USA, MI: Tibbs Brewing Co. plans to open in Kalamazoo, Michigan this fall

Tibbs, and his wife, Cindee, the owners of Tibbs Brewing Co., plan to open a small-batch microbrewery and specialty soda shop by fall in Kalamazoo, Michigan, The Republic reported on June, 18.

"One year, instead of buying presents (for Christmas) we had to make something, so I said either we make cookies or beer, so I learned how to make beer," said Kevin Tibbs, 36. "Brewing has been a passion of mine and we've always been beer people."

The owners are working on obtaining a state micro-brewing license and permits from the city of Kalamazoo. They aim to open the brewery by October 2013. Renovations will begin this month and the Tibbs plan to invest at least $35,000 into the new microbrewery.

Tibbs Brewing Co. will brew on a one-barrel system and will have a handful of beers on tap. The Tibbs said they are trying to gauge which brews will become staples.

Last month, they opened their home to about 100 people in the community, including other brewers opening businesses downtown this year, for their first beer tasting event.

"We want to get a feel for what people like," Cindee Tibbs said. "We want to interact with customers. If they want a strawberry beer, we want to have them write it up on the board."

19 June, 2013