Aorta Ale

Origin Story

Originally part of the 2007 Imperial Beer Series (2 of 13), which Joe firmly believes was the turning point for our company and was the catalyst for propelling us to the next level of brewing greatness. Joe decided to name this beer “Aorta Ale” after learning about his friend Mark Mueller’s need to undergo a life threatening Aortic valve surgery on June, 13, 2006. Mark, also referred to as “Coach Mueller,” fully recovered from his surgery and today leads and inspires our Short’s mountain bike team in endurance events such as the Iceman Cometh Challenge. You would never know that Mark ever underwent such serious heart surgery, as he continues to be one of the fastest guys around. When the original series was launched, all of the beers were individually bottled by hand and had a tag hung around it that told a brief story about the beers creation according to Joe Short: "This beer has a most interesting story. Aside it being a delicious ruby red masterpiece of luscious caramel and toasted malts balanced with tons of classic American cascade hops, I dedicate this Imperial ale to an imperial dude. Mark Mueller is a good personal friend and big supporter of Short’s Brewing Company. He is probably one of the healthiest, most athletic young people I know. On June 13th 2006 Mark went under the knife for a resection of his ascending aortic arch to the root, caused by an aortic aneurysm he had some years earlier on. It was assumed to be from congenital reasons. I thought heart surgery was a strange operation for a young guy who was so healthy and active, but hey, guess you can’t pick your genes right? The procedure was nothing less than significant and quite terrifying if you think about it. I felt this beer should be a reminder to all humans who occupy the earth. It represents the beauty and awesome power of the human body and mind, and their abilities. Aorta Ale is also a symbol of life and goodness. It’s a beverage for the people around us who enhance our lives and add value to it. Mark Mueller is a person who enhances the value in my life and brings a positive goodness to it."