Bell's News

Details for 2021 Bell’s Homebrew Competition now available!

We are excited to share that the 11th Annual Bell’s Homebrew Competition Kick-off will be held this year on Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at Bell’s Eccentric Café in downtown Kalamazoo. This year's homebrew expo will be taking place on Sunday, September 19th starting at 11 am! This is also the anniversary of Bell's Brewery so stay tuned for all details coming soon!

“Supporting the homebrewing community is very important to Bell’s and to me personally. We will always support those who are on their own quest to make a better beer, just as I set out on my own path years ago,” said Larry Bell, Founder, and President of Bell’s Brewery. The Bell’s General Store has been supporting the homebrewing community since 1983 – offering advice, homebrew ingredients and kits (a variety of clone recipes of some of Bell’s most popular beers are available to purchase). Bell’s homebrew connection predates the brewery which opened in 1985.

As in previous years, there is no cost to enter the competition and the only requirement is that you use Bell’s wort, which will be available for free at the kick-off. This year, we are making a change to wort pickup. All participants must reserve a time slot online for their wort pickup. No walk-ups will be permitted until all online reservations have been fulfilled. Pick-up time slots will go live on Sunday, July 11th at 10 am EST. Sign up here.

Competition entries (four 12 oz. bottles) are due to the Bell’s General Store by 6pm on Friday, September 3rd. Be sure to read these guidelines before you brew.

Other Previous winners

2019: Imperial Coffee Blonde Ale from Bill Blakeslee.

2018: Heather’s Request, an Apricot IPA from Matt MacQuillan.

2017: Damson Plum Crisp, Saison brewed with damson plums and toasted sugar from Steve Vroegop.

2016: Freedom of Peach, a hoppy Saison brewed with peaches, from Evan Monroe.

2015: Bale So Hard, a Farmhouse Ale brewed with HBC 438 and Mosaic hops from David Hellen.

2014: Coffee Mustache, a California Common style beer brewed with coffee from Matt VanNatter.

2013: Proud Mitten, a dry hopped IPA/Pale Ale made with Centennial, Citra and Simcoe hops from David Lyman.

2012: Manden Med Leen, a black IPA brewed with Belgian yeast from Nick Rodammer.

2011: A Bit of Heat from Geoff Groff, brewed with paradise seeds, rose hips and habaneros.

2010: Oscar’s Folly, a collaborative IPA from Jarrett Cupp, Bailey Cupp and Paul Gentz.

Meet the 2016 winner of the Bell's Employee Homebrew Challenge

6th Annual Bell’s Homebrew Competition winner David Hellen describes his Farmhouse Ale

Homebrew competition advice from Bell's employees

 

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Bell's Homebrew Competition Winner Brew Day: Steve Vroegop brews his Damson Plum Crisp Saison.
Bell's Homebrew Competition Winner Brew Day: Steve Vroegop brews his Damson Plum Crisp Saison.
Bell's Homebrew Competition Brew Day
Bell's Homebrew Competition winner
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