Bell’s Brewery & De Proef Brewmasters Collaboration Series 2009

OK so I'll admit last year's Bret-yeast beer from Allagash/De Proef (Les Deux Brasseurs) for the 2008 Brewmasters Collaboration Series was not a favorite at the Sabatini's beer tasting in Nov. I'll admit I brought it and yes I'll admit that I too could taste the essence of "soil under a chicken coop." But now we're on to 2009 and this years collaboration has been finalized:

Seattle, WA - SBS Imports of Seattle, Washington is pleased to announce that Bell's Brewery has agreed to be the 2009 partner for the latest brew in the De Proef Brewmaster's Collaboration Series. The yet to be designed beer will be brewed in March at De Proef in Lochristi, Belgium and released to the USA market in September 2009.

The initial beer in the series was Signature Ale - originally brewed in 2007 with Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing/Lost Abbey. Jason Perkins of Allagash collaborated in 2008 on Les Deux Brasseurs. Both beers have been exceptionally well-received by beer enthusiasts.

"Each year it is my pleasure to invite a noted American brewer to participate in this series," noted SBS Founder Alan Shapiro.

"I am thrilled that John Mallet & Bell's have agreed to be the 2009 partner.""I am really looking forward to this project," added Bell's Production Manager, John Mallet. "I have several family ties to the area which makes this invite to brew with Dirk Naudts at De Proef even more special."