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.

"Industrial strength," that's what Larry Bell called the king of beer you usually buy in a store.

So the Kalamazoo man decided o brew his own beer without the pasteurizing and filtering that bring a brew to "an inch of its life."

Bell found he could make good beer with a good head without all the processes that sap beer and ale of their body and flavor.

His beer was so well-liked, and his operation become so large, that he decided to make it pay.

"I OUTGREW a home-brewing hobby," Bell said.

Now, after almost five years in the business, the only trouble Bell has is making enough beer.

Bell managed to convince a local bank to loan him $7,000 to start his business, but it wasn't easy.

"Trying to convince a bank to loan you money to start a brewery? Most of 'em wouldn't even talk to me."

But they're talking to him now. The brewery, which sells much of its beer and ale in southeastern Michigan., including Troy. Ann Arbor, Southfield and Birmingham, is negotiating for a $30,000 loan to increase its capacity and sell in northern Indiana and soutern Wisconsin as well as other parts of Michigan.

THE OPERATION is still small, using 20-year-old school soup cookers and beer cartons that advertise more familiar brands.

Still, customers are loyal to the brews, which come in a variety of styles, from dark ale to pale ber.

"I love it," said Dan Miller, a Dearborn Heights native who lives in Kalamazoo and no longer drinks his better-known nameake. " I buy it by the gallon, so it's not much more expensive than a regular 12-pack."

But for some, there's the rub. The beer retails for from $10 or more for a six-pack. Bell said the price is relative when it comes to enjoying his beer.

"IF YOU"RE eating some spicy food, you really want a beer that will stand up to it, not something you drink like water," Bell said.

The brewery has made 11 different types of beer or ale since its opening. Some, such as Bell's Best Brown Ale, are standbys, while others, like Two Hearted Ale have had swings in populatrity.

"I don't know," Bell said with a laugh. "What's our flavor of the month?"

BELL'S BREWS also have distinctive labels, most often made from drawings of local "characters."

Bell said his brewing process and aging time vary depending on the type of brew. He also does some experimental brewing for a local spice company.