History in a glass
Brew City
Before Mount Clemens was famed for its healing mineral baths, it had another kind of "medicinal" marvel: beer. Our brewing legacy dates back to 1860, when Mount Clemens became home to rival breweries that battled for supremacy—and proudly claimed the title of “Michigan’s Favorite Beer.”
Though those original breweries are long gone, let’s not forget: The Clem is a beer town.
The story gets even better in 1889, when the Mount Clemens Brewing Company (MCBC) was founded by a crew of German immigrants led by Joseph Oberstadt—one of Detroit’s finest brewers. Combining Old-World craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques, MCBC quickly earned its reputation as a pioneer.
Then, in 1905, their masterpiece was born: Pearl Foam. This golden lager became a household name and cemented its place in Mount Clemens lore—a legacy we’re proud to revive today.
about
the best beer in town
For over two decades, the original brewers crafted authentic lagers, bocks, pilsners, dortmunders, and other classic German and Belgian beers—always true to tradition, never chasing a “brand name.”
Then came Joseph Oberstadt and his protégé, Nicholas Frank, and everything changed. Together, they created a legend: Pearl Foam.
So, what’s the story behind Pearl Foam? One of the brewery’s owners back then described it as both an export beer and a table beer—an unexpected contradiction.
- Export beer is bold, clocking in around 6% ABV with generous hops for a longer shelf life and easier transport. In Dortmund, Westphalia—where the brewmaster’s roots lie—exports were typically crisp, golden lagers.
- Table beer, on the other hand, was the ultimate “everyday beer” of the early 20th century. Low in alcohol (1.5–3.0% ABV), family-friendly, malt-forward, and subtly hopped, it paired perfectly with meals and conversation.
Pearl Foam struck an irresistible balance: a pale, golden lager with a malt-forward sweetness, floral hop notes, and a crisp, smooth finish.
We’ve worked hard to honor that legacy. Brewing methods have changed since the early 1900s, so we reverse-engineered the new Pearl Foam to deliver the best of both worlds:
- An export beer that’s hoppier and more adventurous.
- A classic lager that’s smooth, refreshing, and timeless.
And as a tribute to its name and heritage, we crafted it with Perle Hops and Carafoam grain.
This isn’t just a beer—it’s a taste of history, reimagined. We can’t wait for you to try Pearl Foam. Cheers! 🍺
MCBC MERCH
MCBC Merch
Now on tap
three blind mice
three blind mice
three blind mice
The rec bowl
three blind mice
three blind mice
Octopus beer garden
Octopus beer garden
Octopus beer garden
Engine House
Octopus beer garden
Octopus beer garden
True to the roots
We have meticulously researched the history of the Mount Clemens Brewing Company over the last 7 years, tracking down every shred of information to give proper homage to the legendary brewery. That includes recreating the incredible branding and imagery. Everything we do is referenced to the brewery's history.
