News

[[{"fid":"248","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"height":1384,"width":1400,"style":"width: 500px; height: 494px; margin: 15px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default"},"link_text":null}]]We're excited to announce another new addition to its specialty packaging lineup this year. Bell’s Hopsoulution Double IPA (8% ABV) will return in 12 oz. bottles, packaged in six-packs, this May, in addition to draught. This limited specialty beer will ship to all states Bell’s distributes to. This is the second new specialty beer to be announced as part of Bell’s Release Calendar for 2016. “We’re really excited about making Hopsoulution a part of our regular line-up. This will be the first time this beer will be available in bottles for a lot of our fans,” said Bell’s Vice President Laura Bell. This remarkably drinkable Double IPA pays tribute to one of Mother Nature’s finest creations, as several hop varietals combine for massive aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and pine. A mild caramel malt character and dry finish provide balance. “It’s a perfect Double IPA that can be enjoyed in between Hopslam’s release in January and when Oracle returns later this summer,” Bell said. Originally brewed for release in Illinois, the beer was revived in 2011 and the recipe was tweaked to include the experimental hop #369, now known as Mosaic. It has been available as a limited draught release since then. Look for additional details here and on social media.

Last week, we announced that Quinannan Falls Special Lager will head to the canning line. It was the first of a few new additions to our specialty release lineup for 2016. We started with a photo clue and followed it up with a few additional hints on social media before revealing all later in the week. Now it’s time to reveal the first clue for our second announcement: Tame your thirst for hoppiness between January and July. Think you know what it is? Guess correctly and be entered for the chance to win some Bell’s swag. Look for additional clues on Twitter and Facebook. Cheers!

[[{"fid":"367","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"height":1200,"width":700,"style":"width: 300px; height: 514px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default"},"link_text":null}]]We are proud to announce a new addition to our specialty packaging lineup this year. Bell’s Quinannan Falls Special Lager Beer (6.3% ABV) will debut in 12 oz. cans, packaged in six-packs, this June. “Quinannan Falls” pronounced “҆Kwi-ni-naan,” or Q-Falls as it affectionately known at our pub, has been an Eccentric Café favorite since 2009. This limited specialty beer will ship to all states we distributes to. “We’re really excited about adding Quinannan Falls to our family of Bell’s beers this year. We’re also looking forward to releasing additional new beers as the year goes on” said Bell’s Vice President Laura Bell. Literally born in a dream: Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery, dreamt that he was at the mystically hidden retreat of Quinannan Falls, somewhere in the boreal north. Neither Quinannan Falls nor the beer actually existed outside his imagination, but he remembered enough about it to sketch a recipe and label, which was put into full form by Michigan artist Kathleen Kalinowski, the following morning. The end result is a dry-hopped lager that possesses a crisp, dry bitterness you would expect from a German pilsner, but the use of highly aromatic Simcoe hops from the Pacific Northwest, evoke the fragrant pine forests that inspired this beer. Look for additional details here and on social media.

We are proud to announce our newest distributor partnerships in the great state of Mississippi. Capital City Beverages, Inc., Clark Beverage Group, Inc., F.E.B. Distributing, Inc., Stokes Distributing Company, Inc. and Magnolia Beverage Company, Inc. will help bring our entire portfolio to the counties listed below. Beer will begin shipping in late March. We first announced our intent to distribute to Mississippi, along with Arkansas and Louisiana, in December. We also plan to head to South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas this year as well. Celebrations are planned to coincide with the launch. Additional information will be announced as details become available here and on our social media. ABOUT CAPITAL CITY BEVERAGES, INC. Capital City Beverages, Inc., with locations in Jackson and Greenwood, Mississippi services over 1,400 accounts in 19 counties. Founded in 1941 by Salvador J. Bertucci, Capital City Beverages, now in its 75th year of operation and third and fourth generation of family ownership, proudly partners with 50 brewers and suppliers to bring great beer, a commitment to quality, and excellent service to our customers. ABOUT CLARK BEVERAGE, GROUP Clark Beverage Group, Inc., a division of CC Clark, Inc. has evolved from a small soft drink operation owned by Carsie C. Clark in 1903 and located in the rear of a drug store in Martin, Tennessee.  It has developed into a large, multi-state beer, light wine and soft drink distributor.  Our beer division covers 30 counties and 17,000 square miles of North Mississippi including the Ole Miss and MS State College markets, The Mississippi Delta, home of the Blues, Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and a large portion of the Memphis Metropolitan areas of Desoto, Marshall and Tunica Counties.  The CC Clark Corporation remains a 100% family owned company, with the 3rd and 4th Generations operating in each division, and the 5th generation beginning to enter the workforce. The Mississippi Beer Division operates from one 200,000 Sq. Ft. primary beer and soft drink storage warehouse and (3) delivery and sales centers located in Senatobia (Memphis Metro Area), New Albany (Tupelo Area) and Greenwood (Southern Delta Area), And is led by Jeff Brasher, Vice President – Alcoholic Beverage Division, and a very talented team of passionate beer professionals. ABOUT F.E.B. DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. F.E.B. Distributing Company, Inc. with its home office in Gulfport, Mississippi, services five counties along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Founded in 1934 by Salvador J. Bertucci, under its original name, S.J. Bertucci & Co., the company was one of the first in the state of Mississippi to receive a wholesaler license after the repeal of prohibition.  From its humble beginnings of just one truck and one brand of beer, the company now proudly represents 50 brewery and supplier partners, offering a diverse portfolio of malt beverage and light wine brands to its customers.  A family owned business entering its fourth generation, F.E.B. Distributing Co. remains committed to growing the South Mississippi beer market through exceptional customer service, consumer education, community engagement, and a passion for promoting great beer. ABOUT MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE COMPANY, INC. Magnolia Beverage Company, Inc. was established in Meridian, Mississippi in 1934 by Mike John, a recent immigrant from Lebanon.  Mike John decided to name the company after the Official State Flower of Mississippi, and started the company with two trucks and two salesmen.  Edna Davis, the daughter of Mike John, took control of the business in 1945, and oversaw major growth and expansion.  Michael Davis I joined the business in 1979 after working with Martin Marietta Corporation for sixteen years.  The company continues to be family owned and operated currently by the third and fourth generation, Michael Davis I and Michael Davis II.  Magnolia Beverage Company now employs more than fifty people and covers nine counties in East Central Mississippi.  We pride ourselves in offering quality products, excellent customer service and community involvement.  STOKES DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. After World War II, Dick Stokes began looking for something new in his life. In 1947, he decided to buy a distributing company based in Hattiesburg, MS. Stokes Distributing Company was born. It was his dedication to excellent customer service, providing quality life for his employees, and his generosity to the community that has shaped Stokes Distributing Company today. The Company now employs over 65 people, has four different locations, and delivers product from the Alabama Line to the Louisiana Line, covering 21 counties with 15 route trucks. COUNTY BY COUNTY DISTRIBUTION   Capital City Beverages, Inc. Attala Carroll Claiborne Copiah Grenada Hinds Holmes Humphreys Issaquena Leake Leflore Madison Montgomery Rankin Sharkey Simpson Smith Warren Yalobusha Yazoo Clark Beverage Group, Inc. Alcorn Benton Bolivar Calhoun Chickasaw Choctaw Clay Coahoma Desoto Itawamba Lafayette Lee Lowndes Marshall Monroe Oktibbeha Panola Pontotoc Prentiss Quitman Sunflower Tallahatchie Tate Tippah Tishomingo Tunica Union Washington Webster F.E.B. Distributing Company Inc. George Hancock Harrison Jackson Pearl River Magnolia Beverage Company, Inc.   Clarke Kemper Lauderdale Neshoba Newton Noxubee Scott Wayne Winston Stokes Distributing Company, Inc. Adams Amite Covington (city of Collins only) Forrest Lamar (portion annexed by the city of Hattiesburg in Forrest County) Greene Jasper Jefferson Jefferson Davis Jones (cities of Ellisville and Laurel only) Lawrence Lincoln (city of Brookhaven only) Marion Perry Pike Stone (city of Wiggins only) Walthall Wilkinson

We are proud to announce our new distributor partnerships in the great state of Louisiana. Crescent Crown Distributing, Eagle Distributing Shreveport, Choice Brands, Inc. and Venture Marketing Corporation will help bring our entire portfolio to the parishes listed below. Beer will begin shipping in May. Launch celebrations are also being planned. Additional information will be announced as details become available hereand on social media. ABOUT CRESCENT CROWN DISTRIBUTING, LLC Owned and operated by the Goldring and Moffett families is a proud distributor of the World’s finest beverages.  Crescent Crown sells and delivers over 30 million cases annually throughout its distribution territories in Arizona and Louisiana.  The entire network takes great pride in performing as a nationally recognized leader, establishing and achieving the highest possible standards with the utmost integrity, pride, professionalism and enthusiasm. Crescent Crown remains steadfast with a commitment to being the best distributor in the market. ABOUT EAGLE DISTRIBUTING SHREVEPORT In 1992, Robert “Bobby” Nichols purchased Shreveport Budweiser which is now Eagle Distributing of Shreveport.  Out of two warehouse locations in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Eagle Distributing services nine Parishes in Northwest LA covering 6,500 square miles.  Eagle’s mission is to lead with integrity, and provide quality service and profitability to our customers. ABOUT CHOICE BRANDS, INC. (Monroe, LA) AND VENTURE MARKETING CORPORATION (Alexandria, LA) Choice Brands, Inc. was founded by Frank Elkins, Jr. in 1954, servicing 15 Parishes (counties) in Northeast Louisiana.  Originally a distributor of beer, wine and liquor, Choice Brands exited the wine and liquor business in 1977 to focus on its fast expanding beer portfolio.  In the early 2000's, Choice Brands acquired two of the remaining three wholesale distributors in the Monroe market.  Today, in addition to beer, the company distributes Red Bull Energy Drink.  Venture Marketing Corporation (Alexandria) was purchased by the Elkins family in 1973 and covers an additional 7 Parishes in Central Louisiana with a similar portfolio of beers and Red Bull.  Together with Choice Brands (Monroe), the combined companies service over 1,200 retail customers.  Both companies are able to provide best in class service to their retail customers through an unwavering commitment to quality, customer service, and a passion for craft beer that is unparalleled in the market. mOfficers are Frank Elkins, III, President, Jeff Elkins, Vice-President and Chrissy Evans, Secretary-Treasurer.  PARISH BY PARISH DISTRIBUTION                                         Venture Marketing Corporation                                                               Avoyelles Grant Natchitoches Rapides                Sabine Vernon Winn                                                Choice Brands Inc.                                                           Caldwell Catahoula Concordia East Carroll Franklin Jackson La Salle Lincoln Madison Morehouse Ouachita Richland Tensas Union West Carroll                                             Crescent Crown Distributing, LLC                                             Assumption Acadia Allen Ascension Beauregard Calcasieu Cameron East Baton Rouge East Feliciana Evangeline Iberia Iberville                Jefferson Jefferson Davis Lafayette Livingston Orleans Plaquemines Pointe Coupee St. Bernard St. Charles St. Helena St. James St. John the Baptist St. Landry St. Martin St. Mary St. Tammany Tangipahoa Terrebonne Vermilion Washington West Baton Rouge West Feliciana                                                                                                   Eagle Distributing of Shreveport, Inc. Caddo Claiborne Bienville  Bossier Desoto Natchitoches Red River Webster Winn                                                    

A brand new Bell's beer will debut in April - the first new addition to our year-round lineup since 2010. A hop-forward session Pale Ale brewed with oats, Oatsmobile Ale (4.3% ABV) will be available on draught and in 12 oz. bottles, packaged in six-packs, across our distribution footprint. Oatsmobile is dry-hopped with a blend of classic and modern Pacific Northwest hops for a pungent blend of stone fruit and tropical aromas. “This beer is unique. Aromatics may drive it, but the signature ingredient - oats - are what really makes this beer stand apart and also where the name comes from. It’s approachable and intriguing, with a fun personality,” said Bell’s Vice President, Laura Bell. “The use of malted oats help give it a body that you don’t see in most other session Pale Ales. Once we tweaked the recipe to combine the body from the oats with those powerful hop aromas, we thought it would make a great addition to our year-round portfolio,” she said. This Pale Ale was first brewed in 2013 to explore the use of oats in a Pale Ale at Bell’s original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo. Initially Oat Ale, it was renamed Boiling Pot Pale Ale when it was released as a limited specialty draught option in select markets. Oatsmobile launch events and additional details will be shared here and on our social media sites as details are finalized.

We are proud to welcome two new distributor partners in the great state of Arkansas to the Bell's extended family. Arkansas Craft Distributors, LLC and O’Connor Distributing will help bring our entire portfolio to the counties listed below. Beer will begin shipping for release in late April.  We announced our intention to distribute to Arkansas, along with Mississippi and Louisiana, back in December. Launch celebrations are also planned - look for details on our Events Calendar soon. About our new partners: The Arkansas Craft-O'Connor Distributing Alliance is a coordinated, statewide distribution network of beer wholesalers consisting of Arkansas Craft Distributors, LLC and O'Connor Distributing which includes the divisions of Three Lakes, Three Rivers and White River Beverage.  Utilizing five warehouse locations across the state, the Arkansas Craft-O'Connor Distributing Alliance is able to provide unparalleled service to Arkansas customers.  The entire network takes great pride in a collective commitment to quality assurance, customer service, brand recognition, and a passion for craft beer. COUNTY BY COUNTY DISTRIBUTION Arkansas Craft Distributors, LLC Benton County Boone County Carroll County Conway County Franklin County Logan County Madison County Marion County Pulaski County Saline County Sebastian County Washington County O'Connor Distributing - Three Lakes Division Clark County Garland County O'Connor Distributing - Three Rivers Division Arkansas County Calhoun County Chicot County Cleveland County Columbia County Dallas County Desha County Drew County Jefferson County Lee County Miller County Ouachita County Phillips County Union County O'Connor Distributing - White River Division Baxter County Crittendon County Cross County Greene County Jackson County Mississippi County Monroe County Poinsett County Prairie County Sharp County St. Francis County Woodruff County

Here it is: this year's Oberon mini-keg design. Oberon will return March 21 on draught, in bottles (6-packs and 12-packs) and in cans (16 oz. 4-packs and 12 oz. 12 packs).  Look for the 5-liter cans around Memorial Day weekend.  Keep an eye on our events calendar for Oberon release events near you.    

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.

We’re excited to announce that we’ve been named as one of the Best and Brightest Companies To Work For® in the country by the National Association for Business Resources. Bell’s is the only brewery to be recognized at the national level. “We are honored to receive this award – it is our amazing family of employees that makes our beer so great,” Carrie M. Yunker, Director of Human Resources at Bell’s said. “Even though we have grown quickly over the last few years, we have never wavered from the ideal that being a good employer and taking care of our employees and their families is the most important job we have," she added. To earn this honor, we were assessed by an independent research firm which reviewed a number of key measures relative to other nationally recognized winners. They include: Compensation Benefits and Employee Solutions Employee Enrichment Engagement and Retention Employee Education and Development Recruitment, Selection and Orientation Employee Achievement and Recognition Communication and Shared Vision Diversity and Inclusion Work-Life Balance Community Initiatives Strategic Company Performance Best of the Best Small Business. With over 20 years of experience conducting Best and Brightest Company competitions, the NABR has identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarks for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards. “Nationally recognized award recipients keep innovative human resource initiatives at the forefront of their company culture and make it a priority to consider their workforce as an essential aspect in their company success. Our Association is proud to recognize and honor these winning companies for this impressive achievement,” Jennifer Kluge, NABR president, said. The companies that have been selected to be recognized nationally as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For® will be featured Corp! Magazine in January and at an awards symposium and gala. Michigan’s oldest and largest craft brewery was also recognized in April as one of the 2015 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in West Michigan. It recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in September.