December 14, 2023 – El Dorado County, already boasting a rich tapestry of craft breweries, may have found its saturation point, but Mindscape Fermentations is transcending the norm with its unique offerings. Nestled in the Rocklin Crossings shopping center, Mindscape isn’t just a brewery; it’s an alchemical playground where fermentation takes center stage, led by an all-woman team.
Beyond Beer: Kombucha, Seltzers, and Probiotic Sodas
While beer is part of the repertoire, Mindscape Fermentations distinguishes itself with its emphasis on kombucha, seltzers, probiotic sodas, and the intriguing “$2 gut shots.” These gut shots, acidic remnants from housemade pickled vegetables like crunchy beets, spicy green beans, or purple turnips, offer a tangy twist to the traditional brewery fare.
Founded in May 2022 by Lauren Price, Charlotte Crott, and Lauren Houston, Mindscape proudly stands as the Sacramento region’s only entirely woman-owned-and-operated brewery. Rooted in a shared love for fermentation, the team sees it as an ancient alchemy—a transformative process turning grains into beer and vegetables into flavorful pickles.
Lauren Price reflects on fermentation, stating, “(Fermentation) is like the most ancient rite, to take goods that may seemingly not be the best version of themselves, and then to be an observer and a creator and a changer and turn it into something that’s kind of magical.”
A Symphony of Flavors and Shared Gifts
The two Laurens, having met while working at sour-focused Mraz Brewing, along with Charlotte Crott, former head brewer at Cool Beerwerks, bring their expertise to Mindscape. They orchestrate a diverse menu where Brie cheese is harmonized with pomegranate-apple-feijoa chutney, sourced from customer-donated backyard fruits. A winter equinox celebration promises the unveiling of 100 bottles of huckleberry kombucha, foraged and brewed by Lauren Price.
Mindscape reciprocates by sharing its SCOBY, the Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast used in kombucha brewing, with customers who bring their own containers. As the holidays approach, their martini mixers and bloody mary baskets become thoughtful presents.
Innovative Brews and Culinary Offerings
Mindscape doesn’t shy away from experimentation. Their roster includes a kottbusser, a German beer outlawed since 1877, and gluten-reduced beers. The brewery is set to introduce a kefir water, a less acidic alternative to kombucha, with a potential “magic juice” version carrying a higher alcohol content.
While their food menu is concise, featuring charcuterie boards, hummus plates, and Manchego-salami panini with house-fermented garlic spread, Mindscape encourages patrons to bring in outside food, excluding shellfish.
Mindscape’s concoctions can be savored at their Rocklin brewery or found at various Placer County establishments like Moksa Barrel House, Gander Taphouse, and Infusion Taproom, adding a distinctive note from El Dorado County’s diverse craft scene.
