KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Beer enthusiasts celebrated their unofficial sign of spring Monday — Oberon day.
Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo released its popular signature summer ale. The brewery describes as "a wheat ale fermented with Bell's signature house ale yeast, mixing a spicy hop character with mildly fruity aromas."
Oberon day is always marked with release parties around the state, including a few midnight tappings. 24 Hour News 8 saw dozens of people in line well-before the Kalamazoo brewery opened its doors for Monday’s release party.
Several people at the release party said that attending the release party is a tradition they have embedded into their yearly routine for years.
"We've been doing this since 2011," Sharon Billadeaux said with her group of friends. "We've been first in line. We do breakfast at Theo and Stacy's to get a little something in our stomachs then come to Bell's for Oberon day. It's been a tradition for a long time for us. It just means spring."
There are several Oberon variations on tap at Bell’s Eccentric Café, including Uberon and Mango Habanero Oberon Ale.
The summer brew will be available through the end of August.
You can find Oberon parties near you on the Bell's website, as well as a "Beer Finder" that shows you where Oberon is sold.
Oberon was first released in 1997. Bell's owner Larry Bell picked the name because he played the character Oberon in his sixth-grade production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
——
Online: