By Ken Carman
Without intent, I have collected well over 1,000 beer bottles since the early 70s. When something finally had to be done about the cheap paneling in this old modular, I had a choice. Tear down the walls while, oh, so carefully, replacing the often rotted 1X3s. Or: cover them with… The Bottle Collection.
85 at Beer Advocate: but, was the Michigan version the same as what I had from the Austin bottle?
61 at Rate Beer, 80 for style. But this was the product when brewed in Belgium. The same? Don’t know for sure.
Not really sure how long ago I got this one. Claims to have been a Belgian style wheat beer. Not sure which one, probably Witbier, especially since it claims to have had herbs and spices. Which ones? Who knows.
Here is what Wiki says about it…
The microbrewery started in 1996. The Celis Brewing Company was purchased by Michigan Brewing in 2002. Pierre Celis, who is credited for the Wit beer revival in his native Belgium, and founded the Hoegaarden Brewery there and the Celis in Austin Texas, was hired to continue his famed style of beer.[
Apparently there is a plan to return Celis to Austin, according to a 2012 article.
The family-owned craft beer company specializes in Belgian wheat-style beer made from centuries old recipes. Started by world-renowned brewmaster Pierre Celis, the company had moved brewing operations from Belgium to Austin in 1992. But in 2000 the brewery was sold to Miller Brewing Corporation, and after struggling with output it was quickly taken over by Michigan Brewing Company in 2002.
After founder Pierre passed away late last year, his daughter Christine Celis reclaimed the rights to the family name and decided to bring operations back to the ATX.
Obviously this was bought during their first incarnation on this side of the big pond. I haven’t seen it on the shelves, so I assume it’s either on the way, or plans never quite solidified. Whatever the case it should be welcome in a market that has been Belgian Boom since they first started selling this here in the 90s.