees lost their jobs as a result of the closure. The brewery in Roseville continued to produce, supplying local restaurants, serving samples in their tasting room, and taking on contract brewing for other brewers such as Great Sex Brewing and Waimea Brewing. But in 2009, not long after celebrating their 10th year anniversary, the brewery closed their doors for good and liquidated their brewing equipment. Their original brewmaster, Brian Ford, who designed their flagship Rip Roarin’ Red, now owns and brews at the nearby Auburn Alehouse.

Rip Roarin' Red was Beermann's flagship brew, a full-bodied red ale that got its deep red hue from generous amounts of caramel and chocolate malt. It was assertively hopped with English Northdown and Centennial hops, with a late fortification of hops in the kettle and dryhopping in the conditioning tanks to build a complex hop aroma.