Our brewery was named in the 2018 Best Beers in America survey conducted by Zymurgy magazine. Now running in its 16th year, the survey asks members of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), which publishes Zymurgy, to choose up to five of their favorite commercial beers available for purchase in the U.S.
We earned the #1 spot in the Top-Ranked Beers category with Two Hearted and the No. 4 spot for Hopslam Ale. This is the second consecutive year that Two Hearted has claimed this honor. It came in second to Russian River’s Pliny the Elder for seven straight years previously.
We were also #1 in this year’s Top-Ranked Breweries list.
“This is an incredible honor, one that means a great deal to me personally and to everyone at the brewery. We have never sacrificed quality and this is a testament to the hard work and dedication from everyone involved in getting this beer to our fans,” said Larry Bell, our president and founder.
“As brewers, the members of American Homebrewers Association can discern the subtle differences between a good beer and an outstanding beer,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “Zymurgy’s Best Beers in America survey showcases which commercial beers are truly the best of the best out there, and all the breweries who made the list should be proud.”
The American Homebrewers Association has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of 46,000 homebrewers.
Our general store has been supporting homebrewers in Kalamazoo and beyond since 1983 and predates the brewery. Larry Bell founded our company originally as a homebrew supply store.
For homebrewers interested in replicating some of the winningest beers at home, the AHA provides clone recipes in Zymurgy and online, in the recipes section of the AHA website. Clone recipes for Bell’s beers, including Two Hearted, can be found on our website. Kits can also be purchased on our online store.