Bell's Brewery is a craft beer maker based in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Bell's Brewery is an independent brewery founded in 1985 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo. The company started as a homebrew supply shop and grew into a full production brewery that now distributes beer across the United States. Bell's is known for year-round beers, seasonal releases, and limited-edition brews that appeal to both casual drinkers and beer enthusiasts.

The brewery operates a taproom at its production facility in Kalamazoo where visitors can taste beers, buy merchandise, and learn about the brewing process. Bell's also sells packaged beer through retail stores, bars, and restaurants in states where they distribute. The company remains independently owned and operated, which means decisions about what beers to make and where to sell them stay within the company rather than being controlled by a larger corporation.

Key Takeaways

  • Bell's Brewery was founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and started as a homebrew supply shop before becoming a full production brewery.
  • The brewery produces year-round beers like Two Hearted IPA and Oberon, along with seasonal and limited-edition releases throughout the year.
  • Bell's operates a public taproom at its Kalamazoo location where you can taste beers, purchase merchandise, and tour the facility.
  • The brewery distributes to multiple states across the country, though availability varies by region and retail location.

Bell's Most Well-Known Beers

Two Hearted IPA is Bell's flagship beer and one of the most recognized craft beers in the United States. It is an India Pale Ale brewed with Amarillo hops and has been in production since 1997. The beer is available year-round in cans, bottles, and on draft at bars and restaurants.

Oberon is a wheat ale that Bell's releases seasonally, typically from spring through early fall. It is lighter and more approachable than Two Hearted and has become a popular choice for warm-weather drinking. Oberon is one of the brewery's most anticipated seasonal releases.

Bell's also produces Kalamazoo Stout, a dark beer available year-round, and Best Brown, a brown ale that rounds out their core lineup. Beyond these, the brewery releases limited-edition and experimental beers throughout the year, often available only at the taproom or in select markets.

Visiting Bell's Taproom in Kalamazoo

Bell's Brewery operates a public taproom at its production facility located at 500 East Kalamazoo Avenue in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The taproom is open to visitors who want to taste beers, purchase merchandise, and learn about the brewery's operations. Hours and special events vary by season, so checking the brewery's website or calling ahead before visiting is a good idea.

The taproom typically offers flights of multiple beers so you can sample different styles without committing to a full pour. Food is usually available through a kitchen or food truck partnership, though offerings change. The space often hosts live music, trivia nights, and other events, particularly during warmer months.

Tours of the production facility are sometimes offered and give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how Bell's makes beer. Tour availability depends on the brewery's production schedule, so reservations or advance notice may be required.

Where to Buy Bell's Beer

Bell's beer is sold in retail locations across multiple states, though availability varies by region. The brewery distributes to states including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and others, with the widest selection typically found in Michigan. You can find Bell's products in grocery stores, liquor stores, and gas stations that carry craft beer.

Many bars and restaurants serve Bell's beers on draft, especially in Michigan and neighboring states. If you are looking for a specific Bell's beer and cannot find it locally, the brewery's website includes a beer finder tool that shows which retailers near you carry their products. Limited-edition and experimental beers are often available only at the taproom or through special orders.

Bell's Brewery's Approach to Brewing

Bell's focuses on using quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create beers with distinct flavors. The brewery emphasizes hop-forward beers, particularly IPAs, though they produce a range of styles including stouts, wheat ales, and brown ales. Many Bell's beers are designed to be balanced rather than extreme, making them accessible to people new to craft beer while still offering complexity for experienced drinkers.

The brewery has remained independent throughout its growth, which allows the company to make decisions based on what the brewers and owners believe in rather than pressure from shareholders or parent companies. This independence influences which beers get made, how they are distributed, and how the company operates its facilities and taproom.

Bell's Seasonal and Limited Releases

Beyond year-round beers, Bell's produces seasonal releases that change with the time of year. Oberon arrives in spring, while fall and winter bring other limited editions. The brewery also experiments with special batches, barrel-aged beers, and collaborations with other breweries, many of which are available only at the taproom or in very limited quantities.

These limited releases are part of what keeps craft beer enthusiasts interested in Bell's — there is always something new to try. If you are interested in trying rare or experimental Bell's beers, visiting the taproom or following the brewery's social media accounts will keep you informed about what is currently available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Bell's Brewery without a reservation?

The taproom is generally open to walk-in visitors, though hours vary by season. Calling ahead or checking the brewery's website before visiting is recommended, especially for tours or during busy times. Special events may require reservations.

What is the difference between Two Hearted and Oberon?

Two Hearted is a year-round India Pale Ale with a hoppy, bitter profile and higher alcohol content. Oberon is a seasonal wheat ale that is lighter, smoother, and less bitter, making it popular during warmer months. Both are flagship beers but appeal to different tastes and seasons.

Where can I find Bell's beer outside of Michigan?

Bell's distributes to multiple states including Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Use the beer finder tool on Bell's website to search for retailers near you. Availability depends on your location and which specific beers you are looking for.

Does Bell's offer brewery tours?

Tours are sometimes offered at the Kalamazoo facility and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Tour availability varies based on production schedules, so contact the brewery directly or check their website to learn about current tour options and how to reserve a spot.

Can I buy Bell's beer online?

Online sales of alcohol vary by state law. Some states allow breweries to ship beer directly to consumers, while others do not. Check Bell's website or contact the brewery to learn what shipping options are available in your state.