Minikegs for Causes

Go Where the Trail Leads You with Bell’s Brewery and the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS)! We've partnered with the PNTS to encourage people to visit trails and get involved to help ensure a bright future for trails across the U.S. “We’ve always supported organizations and initiatives that protect and promote the outdoors. We want people to go out and use these valuable resources and share their passion with others,” Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery said. “Each trail tells a story. To continue enjoying these treasures, we need to take care of them,” he said. Bell is currently working toward completing the North Country Trail Association’s (NCTA) Hike 100 Challenge and was recently awarded the association’s Blue Blaze Benefactor award. That honor is given to an individual or household demonstrating vision and generosity through significant monetary or in-kind contributions to the Trail or the NCTA. “PNTS is thrilled to partner with Bell’s on the Go Where the Trail Leads You campaign to increase support and raise awareness for trails” Valerie Rupp, PNTS Executive Director, said. “Bell’s shares PNTS’ respect and excitement for the trails and other outdoor spaces. They recognize the value of connecting people through shared experiences, exploring a forest or a city on a trail or relaxing with friends or family over a meal or a beverage. A mutual appreciation of the value of connections, both to natural places and to one another, makes this partnership a natural fit. We look forward to working with Bell’s to shine a light on trails for a wider audience of craft beer enthusiasts, and to leverage that increased awareness to promote more resilient and accessible trails for all.” For every hour pledged to visit or support a trail online from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, 2021, we will make a donation to PNTS. Those hours can include hiking on any trail, volunteering to help clean up litter on a trail, learning more about the trails, and more. It’s that easy. One hour equals $5, up to $15,000. Pledges can be made here starting Sept. 1 through the end of the program. See you out on the trails!  Learn more and find a trail near you Partnership for the National Trails System American Trails – local affiliate partners (equestrian paths, mountain biking, water conservatories, etc. More on Bell’s commitment to our trails Earlier this summer, we released 4 Mini Kegs for Causes – 4 different beers, each designed to raise awareness for a different organization. This year’s Oberon mini-keg was designed to raise awareness specifically for the North Country Trail. Bell’s made a separate donation to the NCT, in addition to each of the other organizations featured on those mini-kegs. Our employees help clean up a section of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail three times a year as part of the brewery’s commitment to Michigan’s Adopt-a-Highway and Adopt a Trail Programs.

Oberon won't be the only mini keg from Bell’s this summer. We are releasing four, limited edition mini kegs during the month of May to help raise awareness for organizations that support causes that are important to us and our President and Founder, Larry Bell. “These organizations or what they represent, helped me get through the Pandemic and some tough times. Some were also hit hard and could use some help,” said Larry Bell, Founder and President of Bell’s. “Bell’s will donate to each and so will I. We hope that these mini kegs will inspire everyone to get out and enjoy some of the treasures nearby and hopefully, help some great organizations if they can,” he added. Oberon mini kegs have been released annually for the past 21 years. This year’s design celebrates the North Country Trail, the longest, national scenic trail in the United States. Joining our American Wheat Ale mini keg on store shelves will be mini kegs of Lager of the Lakes, Third Coast Beer, and Tessie’s Golden Ale, a beer inspired by Larry’s Labrador Retriever, Tessie (such a good girl!). Tessie’s was previously released exclusively in bottles at the brewery’s General Store in downtown Kalamazoo. That mini keg will help raise awareness for the Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue Association. “A lot of folks adopted pets over the past year, so if our choice doesn’t work for you there are many fine organizations all over the country. The idea is to inspire people to give back to a good cause that is close to them,” Bell said. The Lager of the Lakes mini keg will benefit from a partnership with the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a non-partisan organization that advocates for the Great Lakes and clean water. Third Coast Beer, a beer that has not been released for a few years, returns in this unique package to celebrate the Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Availability All four mini kegs have begun shipping and will arrive on store shelves soon (some may already have them). They are all available at our Bell’s General Store while supplies last. Check availability here.  Oberon mini kegs will be available across our distribution footprint. The others will only be available in some states. Availability for all mini kegs will be limited.  For more on these mini kegs, go here.  Merch promos Our online store will also be running promotional deals on exclusive merchandise from May 12th until May 26th. Oberon: 15% off Oberon hammock, adventures sheet & Oberon Kong coolers using the code OBMINI15 at checkout.  Tessie's: 15% off all dog products using the code TESSMINI15 at checkout. Third Coast Beer: 15% off Short Sleeve Kalamazoo Brewing Co. Tee and all water bottles using the code TCBMINI15 at checkout.  Lager of the Lakes: 15% off Men & Women’s Lager Tees, crewneck sweatshirt, button-up, globe & sticker using the code LAGERMINI15 at checkout.