KALAMAZOO, MI — In just its fourth year, Kalamazoo Beer Week has become a can’t-miss event with over 200 tastings, tap takeovers, meet-and-greets, a Snow Jog and more.
More than 40 breweries, mostly from Michigan, took over retailers, restaurants and bars all over Kalamazoo.
West Michigan Beer Tours was happy to join in the festivities.
Along the way, we picked up a few interesting tidbits and made a few observations.
In honor of #KBW2014, here are some of our thoughts:
If a gold medal for best KBW-er existed, Kalamazoo’s Linda Huss would win in a landslide.
Tapistry Brewing Co. hopes to start selling bottles from its brewery as early as this spring with more brands released in 2015.
Andrea and her crew at Drake Party Store know how to care for craft beer fans.
Odd Side Ales will release a Java Mint Stout by the end of January.
People really like the idea of a Big Lebowski Beer Tour (hint, hint).
If you want to try a cheese and beer pairing at home, consult The Cheese Lady.
Never pass up the opportunity to invite a Viking on a trolley. Trust us.
Right Brain Brewery, of Traverse City, will release more seasonal beer in 16-ounce cans soon. The brewery is also in the midst of a major expansion.
If you want a good meal with a Michigan craft beer, keep Millennium Restaurant Group in mind. Between Martell’s, Union Cabaret & Grill, Centre Street Tap House, Central City Tap House and Fieldstone Grill, you can’t go wrong.
We found out about a couple Southwest Michigan beer bars: The Buck in St. Joseph and Lakeview Lounge in Battle Creek. They love some Michigan beer.
Short’s Brewing Co., of Bellaire, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in April. Look for a lot of great Short’s events in Kalamazoo in February.
People + Bus + Mi Beer = Good Times.
Scott Freitas, head brewer at Latitude 42 Brewing Co., can throw a T-shirt further than the average brewer.
Saugatuck Brewing Co. and Paw Paw Brewing Co. will collaborate on a new beer soon.
Wayside West is placing a new emphasis on craft beer.If you’re a movie buff, try reading the names of some of the beers at Tapistry and see how many films you can reference.If you can’t see in or out of the windows at Tibbs Brewing Co., the party is just getting started.
