Distribution

Another new Bell’s beer will make its way to a larger audience soon. Larry’s Latest Sour Ale (5% ABV) will be packaged in 16 oz. cans (packaged in 4-packs), in kegs and in 12 oz. bottles (both 6-packs and 12-packs) for release this coming February. Dry-hopped and kettle soured, Larry’s Latest Sour Ale offers a refreshing citrus tartness combined with incredible tropical aromas. This experimental beer combines the tartness you get from kettle soured beers like Oarsman Ale with aromatic hops varietals like Mosaic, Citra, Galaxy, El Dorado and more. It is a nod to the spirit of innovation and experimentation that Larry Bell, Bell’s Brewery founder and president, started in 1985. “This beer is part of a long tradition of experimentation that those who visit our pub are more familiar with,” Laura Bell, CEO of Bell’s Brewery, said.  “The Eccentric Café’s Draft Board is used often to try out new ingredients and new beers. This is really the step in between creating something new and then giving it a formal name.”  “A lot of other Bell’s beers have followed this same path. Roundhouse, Quinannan Falls and even Two Hearted and Hopslam got their start as small trial batches that all went on to have their own place in our regular release calendar,” she added. “It is a unique opportunity to give fans unique insight into where we are headed next and introduce more to the continued experimentation that has always been a part of who we are.” As part of Bell’s seasonal release calendar in 2018, along with Oberon, Best Brown and Winter White, Larry’s Latest Sour Ale will stand-in for Smitten Golden Rye Ale. “Smitten isn’t going away forever and may eventually find another home in our release calendar,” Bell said. Larry’s Latest Sour Ale will be available in all states Bell’s distributes to, but will be limited. We announced in late June that Arabicadabra, a brand new coffee milk stout, will start shipping this October in 12 oz. bottles (packaged in 6-packs and kegs). That beer also started as a Larry’s Latest trial batch. Additional details will be shared here and on our social media as they become available. 

We are proud to announce our new distributor partnerships in the great state of New Mexico. Premier Distributing Company and L&F Distributors will help bring our entire portfolio to our 32nd state this September. “We are very excited to welcome two new additions to the Bell’s extended family. Both share our same standards of quality and customer service that our customers expect and deserve. We are all looking forward to launching there later this year,” said Laura Bell, CEO of Bell’s Brewery. We announced our intention to distribute to New Mexico earlier this year following on the heels of our launch in Texas back in March. Launch celebrations are being planned. Additional information will be announced as details are finalized here and on our social media. ABOUT Premier Distributing Company: Premier Distributing Company was established in 1982 with the vision of being the leading beer distributor in the State of New Mexico, through their statewide distribution network of six locations in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Clovis, Farmington and Gallup. Today, Premier Distributing Company partners with a select group of leading national, regional and local brewers, to provide premier products and service to their customers, employees and community, through their enduring commitment to quality, teamwork and partnership. ABOUT L&F Distributors: L&F Distributors is a third generation family business which focuses on distributing beer along the Texas and New Mexico border. Our mission is to provide the best service for our customers, fully support our community, be the trusted source of knowledge for our industry, and provide an ideal place of employment.

We are proud to announce that we will head to New Mexico early this fall. “Texas is a large market for us and adding a nearby state, made the most sense for us. We always want to make sure that we have enough beer for all of our existing customers before we add a new territory,” Bell’s CEO Laura Bell said. We are in the process of wrapping up our official state launch in Texas with an event in Austin this week. New Mexico will be the ninth new state we add to our distribution footprint since 2016, making it the 32nd overall. Our entire portfolio, including year-round and seasonal beers, will be available in New Mexico when it launches there later this year. “Our process will follow a similar timeline we have followed for our other new state launches,” Bell said. “We will start with searching for the right distributor partner(s) who will help us maintain the quality and customer service that are central to who we are. Then, we will make sure we have our own staff living and working locally,” she said. Additional details will be announced here as they become available. Fans are also encouraged to follow Bell’s social media for the latest updates on this upcoming expansion. Applications for a Bell’s sales position for this new territory will be accepted here soon.

Here's a little January warm-up ... a first look at this year's Oberon mini-keg design.  Look for them to hit store shelves around Memorial Day weekend.  Oberon returns March 27. Stay tuned for more info here and on our social media.  Cheers!    

Update (1/9/17): Please contact the General Store before making a trip to purchase Hopslam: 269-382-5712 Update (1/5/17): Hopslam is now available at the Bell's General Store. There is a 3 case limit (6-packs only, no mini-kegs this year). If you plan on driving from a distance, please call ahead before you make the trip: 269-382-5712 January is here and that means it's Hopslam season! In order to ship this beer as fresh as possible, we will be shipping to different areas (multiple batches) over the next few weeks. Hopslam cans will start shipping this week (Jan. 2) to counties in lower Michigan (Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clare, Clinton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Shiawassee, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne). Below, you will find shipping information about the rest of our distribution footprint. Please keep in mind that there could be delays and that the beer may still have to travel to our distributors' warehouses first.  [[{"fid":"3197","view_mode":"default","type":"media","link_text":null,"attributes":{"alt":"2017 Bell's Hopslam Untappd Badge","title":"2017 Bell's Hopslam Untappd Badge","height":600,"width":600,"style":"width: 300px; height: 300px; float: right; margin: 10px;","class":"media-element file-default"}}]]Our best advice is to reach out to your local retailer, bar and/or restaurant first. They will have the most up-to-date information about their specific deliveries and/or availability. Please also keep in mind that it may take some time before that info is available. Be patient and keep an eye on social media for additional details. Untappd is also a good resource. Week of Jan. 9: Northern Michigan and the U.P., Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin Week of Jan. 16: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Southern California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia Other helpful LINKS Our Beer Finder (please remember to call ahead and that results are based on deliveries) Our calendar: Hopslam release parties and other events Hopslam gear from our General Store Check-in on Untappd from Jan. 6 until Feb. 6 to claim our celebratory badge. 

Oatsmobile is heading to the canning line in 2017! Beginning in the spring, our hop-forward American Pale Ale will transition away from bottles as existing packaging materials are used up. Twelve-ounce cans, packaged in six-packs, will ship to all areas we distribute to. “Dry-hopping gives this beer incredible aroma, and the oats lend a lighter, wonderful body. It’s accessible to a variety of tastes, but still unique” said Laura Bell, Bell’s Vice President and Co-owner. This new packaging will make it even more approachable since many places do not allow glass, especially outdoors. Oatsmobile uses a blend of classic and modern Pacific Northwest hops. Malted oats give this session beer body that is normally not found in other lower-ABV beers. Oatsmobile will be the sixth Bell’s beer to be offered exclusively in cans (and on draught). It was first brewed as Oat Ale in 2013 and later as Boiling Pot Pale Ale at our original brewery in Kalamazoo. It was released as Oatsmobile when it joined our year-round packaging lineup earlier this year. For more information and for updates, keep an eye on Bell’s website, bellsbeer.com, or join them on social media. For help finding Bell’s Oatsmobile near you, please visit the Bell’s Beer Finder or contact your preferred local retailer. See what else we have planned for 2017!

Our 2017 release calendar features archive favorites, a new bottled beer and quite a few specialties. “We have a lot of exciting plans for next year and we wanted to give our fans and partners a preview,” Laura Bell, Bell’s Vice President and Co-owner said. Mars, The Bringer of War, will return for its second appearance. Mars was part of our limited seven-part Planets Series, inspired by the music of Gustav Holst. This Double IPA will see greater distribution than in 2014, but will still be limited. It will ship in April. Hell Hath No Fury … Ale, a Belgian-inspired Dark Ale, will also return from the Bell’s archive in September. “A few of our favorites will be taking a break, but aren’t being permanently retired,” she said. We also reserve the right to add a few surprises, she added. As previously announced, Am I Right or Amarillo, an American IPA made with 100% Amarillo® hops, will ship exclusively to Texas when we launch our 31st state in early March. One of our specialty stouts will also make its debut in bottles in the fall. Additional details will be announced at a later date. Oberon, our seasonal American wheat ale, will return on March 27. Five-liter mini-kegs will start shipping in May. Oberon will be the only Bell’s beer to be released in mini-kegs in 2017. Year round beers (Amber, Two Hearted, Third Coast Beer, Oatsmobile, Oarsman, Lager of the Lakes, Kalamazoo Stout and Porter) and other Bell’s seasonals (Smitten, Best Brown and Winter White) will all return. Other returning specialties: JANUARY: Hopslam (12 oz. cans and draught) FEBRUARY: Consecrator Doppelbock (12 oz. bottles and draught) MAY: Pooltime – Belgian-inspired Wheat Ale brewed with cherry juice (12 oz. cans and draught) JUNE: Quinannan Falls India Pale Lager (12 oz. cans and draught) SEPTEMBER: Octoberfest Beer (12 oz. bottles and draught) SEPTEMBER: Special Double Cream Stout (12 oz. bottles and draught) SEPTEMBER: Roundhouse India Red Ale (12 oz. cans and draught) SEPTEMBER: Expedition Stout (12 oz. bottles and draught) SEPTEMBER: Third Coast Old Ale (12 oz. bottles and draught) NOVEMBER: Cherry Stout (12 oz. bottles and draught) NOVEMBER: Christmas Ale (12 oz. bottles and draught) DECEMBER: Eccentric Ale (12 oz. bottles and draught) – Bell’s General Store and Eccentric Café release only (Kalamazoo) Stay tuned for more information and keep an eye on our social media for updates.  Download a PDF copy of our 2017 schedule. 

If you’re going to head to Texas, you have to go big. When we  launch in the Lone Star State, a special, limited release beer will be included alongside our full portfolio in early March, 2017! Am I Right or Amarillo (6% ABV) will be available exclusively in Texas. It is the first time we have brewed a beer specifically for a new market. “I have been telling people for quite some time, that if we ever head to Texas, this beer would be a part of it,” Larry Bell, Bell’s President and Founder said. “It’s a huge part of the celebration and of the commitment we are making to our 31st state,” Bell added. Brewed with 100% Amarillo® hops, Am I Right or Amarillo is an American IPA with big, bold aromas of citrus and tropical fruit, balanced with a firm malt backbone. A majority of this one-time only batch will be available in 12 oz. bottles, packaged in 6-packs. A limited amount will also be available on draught at bars and restaurants. We announced partnerships with our fourteen new distributors in September. Sales leadership positions, based in Texas, are also being filled. Additional openings can be viewed here.  Launch event details will be shared on our social media and at here at bellsbeer.com as soon as details are finalized, so keep an eye out.

We are proud to announce our new distributor partnerships in the great state of Texas. Fourteen distributors will help bring our entire portfolio to our 31st state. They are: Andrews Distributing of North Texas LLC, Brown Distributing Company, Del Papa Distributing Company, Inc., Falls Distributing Company, GG Distributing Co., Great Plains Distributors, LP, Kristen Distributing Company, KEG 1 O'Neal, LLC, L & F Distributors, LLC, Mike Hopkins Distributing, Reed Beverage Inc., Silver Eagle Distributors, Standard Sales Company, L.P. of Odessa and San Angelo and Tri-City Distributors, LP. Beer will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2017. We announced our intention to distribute to Texas back in April. Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Nebraska and West Virginia were all launched this year. County by county information is available in the searchable box below. Launch celebrations are also planned. Additional information will be announced as details become available here and on our social media. We are all very excited to come to Texas! About Andrews Distributing of North Texas LLC: Andrews Distributing of North Texas has more than 1,400 proud team members and distribution centers located in Dallas, Fort Worth and Allen. Founded in 1976 by Barry Andrews, they are celebrating 40 years helping their brewing partners, retail partners, team members and local communities thrive. Today, Andrews distributes more than 700 brands from 40 supplier partners in 16 North Texas counties. With their extensive industry experience, the Andrews team is committed to being the nation’s leading brand builder with a winning team culture.  About Brown Distributing Company: Brown Distributing Company is a family owned and operated beverage distributorship founded in 1962.  The company employs over 400 dedicated beer professionals and services 7 counties in and around the Austin area. We are proud of the community we live and work in and we give back by contributing to many non-profit, civic and educational organizations.  Our family culture at Brown takes great pride in working together to provide quality beverages and unparalleled service to our customers.  We are very excited to add Bell’s to our craft portfolio and are committed to helping build and foster the craft movement in our territory.  About Del Papa Distributing Company, Inc.: In 2010 Del Papa Distributing celebrated its 100th business anniversary. From its founding by an Italian immigrant, Omero Del Papa Sr., in Galveston in 1910, to its current operations distributing a variety of national, regional and local beer brands from three distribution centers serving seventeen Texas counties along the Texas Gulf Coast, Del Papa has remained committed to supporting and strengthening the many communities in which its customers and employees live. In 2015 Del Papa Distributing created 2-Row Distributing, a strictly craft beer focused division to provide its supplier and retail partners with the necessary focus,  expertise, and category management skills required for this exciting and growing category.  Del Papa Distributing still speaks today to those old fashioned values of quality, honesty, integrity and work ethic.  If anything these ideals have grown stronger over the course of a century. About Falls Distributing Company: Falls Distributing Company is a locally owned beer wholesaler, headquartered in Wichita Falls, covering 13 counties in North Central Texas. With our 19,800 square foot refrigerated facility and best-in-market equipment and sales team, Falls Distributing Company is able to provide unparalleled service to North Texas customers.  Since our company’s founding in 1961, our entire team, 63 members strong, is committed to making a difference in quality assurance, customer service, brand recognition, and a passion for craft beer. About GG Distributing Co.: Giglio Distributing was founded in 1955 by J.C. Giglio in Beaumont, Texas. J.C. started with himself, one employee, no revenue and one company truck.  Fifty nine years later J.C.’s son Charles formed a joint venture with Glazers Beverage, GG Distributing LLC based out of Longview, TX currently services thirty eight counties. With this strong heritage, our future totally depends upon building an outstanding team focused against great brands, maintaining quality and marketing attributes. About Great Plains Distributors, LP: Great Plains Distributors, LP is a third generation family owned wholesale beer distributor, operating in the southern High Plains of Texas since 1961.  Based in Lubbock, TX, Great Plains provides unrivaled service to customers across fifteen counties and takes great pride in their fierce dedication to quality assurance, customer service, brand building, responsible alcohol consumption, and a passion for craft beer. About Keg 1 O'Neal, LLC: KEG 1 began as a Knowledge Exchange Group of 10 of the nation's largest distributors of alcoholic beverages. With the creation of KEG 1, LLC, these 10 principals went beyond the traditional sharing of best practices and quarterly meetings to form a partnership whose combined annual distribution approaches 100 million cases. About Kristen Distributing Company: Kristen Distributing Company has been family-owned and operated since 1930.  Current President, John Kristen, is the 4th generation of leadership.   Kristen’s seasoned sales and delivery teams bring unparalleled customer service to the 28 central Texas counties in their territory.  Based in Bryan, Texas, Kristen Distributing Company operates 2 warehouses selling a diverse portfolio of alcohol and non-alcohol products.  We believe we sell the finest beverages in the world and are excited to welcome Bell’s Brewery to the Kristen Distributing Company family of brands.  About L & F Distributors, LLC: L&F Distributors is a third generation family business which focuses on distributing beer along the Texas and Mexico border. Our mission is to provide the best service for our customers, fully support our community, be the trusted source of knowledge for our industry, and provide an ideal place of employment. About Mike Hopkins Distributing: Mike Hopkins Distributing Company, Inc. prides itself on service, quality, and community involvement across its seven county central Texas distribution footprint.  With nearly 70% market share, MHD is the market leader and a 2nd generation beverage distributor proud to support local, regional, and international brands.  About Reed Beverage Inc.: Reed Beverage is a family owned distribution business that was founded in 1952 serving 37 counties in Texas. Our Mission is to build great brands and partnerships through our unwavering commitment to quality and service.  Reed Beverage is a responsible community partner, and very proud of the work we do and the great brands we represent.  We strive to excel in every phase of our business and set the standard in the beverage business for West Texas.  About Silver Eagle Distributors: Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. is the nation’s second largest beer distributor. The company employs more than 1,400 employees that serve 16 counties in Texas through operations in Houston, San Antonio, Pasadena, Cypress, Conroe and Rosenberg. Silver Eagle distributes a broad selection of domestic and import brands as well as microbrews and craft beers and several non-alcohol beverages and waters. For more information, visit www.silvereagle.com. About Standard Sales Company: Standard Sales, in Odessa and San Angelo is located in Permian Basin of West Texas and West Central Texas. Our 32,000 sq. mile territory of oil rich land, is made up of 28 counties and Standard Sales proudly provides exceptional sales and service to the area’s 1,230 retail accounts. At Standard Sales, we understand each ingredient plays an important role in crafting a fine beer. It’s the perfect combination that gives each beverage its own spirit and we pride ourselves in selecting only the best products for your unique spirit, too. We share this attitude with our Standard Sales family – a family of individuals and partners with a variety of unique and diverse talents, abilities, thoughts, and feelings that together, make a perfect team. About Tri-City Distributors, LP: Tri-City Distributors, LP, located in New Braunfels, Texas, is a central Texas beer distributor servicing Comal, Gonzales and Guadalupe Counties.   Scott Brown, owner of Tri-City Distributors, LP which he purchased in 1988, started as a single supplier distributor with 350,000 cases of annual sales, to a distributor that offers brands from over 25 beer suppliers with expected annual sales of 2 million cases in 2016.  With a customer focused culture and a passion for beer, Tri-City has continued to grow and maximize its portfolio through relentless pursuit to customer service, investing in brand building awareness and staying locally involved in the communities it serves.

That’s right, a limited shipment of our beer will leave the brewery soon and arrive just in time to help celebrate the Fourth of July with some of their favorite Bell’s beers. You can expect to start seeing bottles and cans of our year round, seasonal and a few specialties on store shelves throughout the state, as well as a limited number of draught options, early next week. If you can’t get your hands on any beer this time around, don’t worry. We’ll be back later this summer with more to help celebrate this year’s Great American Beer Festival. See you soon, Colorado!