SOLD OUT.

Tour departs from Bell’s Eccentric Cafe at 355 E Kalamazoo Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007 at 12:00 pm, Saturday, May 25, 2013 and returns at 5:00 pm. Please arrive 20-30 minutes ahead of time.

Visit Bell’s Brewery and Eccentric Cafe and the Boatyard Brewery in Kalamazoo, Arcadia Brewing Company in Battle Creek and Darkhorse Brewing Company in Marshall on this short weekend trip in the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek area.

Origination

Bell’s Brewery and Eccentric Cafe

Top sellers: Oberon, seasonal wheat ale; Two Hearted, an IPA

Seasonals: Oberon, wheat ale; Oarsmen, sour ale (spring/summer); Oktoberfest (fall); Expedition Stout; Hopslam (winter)

Best bets: Specialty beers at the Cafe; Two Hearted; Black Note

Second Stop

Boatyard Brewing Company

Fast facts: Received its license in early April 2013. Prior to opening the brewery, co-owners Brian Steele taught at Kalamazoo Country Day School while Dan Gilligan was an electrician for Kerwin Electric Inc.

 

Third Stop

Darkhorse Brewing Company

Fast facts: Aaron Morse learned to brew at Northern Michigan University. Dark Horse specializes in big beers, so when everyone goes light for the summer, the Marshall brewery rolls out its Beglian-style trippel. The brewery plans to add a creamery, distillery and bakery soon.

Seasonals: Sapient Trip Ale (spring/summer); Scotty Karate (fall); Five-part Holiday Stout Series (winter)

Best bets: Bourbon-barrel aged Plead the 5th Stout; Double Crooked Tree IPA (February)

Fourth Stop

Arcadia Brewing Company

Fast facts: Owner Tim Suprise lives in Kalamazoo and originally wanted to open the brewery in Kalamazoo in the building that now houses the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange. Suprise plans to open a new production facility in Kalamazoo by the end of 2013.

Seasonals: Whitsun, wheat ale (spring/summer); Jaw-Jacker (fall); Nut Brown (winter)

Best bets: Sky High Rye; Cocoa Loco

 

View Map of Taste of Southwest Michigan Tour in a larger map

 

Click to View Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I am late for the tour?

The bus will leave promptly at the scheduled time. Please arrive at the origination site at least 20 minutes ahead of time. If you are late we will not wait for you. There are no refunds.

What happens if I need to cancel?

All ticket fees are non-refundable. However tickets may be transferred to another passenger.

What happens if a tour is canceled?

If a tour is canceled for any reason all ticket fees will be fully refunded.

Can I drink beer on the bus?

In most cases there is no drinking on the bus.

Can I bring a minor?

No – all tour participants must be 21 years or older. Please bring personal identification.

May I bring beer on the bus?

Only beer purchased from the participating brewers may be brought on to the bus. For most tours no drinking on the bus will be permitted.

Will there be food included on the tour?

Light snacks (i.e. pretzels and chips) and water will be provided on the bus. For most tours food available for purchase at one or more of our brewery tours. Unless otherwise indicated, most tour packages will not include the cost of food at the stops.

 

Premium Tour Tickets Saturday, May 25
  • Includes all standard ticket amenities
  • Also includes 1 pint at each location and West Michigan Beer Tours t-shirt
$74.95/ea
Standard Tour Tickets Saturday, May 25
  • Guided bus tour, featuring special guest tour director
  • Meet and greet with brewery owners and/or brewers
  • Samples at each brewery
  • Water and snacks on the bus
$49.95/ea

** There will be time to purchase lunch and additional pints at the breweries.
** We encourage guests to purchase 6 packs from the breweries. Coolers will be provided for safe transportation. Alcohol consumption will not be allowed on the bus.