Events

Thank you to the more than 300 people who took part in the Bell’s to Bell’s bike ride this weekend. The 14-mile round trip went from the Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo to our brewery in Comstock and included a tour of our brew gallery and beer samples. All proceeds went to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.

Kalamazoo Bike week starts this weekend and we’re excited to again be participating and sponsoring two events. Bikes are special to us. From sponsoring two bike races, the Iceman Cometh Challenge and the Copper Harbor Trails Festival, to bike parking at the Café, we have always supported those who travel by gears. Here are the two events we are sponsoring this week: Pedal Your Bell’s Off: A Bike Week Scavenger Hunt We’re kicking off the week with Pedal Bicycles for a special scavenger hunt on Saturday, May 14. Riders will travel to landmarks across Kalamazoo. The more places you visit, the more chances you have of winning prizes. We’ll announce the list of locations at the event on Saturday. Bikers will meet at the Eccentric Café’s Beer Garden. Registration begins at noon and the ride will take place between 1 and 3 p.m.. There is no pre-registration. There is a suggested donation of $10, which will benefit the Markin Glen Trail, a single-track mountain bike trail that under construction. Use the hashtag #PedalYourBellsOff to document your journey on social media. For the latest information, check out our Facebook event. 4th Annual Bell's to Bell's Bike Ride The following Saturday, we’re hosting our 4th annual bike ride from the Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo to our brewery in Comstock. The 14-mile roundtrip will take place on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Eccentric Cafe & the ride kicks off with a safety demo at 1 p.m. You can pre-register here. All ages are welcome. Once we reach our Comstock Brewery, you’ll be given a tour and then ride back to the Eccentric Cafe for beers and a chance to win raffle prizes. There will be a bike valet at Comstock Brewery from 1-3 p.m. during tours. All donations go to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. See a full list of Kalamazoo Bike Week events and safe riding!

Safety is paramount to everything we do, so it was a pleasure to host state agencies and industry colleagues for a special meeting regarding it at the Eccentric Cafe. We teamed up with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for “Coffee with MIOSHA.” The event allowed brewers, winemakers and distillers to talk to the agencies about workplace safety and health, liquor licensing and enforcement. During the event, our Safety Manager David Currier and members of the Brewers Association’s Safety Committee shared a new safety module about health and safety in the craft beer industry. “Bell’s Brewery was pleased to host this event,” David said. “Sharing our space and the safety tools developed by the Brewers Association and Master Brewers Association of the Americas is all part of our ‘safety always’ culture.” The program was developed with grant funding from Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. To learn more, check out LARA’s website. Check out the safety in brewing modules from the Brewers Association and the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

We’re coming to Philadelphia like we’ve never come to a city before. On May 3, the first day of the Craft Brewers Conference, City Tap at Logan Square will transform itself into our Eccentric Cafe for one day. The event is open to the public. In addition to some of our most beloved beers, the restaurant will feature signature dishes from the Café and the decor will pay homage to that of our Kalamazoo home. Members of the Bell’s family will be there, including our Director of Operations John Mallet. The beer selection even mirrors the board of specialties you may see in Kalamazoo. Here’s what’s going to be on tap: Amber Ale Two Hearted Lager Of The Lakes Kalamazoo Stout Porter Oatsmobile Oarsman Ale Oberon Ale Mango Habenero Oberon Oatmeal Stout Sweet Potato Stout Harry Magill’s Spiced Stout Bear Hug Imperial Stout Expedition Stout Java Stout Special Double Cream Stout Milchkaffee Stout Consecrator Doppelbock Third Coast Old Ale Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged Cherry Third Coast Old Ale Le Pianiste L’Appel Du Vide - Saskatoon Berry Honey Hearted Hop Grandslam Roundhouse IRA Coffee Consecrator Doppelbock Raspberry Wild One 30th Anniversary Ale The Wild One Cherry Stout The beer will be tapped at different time throughout the day. Get the latest information on the event by following the Facebook event.

It’s February, there’s snow and it’s cold, it’s time for the Michigan Winter Beer Festival in Grand Rapids. We’re bringing some of our favorites and speciality beers to the two day festival, including special tappings of Uberon (barrel-aged Oberon) on Friday and Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged Porter on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday are sold out, but Friday tickets are still available. If you’re going to the festival on Friday, or are in town, join us for our annual 16 beer tap takeover at The Meanwhile starting at 4 p.m.. Beers will include Hopslam, 30th Anniversary Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Consecrator Doppelbock. See other Grand Rapids Beer Week events we are taking part in. Here’s the list of all the beers we will be pouring at the Winter Beer Festival: Two Hearted Ale Smitten Goldren Rye Ale Bell’s Lager Beer “Lager of the Lakes” Oarsman Ale Java Stout Hopslam Ale L'Appel Du Vide — Wood aged, vibrant sour session ale. Amber Ale 30th Anniversary Ale Roundhouse IRA Le Pianiste — Foeder aged French Biere de Garde  Cherry Stout Wild One Uberon - Barrel Aged Oberon (Friday only) Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Aged Porter (Saturday only) If you’re at the festival, stop by and say “hi.” Bell’s employees will be there pouring beer throughout both days of the festival.

Kalamazoo Beer Week was a blast, from the sold-out crowd at Snow Jog to all of our partners who held events. We hosted more than 16 dinners, beer tastings and other events at the Eccentric Café and across Kalamazoo. Thanks to everyone who came out and participated. Above are photos from all the events, and here is a video highlighting the week:

  Kalamazoo Beer Week is fast approaching. While it’s always a great time to enjoy and celebrate local craft beer, we think it’s also important to give back the the community that has been there for us over the years. For the fourth year, the Bell’s Snow Jog Adventure (Leisure) Race & Challenge will benefit Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. The food bank is the largest in the area and distributes to 23 pantries. In 2015, it filled 157,000 food orders. In a single day, Loaves and Fishes can see 1,000 people utilize their services. This year, we are introducing a new event for beer week: the First Ever Bell’ Great American Spell-off. The lexical competition will benefit the Comstock Township Library. Just down the street from our brewery, the library offers several programs for the community. We hope to see you during some of the KBW events (here’s a full list). Also, check out Loaves and Fishes and the Comstock Library, two organizations that are doing great work to make the Kalamazoo-area a great place to live.

The sixth annual Kalamazoo Beer Week (KBW) is nearly upon us. From Jan. 16 through 23, Kalamazoo will be celebrating its craft beer heritage with a weeklong series of events that support the craft beer experience including special tastings, dinners, and interactive events. Last year, KBW boasted more than 250 events. Details for all of Bell’s beer events are below. Get event updates and more Bell’s news by following us on social media, including Facebook and Twitter. We also have Facebook events for specific Bell’s events. See the latest on KBW with the hashtag #KBW2016. Weeklong Specialty pairing menu at Rustica on the Kalamazoo Mall. Saturday, Jan. 16 Bell’s 4th Annual Kalamazoo Beer Week Snow Jog Adventure (Leisure) Race & Challenge! -- SOLD OUT Downtown Kalamazoo, 12 p.m. Facebook event January 4, 2016: This year's race is now sold out. If you missed out this year, be sure to mark you calendars for next year. This annual 21 & over “race” helps kick-off KBW with a choose your own adventure run/jog/walk all over downtown Kalamazoo to benefit Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. The 5k-ish route includes 11 stops with challenges & Bell’s beer at different downtown bar and retail locations, all with hopes of randomly winning the grand prize (and being entered to win other great prizes as well). Teams of two can register for $40 (that’s only a cool $20/runner!) plus one non-perishable food item per person. Don’t wait to sign up! This run sells out every year! Once registered, join us at Rugger’s Up & Under (711 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo) on Friday, Jan. 15 from 5-8 p.m. for early packet pick-up and waiver signing. Packet pick-up will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday the 16th (race day) and the run will start promptly at noon. All runners must return to the Eccentric Café by 3:30 p.m. ON THE DOT, complete eight of the 11 challenges to receive this year’s exclusive Snow Jog Swag and all 11 challenges to be entered into the grand prize drawing. Keep in mind, this is a leisure run, there is no benefit to finishing first! Take your time, drink up, be safe, tip your bartenders and obey all traffic laws. Participating locations: Gazelle Sports Old Dog Tavern - new this year The Green Top Louie’s Trophy House Rugger’s Up & Under Harvey’s on the Mall The Union University Roadhouse Shakespeare’s Pub Old Burdick’s Downtown Pedal Bicycle - also new this year Stouts and Snouts Old Burdick’s Downtown, 7 p.m. Six of our stouts with five different prepared pork dishes hosted by Bell’s Head Brewer, Andy Farrell. Featured beers: Kalamazoo Stout, Sweet Potato Stout, 30th Anniversary Imperial Stout, Milchkaffee (a collaboration beer with the Kalamazoo Coffee Co.), Cherry Stout and Special Double Cream Stout. Sunday, Jan. 17 Bell’s Beer Brunch Bell’s Eccentric Café, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. $20/adults, $10/children 10 and under, Free/children 3 and under. This is an all-you-can-stuff-your-face- buffet featuring specialty beer cocktails, table doodles and chicken & waffles. Featuring entertainment from special guests Who Hit John? Availability is first-come, first-served. Bell's Beat the Brewer at Everybody's Favorite “Sport,” Bowling Airway Fun Center, Portage, 5 p.m. Part of our first annual Kalamazoo Beer Week Beat the Bell's Brewer Olympics, we will be hosting contests of skill throughout the week. Come to Airway and challenge a brewer to a game of bowling. Monday, Jan. 18 First Ever Bell’ Great American Spell-off! Bell’s Eccentric Café, 6:30 p.m. registration, bee starts at 8 p.m. $15 registration fee includes your first beer. Proceeds benefit the Comstock Township Library. Misspell a word? You’ll have a shot at redemption by challenging a brewer to the same word! A panel of judges will deliver words from the Merriam Webster’s dictionary for a chance to win first, second or third place. This is a 21 and over event. Who will end up “too drunk to bee?” Tuesday, Jan. 19 An Eccentric Café Beer Dinner Bell’s Eccentric Café, 6 p.m. Facebook event $60 + tax and gratuity. Limited seating available. Five-course beer and food pairing, hosted by Laura Bell. Vegetarian options available, hosted in The Back Room at the Café. Sign up with Carly Buzz at cbuzz@bellsbeer.com or by calling 269-250-8827. This is a 21 and over event. Bell's Beat the Bell's Brewer at pick 'em Pinball or Ping Pong Old Dog Tavern, 7 p.m. Part of the Beat the Bell's Brewer Olympics. Challenge a brewer to one of two games of dexterity: tennis or The Original Video Game. Six different Bell’s beer will be on tap! Bell’s Beer Tasting Drake Party Center, 6-8 p.m. Bell’s Beer 101 Holiday Inn West, 6 p.m. Learn about the foundational styles of Bell’s  from one of our representatives, poolside. Wednesday, Jan. 20: Jortslam Hopslam Release Party Bell’s Eccentric Café, 7 p.m. Facebook event Our official Hopslam Release Party will feature Live Band Karaoke, along with a “Jortiest Jort of Jortslam” competition for the best jean shorts. We’ll have a Hopslam photo cut-out to take pictures with and a free photo booth in the hallway from 7-11 p.m. Winners will be announced during set-break. Official Hopslam release party! A 21 and over event. Beat the Brewer (and Laura Bell) at Mario Kart Shakespeare’s Pub, 7 p.m. Six of our beers will be on tap. Thursday, Jan. 21 Bell’s Beer Tasting Bacchus, 4-6 p.m. Beat the Brewer at the World’s Worst Game (putting green) Louie’s Trophy House, 7 p.m. Four of our Bell’s beers on tap. Friday, Jan. 22 Beat the Brewer at Eating (A.K.A. a Bell’s Beer Dinner hosted by Laura Bell) The Park Club, 6:30 p.m.   A five-course beer dinner. Registration details here Saturday, Jan. 23 Beat the Brewer at Feats of Strength, Fortitude and Agility Old Burdick’s Downtown, 6 p.m. Featuring 10 of our beers on tap.

COMSTOCK, Mich. – Winners of the 6th Annual Bell’s Homebrew Competition were announced Nov. 1st during the 7th Annual All Stouts Day at Bell’s Eccentric Café. Eleven homebrewers placed out of the 132 entries that were submitted. This year’s winners list also features some familiar names from past competitions. First place went to David Hellen for his Farmhouse Ale brewed with HBC 438 and Mosaic hops. HBC 438 is an experimental hop, available exclusively to homebrewers. All proceeds from the sale of this variety go toward finding a cure for ALS via the Ales for ALS program that Bell’s has been a part of since it started in 2013. Hellen will get to brew his recipe at Bell’s original brewery to then go on tap at the adjacent Café. He will also head to the 2016 Great American Beer Festival in Denver as a guest of Bell’s and compete alongside a Bell’s brewer in the Pro-Am Competition. “We had a good mix of experimental and classically defined beers ­- a lot of variety this year. IPAs usually dominate the final round of judging, but this year that was not the case,” David Curtis, Bell’s General Store Manager and competition organizer, said. Second place went to Nick Rodammer for his Gose inspired, dry hopped sour ale. Rodammer took first place in the 2012 Bell’s Homebrew Competition with the recipe for Manden Med Leen, a Black IPA brewed with Belgian yeast. Third place went to Jennifer Bilyk for her salted caramel Stout. This year’s runners up are (in no particular order): Larry Yuhas – Coconut Vanilla Porter Diane Spencer – Imperial Nut Brown Ale Gregg Updike – Imperial Stout Scott Feldpausch – Coconut Porter Brian McHugh / Gary Howard – Light IPA with Blackberries Joe Nielsen – Coffee infused American Stout Gary Strappazon – IPA with Mosaic and Centennial hops David Lyman (2013 winner) – Session IPA with Mosaic and Citra hops “Homebrewing is where it all started for us. To be able to provide this opportunity on this scale and to see that familiar passion and drive, especially as we look back over the last 30 years is very rewarding,” Laura Bell, Bell’s Vice President said. More information about when this year’s winning recipe will be tapped at the Café will be released as it becomes available. Judges' comments are available to be picked up at the Bell's General Store. 

What happens when you take some of your favorite brews and age them in a barrel? You end up with an eclectic list of beers truly deserving of Bell’s Eccentric Café.  On Sunday. Oct 4 at 11 a.m., we’ll be rolling out over 20 barrel-aged beers at the Café for our Third Annual Roll Out the Barrel Celebration. Tickets are not required for this event, but quantities of these specialty brews are limited. We'll have both new and old barrel aged favorites, including: Le Pianiste (5.6%) Rustic Amber Ale w/Brettanomyces , Funky, bright tart finish Le Contrebassiste (7.0%) Brown Ale w/Brettanomyces, funky, fruity, light tart finish Wild One (6.1%) Tart, fragrant, vinous, wild fermented brown ale Tawny Port Baltic Porter (9.9%) Smooth chocolate, grape and complex dried berry notes Sherry Barrel BIACS (10.0%) Nutty w/ herbal hops. Barleywine aged in sherry barrels Mrs Castries (7.7%) Tart Brown ale aged in rum barrels. Molasses and caramel Heaven Hills BBA Expo Stout (12.5%) Expedition Stout aged in Heaven Hills Whiskey Barrels Two James BBA Expo Stout (12.8%) Expedition Stout aged in Two James Whiskey Barrels Larry's Magical Ale (13.7%) Dark ale, aged in a bourbon barrel for 5 years Le Bretteur (6.3%) Bright, citrus zest, vinous Uberon (9.7%) Whiskey character, spicy, toffee, warming T.C Whiskey BBL Porter (11.7%)    Vanilla, milk chocolate, oak, whiskey, warming Pecan Pie Porter (6.6%) Nutty, mild wood notes, chocolate, sweet Wildberry Rye (10.2%) Berry, tart, dry, vinous, tannic, barrel aged Sauternes Mead (11.1%) Ripe white grapes and stone fruit aromas, bright honey flavors Tequila Barrel-aged Mead (12.5%) Honey, oaky vanilla, citrus and agave notes  Mr Castries Vilnius (11.3%) Baltic Porter aged in Jamacian rum barrels T.C. Cherry Third Coast Old Ale (12.6%) Warming, Oaky, Light Vanilla, Maraschino Cherry. Smoked Applewood Porter (7.1%) Light smoke, Chocolate, Woody, Subtle Vanilla 2010 Third Coast Old Ale Reserve (10.9%) Aged in bourbon barrels for 2 years  L'Appel Du Vide- Saskatoon (3.6%) Session Sour w/Saskatoon Berries