A New California Brewery. From Hantke’s “Letters on Brewing” 1906
In the Northern or rather the middle part of California there is perhaps no name more favorably and widely known among the brewing circles and drinking fraternity than the name of Capt. Frank Ruhstaller of Sacramento, California, who a few months ago practically retired from the actual management of his business, to receive and take a long needed and well-deserved rest. With his retirement, his vast business interests were left in charge of his oldest son, Frank J. Ruhstaller, who for years has taken an active part in his father’s business, but who now with the energy born to youth has entered upon, what might be termed a new era, by putting up an entirely new plant, thus transferring the old steam Beer Brewery into one of the finest, most modern Lager Beer Breweries on the Pacific Coast.
The Buildings will be entirely fireproof, consisting of Brick, Iron, Stone and Concrete, while all floors are made waterproof with a one-inch layer of Rock asphaltum.
This plant, when finally completed, will practically cover the principal part of two blocks, in the heart of the City of Sacramento. The drawings for this plant have been designed by the well-known Brewery Architect and Engineer Richard Griesser, of Chicago, Illinois, and the Superintending has been left to Mr. Robt. Weismann, who has made a specialty in this line of work for some thirty years, erecting Brewery Plants all over the United States.
Mr. Fred. Wallner, formerly with the Olympia Brewing Co., Olympia, Wash., whose beer has made such a phenomenal success all over the Pacific Coast, has been retained as Brewmaster for this New Plant. He will, no doubt, uphold his well-known reputation as an expert in the art of brewing.
The Brewhouse, which is already nearing completion, contains a 275 bbl. Steam Copper Kettle, with all the other necessary tanks and tubs, and is equipped throughout with the most modern machinery known. The machinery in Mash-tub, Rice Tank, Mill, Elevators, etc., will all be electrically driven by direct connected Motors. There are three steel bins, 40 feet high for the storage of malt and rice.
In the Engine-room, one of the most notable features, is a 75-ton Ice Machine, erected by the Vulcan Iron Works of San Francisco. There will also be a dynamo and a complement of various sizes of Pumps, required on the premises.
The Cellars, adjoining the Brewhouse which form a right angle, are 140 feet long, with a storage capacity of about 50,000 barrels of beer. The walls as well as roofs are being insulated with four inches of compressed cork, furnished by the Armstrong Cork Company, of Pittsburgh.
The New Boiler House; situated in the rear of the Brewhouse, where two 100 H. P. boilers will be put in place.
The New Bottling House is being equipped with the latest, and most improved machinery known for bottling purposes.
Last, but not least, is a fine Brick Stable, for the use of the necessary horses, wagons, etc.
The cost of the plant, when completed, will be $1,000,000.
Crescent City Brew Talk 