Events

This post is part of an occasional series looking at the beers we develop at our original brewery, or B1. Tasting Notes: Bright, vibrant, dry-hopped ale; sour and funky  Dry-Hopped with 9 different hops from both the U.S. and Australia this wood-aged, vibrant beer is a sessionable, sour ale.  This beer was fermented inside a more than 30 year-old oak foeder (wooden fermentation vessel), where wild yeast imparted the sour and funky flavors.  The wild yeast fermentation comes from Brettanomyces or "Brett" yeast that grow naturally within the wood vessels. Although many breweries strive to keep this yeast out of their tanks, we embrace its presence in our foeders.  This beer, and many like it that come out of both our original brewhouse and Comstock Brewery, illustrate our commitment to artisanship and innovation.  Check out our Tap Cam to see if this beer is available at the Eccentric Cafe, or take a look at our Events Calendar to see if an event near you will be featuring it.  WHAT IS A B1 BEER? B1 is how we affectionately refer to our original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo, located adjacent to our pub, the Eccentric Cafe. This is where we got our start and where we still develop new recipes, experiment with new varieties of hops and brew small batches of specialty beers like The Wild One and Mango Habanero Oberon today. Most of the beers brewed there are typically only available on draught at the Cafe, but from time to time they do make their way to special events.    

It's that time of year again, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is just around the corner!  This year we'll be pouring a selection of classic and specialty beers from both us and our sister brewery, Upper Hand. Our traveling tavern, Trav 3 will also make the journey out to Colorado for you all to enjoy. Check out our lists below in preparation for this year's festival, October 5-7.  Bell's beer list: Roundhouse India Red Ale Octoberfest Beer Arabicadabra  Kiwi Club Gose Raspberry Ale Ales for ALS IPA  Blackbeard's Bear Hug Imperial Stout: Bittersweet and warming beer that showcases its caramel and roasted malts. Barrel aged in rum barrels with vanilla beans, toasted coconut and cinnamon bark. 13.0% ABV.   Upper Hand beer list: Escanaba Black Beer 906 Ale Laughing Fish Ale: Light-bodied, easy drinking ale that showcases its clean malts and crisp hop characteristics. 4.85% ABV.  [[{"fid":"677","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"},"2":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]  

Tasting Notes: Juicy orange, mango, peach, & pine hop aromas. Named after Oberon’s other half, Titania lives up to its namesakes as a force to be reckoned with, combining sweet citrus tastes with an assertive hop presence. As with most of our beers, we do not filter out the yeast from Titania, resulting in a cloudy appearance.  This appearance is also a signifier of the enhanced fragrance and bright hop aromas. These amplified aromas are created by the Centennial in the kettle that is followed by a dry hopping of Mosaic, Citra and other hops and results in a soft bitter taste.   This beer, with its complex tastes, aromas, and texture exemplifies our tradition of innovation.  See if Titania is available on our Tap Cam, or check out our Events Calendar to see if an event near you will be featuring it. 

The 8th Annual Bell’s Homebrew Competition Kick-off and Expo will be held this year on Sept. 9 at the Eccentric Café in downtown Kalamazoo. The homebrewer who takes first place will get to brew their recipe at our original brewery to then go on tap next door at the adjacent Café. The first place winner will also attend the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado as our guest. That person will team up with us for the 2018 Pro-Am Competition and attend both the awards ceremony and members’ only session. We will cover the cost of airfare to Denver and back (must be within the continental U.S.) and provide lodging for two nights. “Our General Store has been supporting homebrewers for more than 30 years, longer than we’ve been brewing. We are extremely proud to be able to offer this unique opportunity to those who share the same passion that set us on our own journey,” said Laura Bell, CEO of Bell’s Brewery. As in previous years, there is no cost to enter the competition and the only requirement is that you use Bell’s wort, which will be available for free at the kick-off, while supplies last. This year’s Expo will run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will feature Blichmann Engineering, Briess Malt, Pilot Malt House, the Brewers Association and others. Sign-up times for wort pickup will begin at 11 a.m. It will be distributed beginning around 1 p.m., first come, first served. In past years, more than 200 homebrewers have been able to receive wort. Competition entries (four 12 oz. bottles) are due to the Bell’s General Store by 7 p.m., Sunday, October 29. The 2016 winning recipe, from Evan Monroe of Three Rivers, Michigan, will be tapped for the first time at 2 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the Café. Freedom of Peach is a hoppy saison brewed with peaches. All are welcome and encouraged to stop by the Café and try this first-place homebrew recipe (those 21 and up, of course). Previous winners 2015: Bale So Hard, a Farmhouse Ale brewed with HBC 438 and Mosaic hops. 2014: Coffee Mustache, a California Common style beer brewed with coffee from Matt VanNatter. 2013: Proud Mitten, a dry hopped IPA/Pale Ale made with Centennial, Citra and Simcoe hops from David Lyman. 2012: Manden Med Leen, a black IPA brewed with Belgian yeast from Nick Rodammer. 2011: A Bit of Heat from Geoff Groff, brewed with paradise seeds, rose hips and habaneros. 2010: Oscar’s Folly, a collaborative IPA from Jarrett Cupp, Bailey Cupp and Paul Gentz. [[{"fid":"2943","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]  

Another Great Taste of the Midwest is almost here! Per tradition, we'll be celebrating with our annual pre-party at Maduro starting at 10 a.m. Tap lists for both our pre-party and the festival are below, along with a list of beers our brothers and sisters from Upper Hand are brining.  Be sure to stop by, grab a beer, snap a photo in our photo booth and pick up swag inspired by this year's theme! Maduro tap list Quinannan Falls (India Pale Lager) Sparkleberry Wedding Ale 2016 Third Coast Old Ale Mango Habanero Oberon Le Contrebassiste Double Barrel Aged Expedition Stout Tawny Port Barrel Aged Le Pianiste Traverse City Barrel Aged 355 E Stout Traverse City Barrel Aged 355 E Stout with vanilla Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged Dagger Stout Raspberry Wild One Kiwi Club Gose 30th Anniversary Ale Larry's Latest Coffee Milk Stout Lager of the Lakes Oarsman Two Hearted Our tap list for Great Taste Port Barrel Aged Expedition Stout Larry's Latest Scotch Ale Batch 5,000 Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged 355 E Stout with vanilla Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged 355 E Stout Sauternes Barrel Aged Mercury Raspberry Wild One Bourbon Barrel Aged 30th Anniversary Ale 2015 Eccentric Ale Black Beard's Bear Hug Le Bretteur Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged Third Coast Old Ale Baxter's Delight Black Note Kiwi Club  Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged Jupiter Larry's Latest Coffee Milk Stout 2016 Expedition Stout Bourbon Barrel Aged Hell Hath No Fury ... Ale Oarsman Our friends from Upper Hand are brining: UPA Lager Yooper Ale Escanaba Black Beer Slapneck Sout Laughing Fish  Barrel Aged Baltic Porter Barrel Aged Old Fighter 906 Ale Barrel Aged Old Ale

This post is part of an occasional series looking at the beers we develop at our original brewery, or B1. Tasting notes: Modern Gose with kiwi; tart, quenching, fruity Bell’s Kiwi Club Gose is no ordinary Gose. Although it’s brewed with the classic Gose ingredients of coriander and salt, the non-traditional ingredient of kiwi was added to this recipe. In Goslar, Germany where this style originated in the 16th century, this sour wheat beer received its tart character from the spontaneous fermentation process. Nowadays we add the lactic acid bacteria to get a similar outcome. The addition of the kiwi compliments the spice and tart notes present from the coriander, salt and sour flavors, making it a refreshing beer for the summer. See if the beer is available on our tap cam, or at special events near you. Also, be sure to keep your eye out for more specialty beers from our B-1 brewery. WHAT IS A B1 BEER? B1 is how we affectionately refer to our original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo, located adjacent to our pub, the Eccentric Cafe. This is where we got our start and where we still develop new recipes, experiment with new varieties of hops and brew small batches of specialty beers like The Wild One and Mango Habanero Oberon today. Most of the beers brewed there are typically only available on draught at the Cafe, but from time to time they do make their way to special events.

The oldest event from the Michigan Brewers Guild, the annual Summer Beer Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary. This year, the event takes place July 21st and 22nd at Riverside Park in Depot Town, Ypsilanti. Tickets for the event, while they last, are available here.  More than 100 Michigan breweries and over 1,000 different craft beers will be available, several of which are coming from us. A selection of our rare and seasonal beers will be offered during the event. The rare beers will be rotated throughout both days, while the seasonal classics will remain on tap throughout the festival. Beside pours of Barrel Aged Exposition Stout which begin during the enthusiast hour and continue as long as supplies last, there will be no timed tappings. Seasonal favorites like Oberon, Oarsman, Lager and Oatsmobile will have a separate, easily accessible station, for those who want to grab a quick sample. The complete list of beers we will be pouring is below. 2017 SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL TAP LIST Oberon Oarsman Lager of the Lakes Oatsmobile Two Hearted Quinannan Falls Sparkleberry Pooltime Mango Habanero Oberon Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged Neptune Wedding Ale Larry’s Latest Coffee Stout Kal-Haven Rye Ale Traverse City Barrel Aged Porter Barrel Aged Expedition Stout Join us at Red Rock on July 20 for our annual pre-festival party. 

Next week the 93rd Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race will begin. More than 220 boats are registered for the annual race, which runs from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. We’re excited to be sponsoring the race again for the seventh time. Some 2,500 sailors will take part, and an additional 75,000 people will join in on the festivities. The race also helps support Set Sail for Autism, a program that allows young adults with ASD the opportunity to take part in the weekend of sailing. On Thursday evening, members of the program and their chaperones will compete against each other in a race on the Detroit River. This year, the race will also support Alliance for the Great Lakes, an organization that focuses on the protection of the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world: The Great Lakes.   The race: Boats head out from Port Huron on Saturday. There are two courses — the 235-mile Shore Course and 298-mile Cove Island Course, which runs just to Canadian waters. Sailors push through the night and any weather to get to Mackinac Island first. Tracking: Live tracking of the race is accessible both here and on Bayview Yacht Club’s website. Events: Before and after the race, the crews and event attendees have the chance to enjoy Bell's beers during events in both Port Huron and on Mackinac Island. Port Huron Casey’s Pizza: On Tuesday, July 18th Casey's will host a Bell’s & Bocce ​​event. Seasonal favorites including Oberon, Two Hearted and Pooltime will be served, along with a special tapping of Wedding Ale, Sparkleberry and Mango Habanero Oberon. ​​ Lynch’s Irish Tavern: On Tuesday, July 18th Lynch's will host an Open Mic with the Bell’s crew, beginning at 9pm.  Seasonal and year-round favorites will be available along with a special tapping of Mars, Wedding Ale, Sparkleberry, Traverse City Whiskey Porter and Traverse City 355 East Stout.  Fuel Woodfire Grill: On Wednesday, July 19th Fuel will host an evening with the Bell’s crew. Beers on tap: Oberon, Two Hearted, Oatsmobile, Quinannan Falls, Weddings Ale, Sparkleberry, Traverse City 355 East Vanilla Stout and Baxter's Delight.   Tio Gordos: Will have several Bell's beers on tap throughout the week, along with a special tapping of Mars and Traverse City 355 East Stout.  Vintage Tavern: A selection of Bell's beers will be available all week along with a special tapping of Sparkleberry and Traverse City 355 East Vanilla Stout.  The Huron Athletic Club (HAC): Both Oberon and Two Hearted will be on tap throughout the event and a secret special beer will also be tapped.  The Bell's Brewery Oasis Tent: Come out and enjoy live local music, activities and a fun atmosphere to savor a nice variety of Michigan-made beer with the team from Bell's Brewery. Open Thursday, July 20 and Friday July 21 from late afternoon into the evening each night. Musical Line up for Bell’s Oasis Tent Thursday, July 20: 5:15 to 6:30 p.m Cliff Gracey Folk Rock 7:00 to 8:30 p.m The Whistle Stop Revue Americana 9:00 to 11 p.m. Gasoline Gypsy Rock Musical Line up for Bell’s Oasis Tent Friday, July 21: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m Julianne Ankley Americana 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The Satellites Soul 9:00 to 11 p.m. Big Pappa & The Machine Rock’n Soul Lexington Pub: On Saturday, July 22nd the pub will host attendees to watch as the boats take off. Oberon, Two Hearted, Quinannan Falls, and Sparkleberry will be on tap.   Mackinac Island Sip and Sail Cruises:  Bell's beer will be featured all weekend long on every cruise.  Bars and Restaurants: All bars and restaurants on the island will feature Bell's beer throughout the weekend.  Mary’s Draught House: Will host a Bell's Tap Takeover beginning on Sunday July 23rd. 21 Bell's beers and 9 Upper Hand beers will be on tap, including a special tapping of Black Note. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week for Common Ground Music Festival in Lansing! We had a great time catching four nights of music. Here are some of the photos we snapped at our photo booth.                           

This post is part of an occasional series looking at the beers we develop at our original brewery, or B1. Tasting notes: Brown Ale with Brettanomyces, funky, fruity, light tart finish A part of both our sour program and Jazz series, Le Contrebassiste may be slightly different than when you first had it. Compared to previous versions of this beer that were fermented with French Ale yeast, the most recent version, currently on tap was fermented entirely with brettanomyces in foeders to add a complex and distinctive flavor. The original hop and malt characteristics remain with a unique and tart twist. The oak foeders used during the fermentation process are more than 30-years-old and were previously used for wine fermentation. It is in these foeders that the beer develops its sour characteristics. The complex, toasty malts and European hop varieties combine with brettanomyces fermentation in the oak foeders to create a complex beer with fruity and toasty notes with a slightly tart finish. See if the beer is available on our tap cam and keep your eye out for more specialty beers from our B-1 brewery. WHAT IS A B1 BEER? B1 is how we affectionately refer to our original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo, located adjacent to our pub, the Eccentric Cafe. This is where we got our start and where we still develop new recipes, experiment with new varieties of hops and brew small batches of specialty beers like The Wild One and Mango Habanero Oberon today. Most of the beers brewed there are typically only available on draught at the Cafe, but from time to time they do make their way to special events.