KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Members of Kalamazoo’s craft brewing community are expecting cash register-busting business during this year’s Beer Week.
Greg “Gonzo” Haner with Gonzo’s Biggdogg Brewing on South Westnedge Avenue expects big crowds to sample his vanilla porter ale, which has drawn rave reviews since its introduction.
“There’s a lot of people that come in out of town for Beer Week,” Haner said. “They take their whole vacation and go to all the places every single day.”
Laura Bell with with the pioneering Bell’s Brewery on East Kalamazoo Avenue said she’s happy there’s success all over the city.
“It’s really fun to watch that all come together, particularly with something like Kalamazoo Beer Week,” Bell said. “There’s hundreds of events going on downtown.”
Boatyard Brewing on East Paterson Street is also doing something special this week. They have brewed 52 beers — many of them are the same, but utilize different strains of yeast. President Brian Steele says they’re trying to educate beer-enthusiasts about how yeast affects the development of the drink.
The celebration runs through Jan. 23. More information can be found here.
– Anthony Pollreisz
