Our Story

Brewing with a 15-gallon soup pot, Larry Bell sold his first commercial beer on this date in 1985.

Bell's Beer

Referring to the coastline created by the Great Lakes, Third Coast Beer was created before the craft beer market really took hold in the United States: people were afraid of beer called “ale.” Even though it is technically a Pale Ale, it was named “beer” to be more approachable. The original

Referring to the coastline created by the Great Lakes, Third Coast Beer was created before the craft beer market really took hold in the United States: people were afraid of beer called “ale.” Even though it is technically a Pale Ale, it was named “beer” to be more approachable. The original label set was a series of 24 different labels that traced a map of all 3,288 miles of the Michigan coastline, touching four of the five Great Lakes. TCB went to Larry's Library in 2017. 

Kalamazoo Stout

Cherry Stout

Third Coast Old Ale

Expedition Stout

Brewing capacity increases again with the installation of a 2-barrel brew system. 

Bell's celebrates its first Eccentric Day: originally a Bell's employee holiday, this annual party has grown over the years. Intended to showcase your alter-ego, or the side of you that wouldn't show up at the office, it is a day of food, beers and music. 

Now known as Oberon Ale, this summer beer starts a revolution all on its own. Originally released in 22 oz. bottles, the name was changed in 1997 because of trademark concerns with a Mexican brewery. Larry picked the name because he played Oberon, King of the Fairies, in his sixth grade

Now known as Oberon Ale, this summer beer starts a revolution all on its own. Originally released in 22 oz. bottles, the name was changed in 1997 because of trademark concerns with a Mexican brewery. Larry picked the name because he played Oberon, King of the Fairies, in his sixth grade production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." MORE OBERON. 

The acclaimed beer and whiskey writer, visited what was then known solely as the Kalamazoo Brewing Company. 

7 miles from Bell's original location, Comstock will become the future home of Bell's main brewery. Bell's Kalamazoo location continues to be a home to innovation. 

Construction on Bell's Comstock Brewery is completed. Equipment is moved in and the first beer is brewed. 

Winter White Ale (now Bright White Ale)

Hopslam 

An Anton Paar for measuring alcohol, density and estimating calories is installed in the Bell's Quality Lab. 

Hall Hath No Fury...Ale

Consecrator Doppelbock

Black Note Stout

Christmas Ale: the basic inspiration was to create a sessionable holiday beer which would stand apart from the array of spiced, high ABV winter warmers typically introduced during the holidays. The original Christmas Ale was designed to be a beer that could be paired with food without overwhelming it.

Christmas Ale: the basic inspiration was to create a sessionable holiday beer which would stand apart from the array of spiced, high ABV winter warmers typically introduced during the holidays. The original Christmas Ale was designed to be a beer that could be paired with food without overwhelming it. Brewed without any spices: all of the dry, toasted notes and subtle toffee flavors come from the 100% Michigan-grown, custom malted barley, In 2017, the recipe was tweaked to be more malt-forward and fuller bodied as a Scotch Ale.

The Oracle was developed from a one-off batch brewed for the Craft Brewers Conference that was called “Big Head San Diego Style Ale.” The name and label refer to The Pythia, the title given to a priestess who serves as the Oracle of Delphi from Greek history & myth.

Updates included a state-of-the-art music venue, expanded restrooms, additional seating options, a transformed Beer Garden, a new patio and a new main entry way.

The timeframe and size of Skills Week has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it has always been about our employees. We gather to discuss where we've been, where we are going next and get to know one another better. Workshops, guest speakers, a company picnic and celebrating milestones

The timeframe and size of Skills Week has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it has always been about our employees. We gather to discuss where we've been, where we are going next and get to know one another better. Workshops, guest speakers, a company picnic and celebrating milestones are all a part of this annual company event. 

Learn more about Sparkleberry Ale. 

First full-time microbiologist hired as part of the Bell's quality team. 

Inspired by Gustav Holst's seven-movement orchestral suite, "The Planets." Released in order of Holst's piece, Mars to Neptune beginning in August 2014 and ending in July 2015.

Bell's Brewery is named Voted one of the Best and Brightest companies to work for in the U.S.!

Other Best and Brightest awards include: 

• West Michigan's Best and Brightest 2015-2018
• Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation 2015-2018
• Best and Brightest in Wellness 2016-2019

Everything you love about Two Hearted , but doubled. 

Pooltime Ale

As we continue to focus on brewing the best beer we can, we also wanted our logo and all of our packaging to reflect that same commitment to quality. There were a few changes that needed to be made to reflect where we are today, but still honored our heritage.

As we continue to focus on brewing the best beer we can, we also wanted our logo and all of our packaging to reflect that same commitment to quality. There were a few changes that needed to be made to reflect where we are today, but still honored our heritage. That new look officially launched in the fall of 2016.

Learn more about our Coffee Millk Stout. 

This a specialty American IPA was brewed for release in Texas to celebrate the addition of our 31st state. The first time we brewed a beer specifically for a new market, it was only available during our launch in the Lone Star State.  Fun fact: this beer shares a name with

This a specialty American IPA was brewed for release in Texas to celebrate the addition of our 31st state. The first time we brewed a beer specifically for a new market, it was only available during our launch in the Lone Star State.  Fun fact: this beer shares a name with a song by the band Asleep at the Wheel who have performed at our Eccentric Cafe twice. 

After 7 years of being ranked #2, American Homebrewers Association members vote Two Hearted Ale as the #1 Beer in America! 

Twelve additional 800 barrel fermenters are installed. Other construction projects are completed including yeast propagation system upgrades, two pilot brew systems and a specialty packaging line installation. 

Twelve additional 800 barrel fermenters are installed, yeast propagation system receives upgrades, two pilot brew systems and a specialty packaging line are also added. 

Learn more about Larry's Latest Sour Ale.