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Kalamazoo Kickstart – A Kalamazoo Stout Cocktail
Level up your next brunch with a little help from our newest cocktail recipe. Your tastebuds say thanks in advance. Ingredients 3oz chilled cold-brew coffee 3/4oz ginger-brown-sugar syrup* 1 1/2oz whiskey 1 Kalamazoo Stout Instructions Add whiskey,...
Our beer is now distributed in all 50 U.S. States! ???
With the recent addition of distribution to Hawaii, we’re excited to officially say that Bell’s beer is now available across the United States, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Recipe: Octoberfest Pretzel
Beer pairs well with many foods, but nothing beats a pint and a pretzel. We asked Chef Kris who runs the kitchen at the Eccentric Café for a recipe to make fresh pretzels at home. Octoberfest Pretzel yield: 6 pretzels Ingredients For the dough 1 packet of dry active...
Annual hop selection “core of the soul of Two Hearted”
Every September, we head out to the Pacific Northwest for hop selection, a multi-week process that our brewmaster calls “the core of the soul of Two Hearted.” “As craft brewers, hops are such an important part of what we do,” said Andy Farrell, Bell’s brewmaster. “We...
6 Tips for Cooking Smash Burgers with Chef Kris
Folks who visit the Eccentric Café often come for the beer but come back again and again for our smash burgers. Our kitchen crew has perfected the dish and have experimented with a wide range of ingredients for specials each week. We went into the kitchen and got some...
Pulling inspiration everywhere around you: Get to know Bonnie
This is the fourth interview in a series that spotlights coworkers who make Bell’s the brewery it is. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. As we continued our series of coworker interviews, we grabbed a shifty with Bonnie, a lifelong gardener, hop...
Bugs drinking beer? Generating electricity at The Cube, our wastewater treatment facility
Sustainability takes a lot of different forms at the brewery, and one that’s near and dear to our heart is our wastewater treatment center. Our on-site facility nicknamed the “The Cube,” takes wastewater that is generated in brewing and packaging and pretreats it...
Bell’s coloring book pages: Draw in or outside of the lines
Today is National Coloring Book Day! We’ve collected some adult coloring pages we’ve created over the years, featuring Oberon, Two Hearted and more! Stay within the lines and brand guidelines or be inspired to do something different! Print them out, grab your colored...
How to throw the ultimate Two Hearted Day party
We always celebrate Two Hearted, but August is extra special: August 15 is Two Hearted Day. If you want to throw a Two Hearted party, here are food pairings, recipes, cocktails, and other ways to celebrate our American IPA: Food One of the quickest ways for a...
Trail Tips to Up Your Hiking Game
This summer, we’re spending more time on the trail as part of our Two Hearted Trail Pledge Program. We asked some coworkers who hike for some tips on how we can up our game, and here’s what they shared. Extra Coffee: When you’re heading out for a hike, some...
Activities
Recipe: Frozen Cherry Oberon Beer-rita
The ultimate frozen beer-rita for a hot summer day.
Celebrate Juneteenth in Kalamazoo and the Eccentric Café
This Juneteenth, we’re again joining the Kalamazoo community to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans individuals to our history as a country.
Recipe: Oberon Sunrise Shandy beer cocktail with rum
This Oberon beer cocktail is perfect for those slow, warm, Summer days.
9 things we love about our Great Lakes
Like many Michiganians, we have a lot of pride in our home state and the fresh water that surrounds us. On Great Lakes Awareness Day, here are nine things we love about HOMES (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior). 21% of the world's fresh water. Combined, the...
Everything You Need To Know About Oberon Day 2023
We are closely approaching the annual release of Oberon, our American Wheat Ale. Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Oberon Day 2023:
Oberon Day 2023 Events across the country
As Oberon Day approaches, there are several special tappings planned across the country to celebrate its return! Here are some of the events for Oberon’s release. There may be others in your area that aren’t listed here.
Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week 2023
Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week 2023 is approaching, and we've got a whole week of events planned. Check it out! Snow Jog Saturday, January 14 | 12-4pm | Limited Tickets Remain | 21+ Our annual choose-your-adventure race across downtown Kalamazoo rages on! Find...
Show some craft beer love with Beerentines this Valentine’s Day
It’s February, and time to show love to those special people in your life. Each year, we combine classic valentines with beer into what has become known as Beerentines.
Color inside (or outside) the lines with our Bell’s coloring pages
Today is National Coloring Book Day! A day to celebrate the relaxing and fun activity, we’ve collected some adult coloring pages we’ve created over the years, featuring Oberon, Two Hearted and more! Stay within the lines and brand guidelines, or be inspired to do...
Raise a Wing and support Meals on Wheels
We’re excited to announce that our annual Raise a Wing event is back for its third year. We’re teaming up with Meals on Wheels America to support their urgent mission to improve the health and quality of life of seniors, so no one is left hungry or isolated. Raise a...
Culture
Pulling inspiration everywhere around you: Get to know Bonnie
This is the fourth interview in a series that spotlights coworkers who make Bell’s the brewery it is. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. As we continued our series of coworker interviews, we grabbed a shifty with Bonnie, a lifelong gardener, hop...
Following your passion and helping others along the way: Get to know Brenden
This is the fifth interview in a series that spotlights coworkers who make Bell's the brewery it is. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Everyone’s career progresses in different ways. One of the most important steps is finding something you’re...
Putting our values into motion: Get to know Sara
How do you advocate for the health of hundreds of coworkers? We recently caught up with Sara, the brewery’s wellness specialist, about how wellness has shifted from just eating well and exercising, and what makes a brewery like Bell’s unique.
Brewing community: Get to know Kevin
After being a brewer for almost 30 years, Kevin recently became the head tour guide. We sat down to talk to him about the changes at Bell’s over the years and how beer brings people together.
Sharing the perfect Two Hearted: Getting to know Bridget
We sat down with Bridget to learn more about what quality means for beer and how she protects it in the market.
Making people as happy as our beers: Getting to know Luke
Have you ever sent us a DM or e-mail? You probably talked to Luke. Get to know what inspires our customer service manager.
Homebrew Central
Crafting Something New with our 2022 Homebrew Competition
Homebrewers, rejoice! Our Homebrew Competition is back for 2023. We’re changing things up a bit this year so that more people will be able to participate in the greatest homebrewing competition around. Contestants will be able to use whatever malt they desire, not...
Homebrewing Oberon: Tips on cloning Bell’s American Wheat Ale
Before we were a brewery, we were a homebrew supply store. That's how our founder Larry Bell got his (and our) start. It wasn't until two years after the Bell's General Store opened that we sold our first official beer as a brewery. More than 30 years...
Tips, tricks, and Bell’s clone recipes for homebrewing
Homebrewing is our roots. Larry Bell began brewing in the early ’80s on a 15-gallon soup pot and ran a homebrew supply store before opening the brewery. Today it’s still an important part of who we are. Here’s our collection of tips, clone recipes, and advice....
Homebrew Q&A: How to brew a Quinannan Falls clone
Question: I fell in love with the Quinannan Falls. I know that I can’t get the recipe for this delicious brew, but any information regarding grain bill, hops, etc. would be appreciated so I can try and recreate this at home. Answer: Start with a base of Pilsner...
Miss Smitten? Here are some tips on making a homebrew clone
Miss Smitten, our Golden Rye Pale Ale? While it’s currently in Larry’s Library, you can brew a clone version of it at home. Here are some tips on how to brew a beer like Smitten at home, from our resident homebrew experts, the Bell's General Store. Start with a...
Celebrate National Homebrew Day with a Two Hearted Clone Recipe
Today we celebrate National Homebrew Day. It all began for us when our founder Larry Bell started brewing with a 15-gallon soup pot. More than 30 years later, homebrewing continues to be an important part of who we are as a brewery. So, how are you going to...
Inclusivity & Diversity
Following your passion and helping others along the way: Get to know Brenden
This is the fifth interview in a series that spotlights coworkers who make Bell's the brewery it is. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Everyone’s career progresses in different ways. One of the most important steps is finding something you’re...
Celebrate Juneteenth in Kalamazoo and the Eccentric Café
This Juneteenth, we’re again joining the Kalamazoo community to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans individuals to our history as a country.
Join us in celebrating Kalamazoo Pride 2023
We are excited to again sponsor Kalamazoo Pride and celebrate our friends, family, and coworkers in the LGBTQIA+ community. “We believe everyone should have equal rights,” said Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker. “Everybody should have an equal opportunity....
Honoring International Transgender Day of Visibility
Our brewery and Eccentric Café are open to all. We strive to be a space that’s safe and inclusive, however you identify along with those who you love.
Women’s History Month: Stories from women at Bell’s
We sat down with some women coworkers at Bell’s to hear how they built careers in the industry, what things have changed and why representation in leadership is so important for the next generation.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with “Century Strong” and Pink Boots Society
This month as we celebrate the contributions women have made to craft beer, let’s just not raise a pint, but the voices, of a group of coworkers who are actively working to bring more women and nonbinary people into the industry.
Brillosa Shines A Spotlight on Bell’s Employees, Latinx culture and community
We, here at Bell's are shining a spotlight on various cultures within the Latinx community and our employees with a special beer release and event. Brillosa, a deliciously smooth Vienna-style Lager with a 5% Alc. By Vol., is the seventh beer to be designed and...
Bell’s Celebration Series continues with Seneca Village
Seneca Village, the sixth beer to be designed and brewed by Bell’s staff, celebrates our Black and African American employees. It was brewed to bring awareness to a part of American history that is often hidden or left out of more forward-facing narratives. A Black...
Spotlight Series: These Beers Are Designed By Bell’s Employees
Our downtown Kalamazoo brewery is where we got our start. Though the batches may be smaller than what we brew for wider release at our Comstock Brewery, our original brewery is still very focused on innovation and bringing new beers to life. It’s actually quite...
News
Our beer is now distributed in all 50 U.S. States! ???
With the recent addition of distribution to Hawaii, we’re excited to officially say that Bell’s beer is now available across the United States, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Annual hop selection “core of the soul of Two Hearted”
Every September, we head out to the Pacific Northwest for hop selection, a multi-week process that our brewmaster calls “the core of the soul of Two Hearted.” “As craft brewers, hops are such an important part of what we do,” said Andy Farrell, Bell’s brewmaster. “We...
6 Tips for Cooking Smash Burgers with Chef Kris
Folks who visit the Eccentric Café often come for the beer but come back again and again for our smash burgers. Our kitchen crew has perfected the dish and have experimented with a wide range of ingredients for specials each week. We went into the kitchen and got some...
Pulling inspiration everywhere around you: Get to know Bonnie
This is the fourth interview in a series that spotlights coworkers who make Bell’s the brewery it is. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. As we continued our series of coworker interviews, we grabbed a shifty with Bonnie, a lifelong gardener, hop...
Bugs drinking beer? Generating electricity at The Cube, our wastewater treatment facility
Sustainability takes a lot of different forms at the brewery, and one that’s near and dear to our heart is our wastewater treatment center. Our on-site facility nicknamed the “The Cube,” takes wastewater that is generated in brewing and packaging and pretreats it...
Bell’s coloring book pages: Draw in or outside of the lines
Today is National Coloring Book Day! We’ve collected some adult coloring pages we’ve created over the years, featuring Oberon, Two Hearted and more! Stay within the lines and brand guidelines or be inspired to do something different! Print them out, grab your colored...
How to throw the ultimate Two Hearted Day party
We always celebrate Two Hearted, but August is extra special: August 15 is Two Hearted Day. If you want to throw a Two Hearted party, here are food pairings, recipes, cocktails, and other ways to celebrate our American IPA: Food One of the quickest ways for a...
Trail Tips to Up Your Hiking Game
This summer, we’re spending more time on the trail as part of our Two Hearted Trail Pledge Program. We asked some coworkers who hike for some tips on how we can up our game, and here’s what they shared. Extra Coffee: When you’re heading out for a hike, some...
Following your passion and helping others along the way: Get to know Brenden
This is the fifth interview in a series that spotlights coworkers who make Bell's the brewery it is. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Everyone’s career progresses in different ways. One of the most important steps is finding something you’re...
Recipe: Frozen Cherry Oberon Beer-rita
The ultimate frozen beer-rita for a hot summer day.
Recipes
Kalamazoo Kickstart – A Kalamazoo Stout Cocktail
Level up your next brunch with a little help from our newest cocktail recipe. Your tastebuds say thanks in advance. Ingredients 3oz chilled cold-brew coffee 3/4oz ginger-brown-sugar syrup* 1 1/2oz whiskey 1 Kalamazoo Stout Instructions Add whiskey,...
Recipe: Octoberfest Pretzel
Beer pairs well with many foods, but nothing beats a pint and a pretzel. We asked Chef Kris who runs the kitchen at the Eccentric Café for a recipe to make fresh pretzels at home. Octoberfest Pretzel yield: 6 pretzels Ingredients For the dough 1 packet of dry active...
6 Tips for Cooking Smash Burgers with Chef Kris
Folks who visit the Eccentric Café often come for the beer but come back again and again for our smash burgers. Our kitchen crew has perfected the dish and have experimented with a wide range of ingredients for specials each week. We went into the kitchen and got some...
Recipe: Frozen Cherry Oberon Beer-rita
The ultimate frozen beer-rita for a hot summer day.
8 refreshing Bell’s beer cocktails to add to your summer mix ??☀️
As the rest of the world is starting to celebrate summer (we kick off the season on Oberon Day), we started thinking of our favorite beer cocktails we like to make.
Recipe: Two Hearted Manhattan
Take on the city with a Two Hearted twist on this classic cocktail: Two Hearted Manhattan Ingredients 2 oz Bourbon (can use Rye) 1oz Vermouth 1oz Two Hearted Glass type: martini or coupe Directions Fill mixing glass with ice. Add bourbon, vermouth and Two...
Amber Ale Negroni
A twist on the classic cocktail, Negroni-lovers approved: Ingredients Gin Vermouth Campari Amber Ale Orange Peel Directions Mix Gin, Vermouth and Campari into cocktail glass Add Amber Ale Rub orange peel around glass edge and add to drink Enjoy!...
Oberon Brass Monkey
Or, you could drink your Oberon to label and then add OJ! Ingredients 12oz Oberon 4oz Orange Juice Dash of Angostura Bitters Directions Mix and serve!
Oberon Beermosa
The classic Oberon beer cocktail... for brunch, sunny afternoons... or any time of the day! Ingredients Oberon Sparkling White Wine Orange Juice Directions Mix and serve!
Kalamazoo Velvet
A craft beer take on the classic cocktail, that's rich, crispy and malty. Ingredients 1 part Kalamazoo Stout 1 part sparkling white wine Directions Mix and enjoy!
Sustainability
Introducing Our 2023 Grant Cycle Program: Clean Water Stewardship
This year, we’re bringing our Inspired Giving Grassroots Grant Cycle back, focusing again on grants that support clean water.
This Earth Day, let’s protect our clean water
On this Earth Day, we want to highlight a particularly important resource to us all: Clean water is vital, not just for the beer we brew, but to sustain the lives we all lead.
5 facts about Bell’s, beer, and clean water
Water is one of beer’s most essential ingredients, affecting its taste, aroma, and overall quality. To be responsible stewards and protect this resource, we must focus on protecting life-sustaining clean water, not just for beer, but for everyone.
Sideyard Ale will return along with two, new limited fresh-hopped beers
Brewed fresh to drink fresh: Bell’s Sideyard Ale will return with limited, expanded distribution (in 2021) along with two brand new fresh-hopped beers. Joining the brewery’s Fresh-Hopped New England-style IPA this year will be Sideyard Crystal Ale and Sideyard Triumph...
Bell’s, other Kalamazoo businesses team up to keep plastic out of landfills
Bell’s is part of a Kalamazoo-area recycling “co-op,” that includes other local craft breweries, which will divert about 26,000 lbs. of plastic per year from Michigan landfills.
Bell’s Honored with Energy Star Challenge Award for Sustainability Efforts
Imagine a stretch of highway connecting Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids returned to forest. That is roughly 501 acres worth of pavement or about 380 football fields. It’s also the environmental equivalent of Bell’s Brewery’s energy efficiency improvements this year. The...
Composting at the Eccentric Cafe is part of our commitment to sustainability
As part of our continued sustainability efforts, the Eccentric Café has resumed composting and is offering one of the few customer-facing composting options in the Kalamazoo area. Now when you’re at the Café you’ll have three choices: regular trash, plastic cups, and...
Trails
Trail Tips to Up Your Hiking Game
This summer, we’re spending more time on the trail as part of our Two Hearted Trail Pledge Program. We asked some coworkers who hike for some tips on how we can up our game, and here’s what they shared. Extra Coffee: When you’re heading out for a hike, some...
Learn more about PNTS here
The Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) is a 501(c)(3) that connects member not-for-profit trail organizations and Federal agency partners to further the protection, completion, and stewardship of the 32 national scenic and historic trails within the...
Explore National Trails System maps here
Explore the National Trails System with interactive maps showcasing the approximate routes for the 11 National Scenic Trails and 19 National Historic Trails in the National Trails System, as well as a downloadable PDF map created by the National Park Service. Please...
Donate to PNTS here
In 2022, 148,644 volunteers logged over 717,000 hours to help build, maintain, and extend the National Trails System. Please join in this massive collective effort by giving today so we can do even more to ensure a vibrant and accessible National Trails System for all people.
Two Hearted Ale
Grilled Trout, Chili Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Two Hearted make an amazing combo
This recipe doesn’t use Two Hearted but it does pair with Two Hearted! 4 servings Ingredients 12 lbs of trout, skin on, cut into 6-8 oz portions 6 Serrano or birds-eye chilies, seeded and finely diced 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, cut in half 1 red onion, large diced 4...
Two Hearted, Bell’s Brewery and Hopslam are the Best in America
Two Hearted Ale is the Best Beer in America. Again. Bell’s Brewery is the Best Brewery in America. Again. For the fourth year in a row, we brought home top honors in the 2020 Best Beers in America survey conducted by Zymurgy magazine, a publication of the American...
Recipe: Bell’s Amber Ale Michiganlada
Another amazing use for a Bell's classic! Ingredients 8-12 oz. Bell's Amber Ale (depending on your glass size) Chili lime salt (enough to rim the glass and a pinch to flavor the drink) Juice from 1 -1/2 limes (about 1.5 oz.) Worcestershire sauce (4 dashes) Your...
Try this recipe for Two Hearted Veggie and Brat Grill Packets
Grilling, Two Hearted. What more do we need to say? Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 4 Cups sliced/diced veggies (zucchini, pepper, onion, potato, broccoli, mushrooms, etc) 4 Brats, whole or diced 2 tbsp olive oil 1/4 cup Bell's Two Hearted 1 tbsp paprika 1/2 tbsp garlic...
Beer Cocktail Recipe: Two Hearted Paloma
Try this beer cocktail recipe next time you are looking to switch things up or just because! Ingredients 6 oz. Bell's Two Hearted 2 oz. tequila (reposado, blanco or your favorite) .5 oz. lime juice 1.5 oz. grapefruit juice 4-5 ice cubes Coarse salt (optional - pink...
Recipe: Two Hearted Chicken Tacos
Check out this recipe for one of our favorite foods paired with the Best Beer in America. Cheers! Ingredients 8 bone-in skinless chicken thighs1 small yellow onion, diced1 clove of garlic, minced1 TBS vegetable oil12 oz. Two Hearted Ale1-2 cups chicken stock1 tsp...
Recipe: Two Hearted Buffalo Sauce
Want to add a little Two Hearted flair to your favorite wings or spicy snack? Here is a recipe that uses Two Hearted Ale to make a delicious buffalo sauce. Two Hearted Buffalo Sauce Developed by Bell’s Eccentric Café Executive Chef Kris McDonough. Makes...