KALAMAZOO CRAFT BEVERAGE WEEK RETURNS WITH A BANG Jon Becker MiBrewTrail
As winter tightens its grip on Michigan, the healthy need to stay engaged becomes more pronounced than ever. Especially as more virus concerns surface and people’s mental and emotional well-being again gets put to the test. Who among us has not had their patience run thin by it all? Are we in danger of never even returning to so-called normal life? Experts say a social life is an important component of overall health but if you’re isolated and living in fear with little to look forward to in the way of fun that may be elusive-- to say the least. That’s why we at MI Brew Trail are thrilled to hear that Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week is back bigger and better to help you get 2022 off to a rousing start. This weeklong (Jan. 26-Feb. 9) series of events celebrates the craft beverage industry. Formerly known as Kalamazoo Beer Week, the event’s name was changed last year so wineries and craft distilleries could be introduced to the mix. There are so many tasty and creative concoctions to choose from during Kalamazoo’s Craft Beverage Week, set to take place Jan. 29-Feb. 6.
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After holding a modified version of the event last year with hybrid activities like take-home pairing kits and virtual offerings, “We’re looking forward to having more events this year than
last,” said Dana Wagner, director of marketing & communications for Discover Kalamazoo, a destination marketing organization for Kalamazoo County. “Since it wasn’t our typical event last year, it was really hard to make a splash with those changes, so we’re hoping this year people will be able to enjoy the expansion more.”
Annual Wing Throw down With Wing and Pairing Contest at Central City Tap House.
The return of more interactive and in-person events embodies the spirit of an event that has taken place now for over 10 years. Patrons have an opportunity to meet the brewers, distillers and winemakers and learn the science and creativity that goes into developing their favorite adult beverages.
“People can also take advantage of lodging specials to enjoy multiple days and be within walking distance of many of the events,” Wagner said.
Here’s a sampling of some of the scheduled events: Barre and Tasting and Yoga and Tasting at Kalamazoo Stillhouse. Gourmet S’mores paired with Saugatuck Brewing Beers at Centre Street Tap House. New Breweries of West Michigan Bus Tour.
Kalamazoo Beer Cup Blind Style Tastings at Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill. Meet the Brewer at Bell’s and LoSun Winterfest in the Bell’s Beer Garden.
Here’s a link to help you find lodging. https://www.kalamazoocraftbeverageweek. com/lodging/ Wagner said she’s looking forward to welcoming more visitors to the 2022 version of Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week. “We have people who travel to Kalamazoo for the event, and last year that just wasn’t as feasible,” she said. “It’ll be nice to see our out of town visitors again.”
Pairing events with Final Gravity Brewing Com- Here’s to recommending your winter travels pany: Beer and Bacon, Wings and Beer, Beer and lead to Kalamazoo for its annual Craft Beverage Sausage, Pastries and Beer. Week, a chance for adult beverage enthusiasts to experience some of the finest craft beverage 4 course Mead Dinner with Valhalla Meads at LFG Gaming Bar. operations in the land.
MI Brew Trail |Winter 2022
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