KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Bell’s Brewery will shine a spotlight on various cultures within the Latinx community and its employees with a special beer release and event.
The new beer, Brillosa, is said to be a smooth Vienna-style Lager with a 5% Alc. By Vol., and is the seventh beer to be designed and released as part of Bell’s Celebration Series.
The Bell’s Celebration Series is meant to celebrate and recognize groups within the Bell’s family that help make it what it is.
According to officials, Brillosa (bree-yoh-sah) is the Spanish word for shiny and bright, and was chosen specifically as a nod to the passion of the Latin community at Bell’s and beyond.
Vanessa Gomes is the Area Sales Manager for Bell’s in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, as well as the co-chair of the committee for this release.
“Our committee has representation from across the Latinx communities including Brasil, Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico,” Gomes said. “When it came time to design the beer, we took inspiration from each of our own experiences and culture. This beer drinks light with amazing hop aromas. Even the label resonates and feels like home to many of us.”
Brillosa will debut on draft on November 13 as part of a special “Tappening Celebration” starting at noon at Bell’s Eccentric Café, located at 355 East Kalamazoo Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo.
There will be live entertainment from DJ Adelante Dano until 4 p.m. and a Latin-inspired food menu. Special Brillosa merchandise will also be available to purchase.
Bottles packaged in six-packs will be released on November 17 at the Bell’s General Store, located right next door to the Café.
As part of this release, Bell’s will donate to two local non-profit organizations.
- El Concilio is a community-focused organization that seeks to help Latino residents support their families, contribute to society and appreciate their cultural significance. It provides interpretation, and immigration services as well as workplace discrimination and abuse support.
- Farmworker Legal Services of Michigan is a statewide, non-profit legal services provider that represents indigent immigrant, migrant, and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents throughout Michigan.
“It was important for Bell’s and everyone involved with this release to be able to give back to the community directly and help inspire real change,” Bell’s Equity and Inclusion Specialist Jay Maddock said. “These two organizations help provide a voice for those who need it and currently do not.”
Brillosa Tappening Food Specials
- Lechon Asado – Citrus and Chili roasted pork with rice and black beans
- Black Beans and rice
- Yucca Fries with cilantro lime mayo
- Tostones with a red chili sauce
- Caldo Verde – Kale, potato, and house-made sausage soup
- Mousse de maracujá (passion fruit mousse)
“This all means a lot to me, to all of us,” Gomes added. “Our community and our culture are rarely given this kind of spotlight. Having a space to create and get to know each other better is so appreciated. When I think about how my son will be able to look around and see people come together at this event makes me proud. This entire project is meant to help open doors and create conversations for meaningful, positive change.”
For more on Brillosa, visit bellsbeer.com.
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