'Oberon Day' Brings With It Summer Feelings For Michigan Beer Drinkers And Bars
FERNDALE (WWJ) -- Bars across the state are gearing up to replace green beer with summer beer this weekend. Establishments throughout Michigan will be celebrating the release of Kalamazoo's own Oberon Ale, brewed by Bell's Brewery.
Ferndale's One Eyed Betty's bar manager Michael Fredenburg said that the restaurant will be throwing a release party Sunday night at midnight.
"We're going to be giving away tickets to see who gets the first Oberon for the year," Fredenburg said. "For the party the Bell's representatives will be here, and of course we're excited about it."
If you've never tried Oberon, it's described by the brewery as "a wheat ale fermented with Bell's signature house ale yeast, mixing a spicy hop character with mildly fruity aromas. The addition of wheat malt lends a smooth mouthfeel, making it a classic summer beer."
Even though it has limited availability, Fredenburg says the bar gets requests for Oberon all year round.
"We get request for it even when it's not in season -- February, January," Fredenburg said. "It's probably the most popular beer in Michigan when it comes out, it's sought after all year long. Unfortunately it's only available from now until into September."
The official Bell's Brewing Company party starts at midnight Saturday at the Union Street Station in Traverse City.