Bell's Brewery (2020)

Every time I visit Kalamazoo for shopping with my wife I end up at Bell's. I like most of the other breweries and good bars in town, but I still end up at Bell's. Kalamazoo Beer Week starts in another week or so, and I'll be in town a few days that week, so I'll be visiting other venues to spread the love a little bit. But I'll be back at Bell's too.

 

I've been studying the event schedule for all of the venues but have not made a decision yet on what events/days my wife and I will attend. The snow is always a deciding factor even though I only have 20 miles from Battle Creek. PM me if you'll be going and I'll try to match your schedule.

I had thought about going to Bell's yesterday for Hopslam's release but decided to wait until it's in stores. I've not seen Hop Grandslam before; must be new this year? They didn't even mention it in their social media. Otherwise I might have gone yesterday.

 

When do you think Hopslam will hit store shelves in the metro Detroit area? Wed 1/8?

 

Just picked up some 4 day old Hopslam, tasting mighty fine as usual!

 

They have definitely gotten a LOT better with that! I remember a couple of years ago I was buying directly from the General Store the day it was released & the cans were dated 2 weeks old.
This year I grabbed 1/2/20 dated cans on 1/3

 

Anyone hear anything about this?

Joe Boomgaard of MiBiz dug this up from the label approvals and thinks we may see this in 2020.

Sorry, cant get the label to upload but here is the link.
https://mobile.twitter.com/jboomgaard/status/1212830949014155264

 

First I'm hearing of it, but I'd love to try it!!

 

Interesting addition to the Heart family, but all of my excitement is on light hearted.

I’m a big fan of half acre tuna (centennial and mosaic) I’m imagining this beer but with galaxy replacing mosaic and probably a pinch more malt backbone. It should be new school but classic as hell.

 

Hell yes been too damn long since I had a good BIPA!

 

I'm looking forward to Hopslam. As are many. But, I really can't wait to see what concerts they'll have at the brewery this summer. I went to the Langhorne Slim show in Sept and it was a blast.

 

2020 Hopslam is as good as I can remember. Had it on draft on release day, and again in cans yesterday. Rich juicy, piney, malty, nice honey sweetness, so great fresh.

 

Really wanted to go to that show but couldn't pull it off. Did get to see Frank Turner though, which was awesome. With these shows plus Conor Oberst and Lucero over the past couple years, it's really awesome to see them pulling in some bigger (relative) name bands.

 

Weird observation:
Blackbeard's makes a great pairing with Garrett's popcorn...

 

I just picked up a 'hint' from Bell's Instagram and their website that the 5th release of the Leaves of Grass series will be a winter warmer @ 8.5% abv. Coming "soon." It looks like from their BA page that they have never produced a winter warmer, so this should be interesting. https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1215774853682356224

 

When is Light Hearted going out to distro? Is 'early 2020' all anyone knows?

 

Should be right after hopslam

 

Woah, lets not get out over our skis just yet Need some Hopslam NOW!

Two Hearted is my go to IPA, I'm really curious about the Light. I can't help but think it's going to be just another session beer that I'm not a fan of.

 

I saw somewhere on social media that it will be released on tap at the cafe and in bottles and/or cans (I forget that part) at the store. I think it went on to say distribution to stores soon after. So it's close to happening.

EDIT: I forgot to give the date: Monday, Jan 20th.