Wax Wings Brewing (2024)

Never paid much mind to the old thread. Saw this one and checked out their Facebook and my god their stuff looks really good!!

 

As one who is unfamiliar with any Kalamazoo beer pub aside from the Eccentric Cafe, could you describe the place a bit?

 

I'll take a stab at this one... Their location is pretty low key. In a strip mall with an absolutely fantastic authentic Mexican restaurant and a glass pipe shop

The brewery has darts and shuffleboard as well as three tv's above the bar for various sporting events. They rolled out a food truck over the summer which is currently closed for the season... Outside food is allowed though. There are usually a solid list of beers available on draft and to-go options vary.

I've heard people complain about taproom experience but I enjoy it. Friendly people, a few activities if desired and a relaxing spot to have a few pours. Hope that helps.

Cheers!

 

I appreciate the perspective here... I've never personally got the feeling WW viewed their taproom as an afterthought and actually think they've changed a good amount over the past year to make it more comfortable/enjoyable. The games, tv's, food truck, outdoor seating area, occasional live music, movie nights, etc. It's not the eccentric cafe by any means but I get the feeling they try pretty hard with the small team they have. Not trying to argue or anything, just interesting how people can have different views of something. That's what makes life interesting though

Cheers!

 

I've only been to Wax Wings twice and only to purchase cans and then run. My quick and dirty impression of the place was that it was quite dark. Not much lighting in there - natural or otherwise. It felt more like a bar than a brewpub to me. Not that I care either way.

 

Thanks for the details. Next time I’m in Kzoo for a hockey game or for a Bell’s visit, I’ll give the place a try. Cheers.

 

Feel like this is the longest wait between BA releases in a while from WW... Hopefully we got some bangers on the horizon cause my cellar is getting pretty bare at this point!

Hope all members who are able go to the party this weekend have a blast! I'm out of town unfortunately but look forward to hearing how it goes.

Cheers!

 

Radio silence for a long time other than a post looking for a brewer.
Are members seeing releases that aren't making it to the public or has it been quiet for everyone?

 

No secret inside info or sales for members, unfortunately. Outside of Santa cans, been six months since a BA release. They had such good momentum there for a while… Hope everything is ok and we start to see some sales pop up again soon.

 

There it is… Two new BA beers for members with a 5/4 pickup.


LAY THIS BODY DOWN [2024] | BOURBON BARREL-AGED STOUT | 13% (500mL bottle)

This double mash stout was aged in a Heaven Hill bourbon barrel until it gave us the rich chocolate notes we wanted. We then conditioned it on toasted coconut, Michigan maple syrup and Mostra Coffee.



JUGGERNAUT CHILD | BOURBON BARREL-AGED S’MORES STOUT | 13% (500mL Bottle)

We are releasing this beer to celebrate and honor Brody Try- our head brewer for the last three years. He is moving onto a new chapter of his life but will always be a part of the Wax Wings Squad. Aged in a Wild Turkey 12 year barrel, and conditioned on graham crackers, cacao nibs, toasted marshmallows and Mexican Vanilla beans.

 

Some low-key bad news dropped in that beer announcement. I saw they were looking for a brewer, was hoping it was an assistant.

 

Was a bit surprised when I saw that news in there as well... Their recent posting didn't mentioned a head brewer opening so I was thinking along the same lines as you there. Hope they find someone strong to replace Brody.

 

New bottles available for members to purchase sound pretty damn good! Always loved the Heights series… Cheers!


Single Barrel Heights [2024] | BOURBON BARREL-AGED STOUT | 14% (500mL bottles)

Aged in a Buffallo Trace Mash #2 barrel. In sampling, we felt it was the most balanced of the three barrels and the best showcase to stand alone as a purely barrel driven beer with no adjuncts. Lovely texture, smooth barrel presence with chocolate, fudge, caramel, and vanilla notes.



Vanilla Heights | BOURBON BARREL-AGED STOUT | 14% (500mL Bottle)

Aged in a 12 year Heaven Hill barrel, we loved the character that this cask imparted on the beer. Deeply spirited, the oak and char shine through in warming waves. We felt that it paired perfectly with a blend of Mexican and Madagascar vanilla beans. The resulting beer is rich, sweet vanilla cream on the nose, layered dark chocolate and espresso.



Neapolitan Heights | BOURBON BARREL-AGED STOUT | 14% (500mL Bottle)

Aged in an Eagle Rare bourbon barrel- this resulted in the most unique profile of the three. We conditioned this beer on Mexican vanilla beans, strawberry and toasted cacao nibs and couldn’t be more excited to offer this Heights variant for the first time!

 

The Heights stouts are a big step up from any other stout that they have done, in my opinion

 

Been a minute since this thread had any action… Thought I’d post about a few new beers than members were able to purchase recently. Picking starts next weekend.

Cheers!


Harbors 1 [2024] | DOUBLE BARREL-AGED BARLEYWINE | 15% (500mL bottle)
Aged in an 8 year Elijah Craig Barrel for 9 months before finishing in a Laird’s Apple Brandy Barrel for 4 additional months. This beer marks the return of one of our favorite variations from the Harbors series of Double Barrel aged barleywines. Liquid caramel apple!



Harbors 4 | DOUBLE BARREL-AGED BARLEYWINE | 15% (500mL Bottle)
Aged in an 8 year Elijah Craig barrel for 9 months before finishing in a Hemingway Papas Pilar Rum barrel for 4 additional months. Our first time incorporating rum into our barrel aged program and we could not be more excited for how it turned out!

 

Hopefully a public sale follows soon

 

Where do they announce the public sales?

 

Instagram and Facebook... Although, the last few releases have not included an online public sale. They just announced them available to go when the brewery opened that day.