Gezellig Brewing Company 2024: A Brew Above the Rest

Gezellig Brewing Company, co-founded by Betsy Duffy and Mindi Vanden Bosch, is dedicated to crafting quality beer and fostering a warm, community-centered atmosphere. The name Gezellig—a Dutch word embodying coziness, comfort, and a sense of togetherness—reflects the brewery’s mission to create a space where friends, family, and neighbors can gather and enjoy exceptional craft brews.

Betsy and Mindi’s shared love for craft beer and brewery culture inspires their approach, and they believe in the power of beer to bring people together. Head brewer Joe Kesteloot, a seasoned expert with award-winning beers to his name, joined Gezellig in 2021, bringing his passion for unique flavors, especially sours and hazy beers. Gezellig Brewing Company combines artisanal brewing with a welcoming environment, making it a place for both locals and visitors to feel at home.

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Can you share any unique or experimental brews you have developed at Gezellig Brewing that highlight your creative approach to brewing? 

At Gezellig Brewing, we love the opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional brewing to create unique and experimental brews that celebrate our creativity and our Dutch-inspired roots. Two of our standout creations are Tulip Bier and Dutch Letter Ale, which showcase our commitment to innovation and local collaboration. 

Tulip Bier is a light, floral ale brewed with tulip petals sourced from a nearby grower. Inspired by the iconic Dutch tulip fields, this beer captures the delicate floral notes of the petals, adding a hint of springtime freshness to each sip. It’s a subtle and refreshing tribute to Dutch culture, blending tradition with a local twist. 

Our Dutch Letter Ale is another special creation, inspired by the popular Dutch letter pastry made by a local bakery. We work with them to incorporate spices such as almond paste, cinnamon, and other classic flavors into the brewing process. The result is a slightly sweet, spiced ale that’s reminiscent of the beloved pastry, offering a taste that’s familiar yet surprising. 

Both beers highlight our creative approach, blending Dutch tradition with local ingredients and a sense of place. We’re always experimenting with new ideas and flavors to keep our lineup fresh and to give our community something special to look forward to. 

What role does community play in the operations of Gezellig Brewing, and how do you engage with local residents and businesses to foster a sense of belonging? 

Community is at the heart of everything we do at Gezellig Brewing. We see ourselves not just as a brewery, but as a gathering place where people can connect, share stories, and support one another. To foster a sense of belonging, we focus on building strong relationships with local residents, businesses, and organizations. 

We engage with our community in a number of ways. For local residents, we host events that bring people together, such as trivia nights, live music, and seasonal celebrations. We also run charity drives and support local causes, encouraging our patrons to join us in giving back. For local businesses, we collaborate on special projects, offer our space for pop-ups or vendor markets, and work together to support shared goals for a thriving local economy. 

Our aim is to create a space where everyone feels welcome and invested. By staying actively involved and listening to our community’s needs, we hope to be more than just a brewery; we aim to be a place that truly feels like home.

Gezellig Brewing embraces a Dutch concept that translates to “cozy” or “convivial.” How does this philosophy influence your brewing process and the atmosphere you aim to create in your taproom? 

Gezellig Brewing embraces the Dutch concept of gezellig, which translates to a sense of coziness, warmth, and connection. This philosophy deeply influences both our brewing process and the experience we create in our taproom. 

In our brewing, gezellig means focusing on creating balanced, approachable beers that bring people together. We prioritize quality ingredients and thoughtful brewing methods, aiming to craft beers that are enjoyable for all palates, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to craft beer. 

Our taproom is designed to reflect that same sense of comfort and conviviality. We want it to feel like a welcoming place where people can relax, unwind, and connect. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with spaces for both intimate gatherings and lively socializing. Through warm lighting, communal tables, and friendly service, we strive to make everyone feel like they belong and can share in the joy of good beer and good company. 

As the craft beer industry evolves, sustainability has become increasingly important. What steps is Gezellig Brewing taking to ensure environmentally friendly practices in brewing and packaging? 

At Gezellig Brewing, we recognize the importance of sustainability in the craft beer industry and are committed to reducing our environmental impact through mindful brewing and packaging practices. 

One significant step we take is donating our spent grains to a local farmer, who uses them as animal feed. This not only minimizes waste but also supports our local agricultural community by providing a valuable resource. 

For packaging, we use recyclable materials and are exploring options like lightweight cans, which have a lower carbon footprint than glass and are easier to recycle. We’re also considering alternative packaging methods to further reduce waste. 

By incorporating sustainable practices into our daily operations, we aim to brew great beer with a smaller environmental impact, doing our part to protect the community and planet we cherish.

How do you perceive the current trends in the craft beer market, and what strategies do you implement to stay competitive while maintaining the essence of your brand? 

The craft beer market is constantly evolving, with trends like low-alcohol options, unique ingredients, and a push for sustainability. At Gezellig Brewing, we recognize these shifts, but we prioritize staying true to our brand’s essence—a cozy, community-focused, and welcoming space that reflects our Dutch roots. As a female-owned brewery, we’re also committed to being a supportive and inclusive space in a traditionally male-dominated industry, celebrating diversity and offering a fresh perspective. 

To balance current trends with our brand identity, we focus on crafting beers that feel approachable yet distinctive. We experiment with new styles and ingredients, like our Tulip Bier and Dutch Letter Ale, that align with our values and celebrate local flavors. Additionally, maintaining a consistent voice is essential to us; whether it’s through our branding, social media, or interactions with customers, we aim to convey warmth, community, and quality in everything we do. 

Ultimately, we adapt to trends thoughtfully, ensuring that every innovation aligns with our core identity. This approach allows us to stay relevant while honoring the heart of what Gezellig Brewing represents.

If you would like to find out more about Gezellig Brewing Company, please visit https://www.gezelligbrewing.com/