Thirsty for a top-tier brewery tour? Look no further than Bell's Brewery in Michigan, which has just pulled off quite the frothy feat. Named No. 6 on USA TODAY's acclaimed "10 Best" brewery tours in the country, Bell's Brewery has proven that great beer and great experiences are a match made in hops heaven.
Starting with a humble 15-gallon soup pot back in 1985, Bell's has exploded onto the national scene, distributing its celebrated suds across the U.S. and into Puerto Rico. While sipping on complimentary samples, visitors can immerse themselves in the nitty-gritty of beer-making in both the Comstock and Kalamazoo locations. According to the Detroit Free Press, the brewery's tours showcase the processes of brewing, fermentation, and packaging. For those interested, an $8 investment and a thirst for knowledge can get you a spot on a tour from Thursday to Sunday.
Bell's Brewery's ascension to national recognition does not come lightly. It's the only Michigan brewery to carve out a space on this prestigious list, with the national publication releasing its results on Friday, March 8. As MLive reports, Bell’s is described by USA TODAY as "one of the oldest craft breweries east of Colorado." For booking tours, or to top off your curiosity tank with additional info, Bell's invites beer aficionados to land on their website.
However, the foamy pride of the Great Lakes isn't alone in its glory. Sharing the spotlight, New Belgium Brewing Co., Bell’s sister brewery, also made the list, ranking at No. 8. Lauded for its tours in Fort Collins, Colorado and Asheville, North Carolina, New Belgium is recognized for providing a taste of its tale alongside its tipples.
And for those who fancy themselves as beer-loving tourists, topping the charts was Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pennsylvania. According to USA TODAY, a visit to Tröegs includes a detailed walkthrough of their entire beer crafting journey, with the experience starting with a welcome beer and ending with thoughtful tastings. It seems that Hershey isn’t just about chocolate anymore.
Whether you're drawn to the story of humble beginnings or just in it for the crisp finish of a well-crafted ale, these breweries prove that there's beer, and then there's the art of beer. Cheers to that.
