Before David Beckham and Mia Hamm became the uber-stars of soccer, they played on the fields of England and Texas as students and amateur players. Understanding the need to support amateur athletes, Bell's Brewery is a proud sponsor of the newly named Kalamazoo Outrage soccer club. The Kalamazoo Outrage is a part of the United Soccer League (USL) and consists of both a Premier Development League (PDL) and W-League teams. PDL is an Men's Under 23 amateur league for elite players throughout North America and the W-League is the highest level of amateur women's soccer in the US and Canada. "It's an honor to have signed a three year sponsorship with the Kalamazoo Outrage," says Angie Bell, vice president & marketing director of Bell's Brewery. "It's a great pleasure to be a part of this increasingly popular sport." While the Outrage is new to the roster, the USL has been providing opportunities to professional and amateur soccer players since the mid-eighties -- the same time that Bell's sold its first beer. The PDL and W-League have a roster of games throughout the summer and all Outrage home games are played at Mayor's Riverfront Park in Kalamazoo. "I can't wait to see what these teams accomplish their first year," says Bell, "Hard work, tenacity - whether on the field or in the community - you put those two things together and amazing things can happen." For a complete Kalamazoo Outrage schedule, visit www.kalamazoooutrage.com 

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Not only is Bell’s Brewery surging in popularity around the country, it continues to earn serious accolades for the flavor and the quality of its beer.

This time, it’s Bell’s Porter, honored with Gold in the Brown Porter category at the Brewers Association World Beer Cup Gala Awards Ceremony, held in San Diego on April 18th. In 2008, this competition saw 644 breweries from 58 countries vie for honors in 91 categories.  The panel, comprised of 129 people from 21 countries, judged more than 2,864 beers.  

“Like many fans of our beer, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for our Porter,” said Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery. “This recognition, on an international stage, confirms that this is a very special beer.”

A Silver in the Brown Porter category went to Cutthroat Porter from the Odell Brewing Company of Fort Collins, CO, while a Bronze went to St. Charles Porter from Blackstone Brewery in Nashville, TN. 

 “We’ve never been a brewery that chases after every medal out there,” remarked Bell. “But winning at the World Beer Cup, where there are so many entries from both 
international breweries and the finest craft brewers in the United States, confirms that we’re doing things right.”

The award adds to the success that Bell’s is currently enjoying in the marketplace. In 2007, sales volume crested 90,000 barrels — an increase of more than 22% from 2006 — and distribution grew to 15 states, including Florida. 

“This World Beer Cup Gold shows that even with our growth, the focus has remained on making beer that is full of character and consistent in quality,” noted Larry Bell. “We’ve long believed that if we do everything well in the brewery, sales will follow.”

To find out more about the 2008 World Beer Cup, visit www.WorldBeerCup.org. 

For more information about Bell’s Brewery and its brands, visit www.bellsbeer.com.

COMSTOCK — Citing "an unquenchable thirst for Bell's," officials at Bell's Brewery Inc. announced plans Wednesday for a $5 million upgrade and expansion at its Comstock operation.

Bell's is expected to produce 90,000 barrels of beer this year, up from 57,000 in 2005, and the Comstock expansion increases production capacity to 140,000 barrels a year.

Nine acres of land for future expansions also have been purchased.

"Rather than make small improvements, we're taking a big step," said Larry Bell, the president of the company, formed in 1983. "The last few years have been terrific for us."

The investment includes six 200-barrel fermenters, one 400-barrel fermenter, a 10,000-spuare-foot warehouse with an energy-efficient "green" roof, a new keg line that can fill 280 kegs per hour and the purchase of 13,000 new kegs.

The project is expected to be completed in February, according to Bell's Vice President.

The expansion in Comstock comes on the heels of upgrades at Bell's downtown Kalamazoo location. Improvements at the Kalamazoo facility included the opening of a general store featuring Bell's merchandise.

Larry Bell said the Comstock expansion and land purchase will ensure capacity for growth.

"We wouldn't be making this kind of capital investment if we weren't confident about the appeal of our beer and the abilities of our team," he said.