Chicagoist: Don't Call it a Comeback...

whatever

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:31:26 -0600

Your link goes to an old thread on BA. Here's what Larry really posted yesterday: Bell's is currently in negotiations with two wholesalers to bring beer into Illinois. These two wholesalers would cover a very specific territory and distribution would not cover the entire city of Chicago. Initially, a handful of draft accounts will be started. At that time we expect to be sued by National Wines and Spirits of Indianapolis to stop distribution. The Executive VP of NWS has told me he intends to make a lawsuit as lengthy and as costly as possible. It will be up to the judge. So.. we may be back as Kalamazoo, we may be back as some other name, or we may not be back at all. Thank you to all who have been driving to Woodman's and others in WI, IN and southern Michigan

djpaul

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:35:20 -0600

Larry knows the regulations involved in selling alcohol. He's just a tad bit greedy when it comes to shelf space. Larry chose to leave Chicago and the rest of Illinois for that matter since his distributorship was possibly going to change and was afraid that he would not be able too keep all of his great styles of beers on your local liquor store's shelf. He could have stayed and seen what cards he was dealt but it was Larry's decission in the end to leave us, he was not forced out. Yes, I do miss some of Bell's beers but as Chuck pointed out we have had plenty of other worthy brewers come to town to take over Bell's shelf space and tap handles.

Spook

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:49:53 -0600

I can't stand Fat Tire, it tast like beer gone bad

Chuck Sudo

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:02:04 -0600

Shiner was going to find a market regardless of whether Bell's was still in Chicago or not, solely because of the name recognition. See "Fat Tire" as another example. The breweries that really capitalized on Bell's leaving Illinois were fellow Michigan breweries New Holland and Founders. Mad Hatter IPA made for a suitable replacement for Bell's Two-Hearted.

kuz

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:14:53 -0600

The big winner in all of this? Shiner Bock of Shiner, TX. They picked the perfect time to come here, and while I miss Bell's I must admit that with Shiner around, I kind of forgot that Bell's was gone.

Ed Knittel

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:45:06 -0600

My wife and I enjoyed Bell's for the first time in the U.P. this spring. I had no idea that this was the reason why I could not find Bell's beer anywhere in this city. I would absolutely love it if Larry could pull this one off.

Tower18

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:24:32 -0600

Are those labels real? As a native of Kalamazoo, I miss Bell's dearly, and love the local landmarks on those labels.

Spook

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:10:08 -0600

As a ranking interim - since 2005- member of The Central Committee of the Logan Square Draught Preservation Society, I had chance to speak with Mr. Bells at length. Indeed Budwieser strong arms small distributorships out of Chicago Public Draft Houses in the fashion of Al Capon and The Daley Machine. I am not at liberty to speak for The Central Committee, but I hope Chicagoist will follow this situation closely as much is at stake! Yak pobachu pyvo, ne proidu mymo! - "I will not walk past a beer, when I see it near!"

matty

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:45:06 -0600

well that is just stupid. brew the same beer and call it something else? what is wrong with this state.

Chuck Sudo

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:41:20 -0600

Um, matty: if this goes down then, technically, no "Bell's" selection will be offered. The labeling and permits is a loophole they're trying to use to get back into the market without outright calling it Bell's.

matty

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:32:08 -0600

yeah bell's amber makes life worth living. though it looks like bell's amber is not included in this deal.

annieF

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:27:16 -0600

oh please, oh please, oh please let them come back to chicago!!!!!!!