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Bell’s Brewery is planning a ‘Camp Oberon’ event at its Kalamazoo cafe

Get the orange slices ready, Bell’s Brewery has announced the date for Oberon Day.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Acclimation, integration and innovation — three words that sum up the first year of Bell’s Brewery following the sale of the longtime independent brewery by founder Larry Bell. “Being a national brand has been an aspiration for our Bell’s leadership team for several years,” Yunker said. Around that time, there should be an announcement for who will perform at this year’s Bell’s Beer Garden Opener over the first weekend of June. Joe Hertler and The Rainbow Seekers perform at the Bell’s Brewery beer garden on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. John Mallett, then production manager at Bell's Brewery, and Laura Bell, look on during the development of the brewery's expansion on Sept. 15, 2011, in Comstock Township, Michigan.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — After 21 years with Bell’s Brewery, the company’s vice president of brewing and quality, John Mallett has announced he will be stepping down in February. He has spent much of the past year helping lead Bell’s integration with New Belgium, a news release from Bell’s PR team states. (Photo provided by Bell's)In 2022, Bell’s recognized Mallett’s 20th anniversary with the brewery through the establishment of the John Mallett Scholarship. John Mallett, then production manager at Bell's Brewery, and Laura Bell, look on during the development of the brewery's expansion on Sept. 15, 2011, in Comstock Township, Michigan. Mallet, now the vice president of brewing and quality at Bell's, has announced he will be resigning in February 2023 after 21-plus years with the company.

A Michigan-based brewery announced that their vice president of operations and quality of over 20 years had announced his resignation.

COMSTOCK, MI — Bell’s Brewery is expanding its Two Hearted IPA brand family with the addition of the new Hazy Hearted IPA and the IPA variety pack. Calling it “the first hazy IPA worthy of the Hearted label,” the brewery describes Hazy Hearted IPA as having a tropical, fruit-forward flavor with moderate hoppy bitterness and a balanced, slightly sweet finish. The Hazy Hearted IPA is also available on tap at Bell’s Eccentric Café, located at 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo. The pack includes the original Two Hearted, the new Hazy Hearted IPA and two other new beers: the Big Hearted imperial-style IPA and the Change of Heart experimental offering. This variety pack will retire in mid-March and will be replaced by a variety pack with new lineup of beers.

KALAMAZOO, MI — As Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers prepares to launch its 42nd season, it will do so with a $250,000 infusion from Bell’s Brewery founder and former owner Larry Bell. The donation to Wellspring will be matched by the community as part of Wellspring’s sustainability plan, according to an announcement from the dance company. “Larry Bell’s donation is the foundation for a thrilling future for Wellspring,” company founder and artistic director Cori Terry said in a statement. Bianan, a Western Michigan University graduate who also serves as Wellspring’s dance academy coordinator, has extensive teaching experience with both adults and children, and has taught modern dance, improvisation, ballet and jazz, among other styles. Other important dates in Wellspring’s 2022-23 season calendar include the Regional Alternative Dance Fest from March 3-5 and the May 19-21 Spring Concert of Dance.

KALAMAZOO, MI — With winter weather right around the corner, Bell’s Brewery is doing what it can to help get people into new or gently used coats. Coats and other winter items will be collected at the brewery’s General Store, located next door to the Eccentric Café at 355 E. Michigan Ave., during the store’s open hours from Tuesday, Nov. 1, through Wednesday, Nov. 16. According to information provided by the brewery, there’s a particular need for boys and adult coats of all sizes. New and gently used winter gear of all sizes — including include hats, gloves and coats — will be accepted. The Bell’s General Store will accept donations during store hours, which run from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

Bell’s Brewery launched the second annual ‘Go Where the Trail Leads You’ campaign with the Partnership for the National Trails System to raise money for the preservation of national trails.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Carrie Yunker wants the community to know that, despite being part of a bigger company now, Bell’s Brewery intends to continue to show up in a big way for causes it believes in. The program will contribute to different social and environmental causes each year moving forward. “When I think about what it means to be a responsible steward of water, that equity of access is essential. Related: Bell’s Brewery being bought by Australian company that purchased New Belgium Brewing in 2019Bell sold the brewery in late 2021 to Australian-based Lion, a subsidiary of Japanese company Kirin, leading to a craft partnership between Bell’s New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado. “This was such an important component to solidify our work to make sure it goes on in perpetuity,” Yunker said.

American Craft Beer Week begins May 16.

Bell’s Brewery has announced a new craft beer in honor of celebrating diversity.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Spring has unofficially arrived in Kalamazoo, as beer enthusiasts flock to Bell’s Eccentric Café and the 2022 release of the brewery’s popular Oberon Ale begins to flow. Gretchen Whitmer proclaims March 21 officially ‘Oberon Day’ in MichiganDozens gathered near downtown Kalamazoo as Bell’s Eccentric Café opened their doors at 11 a.m. Monday, March 21, to celebrate Oberon Day. People are encouraged to use the Bell’s beer finder to find where Oberon is currently on shelves or on tap. This year marks the first Oberon Day since Bell sold the company last fall. Gretchen Whitmer proclaims March 21 officially ‘Oberon Day’ in MichiganThe top pizza city in the entire country is in Michigan says new ranking

Gretchen Whitmer, it’s officially Oberon Day across the state of Michigan on Monday. Related: Your guide to Oberon Day 2022, the unofficial start of spring in KalamazooWhitmer issued a proclamation early Monday, congratulating Bell’s on the 30th anniversary of the popular American Wheat Ale and proclaiming Monday, March 21, 2022 as Oberon Day in the state of Michigan. “For years, employees and fans alike have said Oberon Day is their ‘unofficial’ start to spring to get in a summer state-of-mind. As Bell’s and Oberon grew in popularity over the years, fans wanted to know when they could get the first pour of the American Wheat Ale, and so Oberon Day was born, the release states. Whitmer was among those who joined in on the action pouring drafts at Oberon Day in 2019, and Michigan’s first dogs, Kevin and Doug, celebrated last year.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Less than three months since the sale of Bell’s Brewery to Australian-based beverage company Lion closed, and at least two things remain the same. The brewery, which has aligned forces with Fort Collins, Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing Co. as a result of the sale, continues to evolve at a rapid pace. “We’ve spent a lot of time together as a combined leadership team already,” Yunker said, referencing the leadership team headed up by New Belgium CEO Steve Fechheimer. Since the sale, Bell’s has solidified its philanthropic program, taking a page out of New Belgium’s playbook and putting $1 per barrel sold back into the greater community. But patrons of the Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo can usually find an Upper Hand brew on a reserved guest tap.

As snow turned Kalamazoo into a wintery wonderland on Wednesday, Feb. 2, Bell’s Brewery made the announcement that Oberon Day will be here in just 6 1/2 short weeks. Related: Beer lovers line up outside Bell’s for Oberon Day in KalamazooThe annual celebration of spring at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo is scheduled for Monday, March 21. The event, slated for 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. at the Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., is open to those 21 and up. There will be a specially timed Oberon toast from Bell’s executive vice president Carrie Yunker, at noon, as she marks the popular seasonal beer’s 30th birthday. This year marks the first Oberon Day since Bell’s founder Larry Bell sold the company last fall.

Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewer’s Guild, said the sale was a natural next step for Bell’s Brewery. The two American craft beer giants will unite under the same leadership team, once the sale goes final in the coming months. While Kalamazoo’s beloved independent brewery is being sold to a global “big beer” company, Michigan brewers contacted by MLive say this isn’t a sell-out situation. 1 craft beer in America by the American Homebrewer’s Association. The community shares a feeling of ownership over the local company and its brand, Vanderkamp said.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A monumental day in the history of Bell’s Brewery, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, Larry Bell announced his retirement and the sale of his brewery, which he founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo. Purchasing the brewery is Lion, an Australian-based beverage company that purchased Fort Collins, Colorado-based, New Belgium Brewing Co. in 2019. The two American craft beer giants will unite under the same leadership team, once the sale goes final in the coming months.

Bell’s Brewery, one of the biggest craft beer makers in the Midwest and based in Kalamazoo, has been acquired by New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Bell’s Brewery is set to become the second major American craft brewing company to be acquired by Lion, an Australian-based beverage company with a growing international portfolio. Related: Bell’s Brewery, Michigan craft beer pioneer, turns 30“I don’t know that there’s been too many of these kinds of sales in the industry,” said Bell, who founded the brewery in Kalamazoo in 1985. Bell started Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1985. “Lion is not buying this company to sell less beer,” Bell said. Larry Bell owner of Bell's Brewery speaks with patrons during the13th annual Bell's Eccentric Day in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Fresh, juicy hops went from the field to the brewery in less than two hours Thursday. Get them in there, throw these amazing flavors and some nice haze.”That beer is Sideyard Ale, a fresh-hopped New England IPA, and will hit the shelves at Bell’s General Store on Oct. 8. In addition to the standard Sideyard Ale, Sideyard Triumph Ale will be available Sept. 30. Bell’s does a limited release of about 150 barrels or 4,500 gallons of Sideyard Ale every year. This year, the traditional Sideyard Ale will also be distributed to Ohio and Indiana, in extremely limited quantities.

COMSTOCK, MI — Bell’s Brewery is asking chicken wing lovers everywhere to raise a wing to help raise awareness for hunger issues faced by seniors across the country and to help combat food insecurities. Coinciding with National Chicken Wing Day on Thursday, July 29, bars and restaurants across the country will serve up their wings and Bell’s beer to help drive awareness and donations for Meals on Wheels America. A local “Raise a Wing” event is planned for 3-9 p.m. on July 29 at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo. “Support from Bell’s and its accounts comes at a critical time,” said Kristine Templin, chief development officer at Meals on Wheels America, in a prepared statement. Also on MLive:Bell’s Eccentric Café announces 2021 concert schedule after year without live musicBell’s Brewery gets tropical with latest Oberon special releaseNew Bell’s Brewery fermenters spotted passing under Mackinac Bridge on freighter journey

MACKINAW CITY, MI -- New 800-barrel fermenters, on their way home to Bell’s Brewery in Comstock Township, were spotted passing under the Mackinac Bridge this week. The fermenters are on their last leg of their trip to to Bell’s Brewery near Kalamazoo, the brewery said in a Facebook post. The freighter carried 12 fermenters on a trip from Germany, the brewery said. The new brewing equipment is part of a years-long expansion effort at Bell’s to help increase overall capacity and production capabilities. In 2012, the brewery added a new 200-barrel brewhouse, 14 400-barrel dry hop fermenters for Two Hearted Ale, as well as grain storage and geothermal field installations.

He took his girlfriend to Olde Peninsula when they were dating, he said. Jason Brautigam first tried Olde Peninsula in 2000, during one of his first dates with his girlfriend, who is now his wife. Liddle has been going to Olde Peninsula since it opened in 1996, as Kalamazoo’s first brewpub. “Harvey’s is alive & well & would love to see you all,” Olde Peninsula posted on Facebook on July 8. A server at Olde Peninsula delivers drinks to an outdoor table in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, June 15, 2020.

Let Bell’s Brewery just sneak past ya as the Michigan brewer stacks a new cold one on the shelves. The Comstock-based brewer politely announced its latest new year-round release, No, Yeah, poking fun at Midwestern slang. Bell’s describes the new beer as an easy-drinking ale that’s “bright and fun inside and out.” No, Yeah is a Golden Ale with an ABV of 4.5%, according to a press release. The new release “will resonate with fans of lagers and those just looking for a really nice beer,” according to the release. No, Yeah will be available to purchase at the Bell’s General Store and Eccentric Cafe in downtown Kalamazoo on Jan. 18.

It’s commonly known as the biggest bar night of the year. Combined with the unpredictable and often chilly November weather in Michigan, bar owners have had to make adjustments to their outdoor seating venues while making sure that they’re still in compliance with the new order. The newly winterized beer garden is open just in time for what is, traditionally, the largest bar night of the year. “As far as the biggest bar night of the year, it’s something that’s not going to happen for me unfortunately,” Gilbert said. Good Time Charley’s, a popular bar near the University of Michigan campus, has six tables and heaters set up for the season.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Bell’s Brewery was founded on eccentric ideas, so when faced with a pandemic the Bell’s team thought outside the box — and the cafe. Over the summer, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the brewery revamped its outdoor beer garden and created a takeout-style dining experience that requires limited interactions with staff. The brewery’s beer garden will be open 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. Winterizing the beer garden took some creativity. To accommodate for Michigan winters, the beer garden has added five individual fire pits, a tented open-air patio with a heater and pop-up, open-air tents alongside the dance floor.

COMSTOCK, MI – Bell’s Brewery has released its first ever holiday variety pack. The Comstock-based brewery’s Jingle Bell’s Variety 12-pack includes several favorites such as Two-Hearted Ale, Light-Hearted Ale and Bell’s Official, but also features an exclusive new release, Juicy Gossip. Juicy Gossip is a 4.7% ABV brew developed over several batches at Bell’s Innovation Brewery. “Psst, did you hear about Juicy Gossip?” a news release reads. Those that would like to purchase the variety pack should go online to Bell’s beer finder and select “Juicy Gossip (Jingle Bell’s Holiday Variety Pack)” to begin the search.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is, yet again, the best beer in America. Bell’s Brewery brought home top honors for the fourth year in a row in the 2020 Best Beers in American survey, conducted by Zymurgy magazine, a publication of the American Homebrewers Association, the brewery said in a press release. “Being honored with this again, is beyond words," said Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s. The survey asks members to choose their favorite commercial beers available for purchase in the U.S.Two Hearted is joined in the list’s top 10 beers by Bell’s Hopslam Ale, which is ranked at No. Also on MLive:Bell’s founder celebrates kidney cancer recovery with $30K in donationsBell’s Brewery expands beer distribution to 42nd state: OklahomaCider, beer and doughnuts make Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm the perfect fall destination

It became an 11-mile victory lap for Bell after recovering from kidney cancer this summer. He also distributed $30,000 in donations, one-third of the total for a new cancer center in Kalamazoo. It makes you think about things and things you want to do.”Bell announced he made three $10,000 donations to show his gratitude. “Bronson’s new cancer pavilion will lead the way in cancer care in our community in part through community support and philanthropy.”In an interview with MLive, Bell said his kidney cancer diagnosis happened quickly. As a cancer survivor, Bell said he was happy to be an advocate for the work the National Kidney Foundation was doing.

COMSTOCK, Mich. – Only one Michigan-made beer landed on the list of the 10 most checked in beers on Untappd -- Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. The app Untappd allows users to check in beers, rate the brews, share suggestions with their friends and keep track of their favorites. According to stats from the app, beer drinkers posted they were drinking Two Hearted 124,577 times this year. Bell’s Brewery is in Comstock, Mich. Two Hearted has consistently been listed among the most popular beers in the country. Top 10 most checked in beers in 2019: