KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Bell’s Brewery announced Wednesday that it will sponsor a new scholarship in honor of a long-time employee.
Officials say the John Mallett Scholarship will debut in 2022 to an individual looking to further their study through one of the courses offered by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.
“John Mallett is a well-known name in the craft beer world,” officials said in a statement. “His influence and contributions will soon help pave the way for the next generation of brewers.”
This new scholarship is one of the ways Bell’s celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Vice President of Operations’ first day at the brewery. A special limited beer, Bell’s Malletizer, was also unveiled.
Bell’s Malletizer. (Photo courtesy Bell’s).
Bell’s Malletizer is an IPA brewed with Buddha’s Hand puree and special malt from Briess Malting in Chilton, Wisconsin, a long-time partner of Bell’s.
The malt used for this brew was from the very last kiln run at the maltster’s Chilton malthouse this past summer. Mallett was invited to be on site for that last run, which is said to be 120 years in the making.
“I was very surprised by the sheer generosity and time that my fellow co-workers put into celebrating this milestone,” Mallett said in a statement. “To be able to help educate future brewers is just something that is beyond words. It’s really something very special. The beer is fantastic and brewed with an ingredient I’ve always wanted to experiment with.”
Bell’s Brewery will fund this new scholarship for the first three years, covering registration and travel to provide a barrier-free opportunity.
Founder Larry Bell will donate $125,000 to the fund directly at the close of the sale of Bell’s to the parent company of New Belgium Brewing Co. in an effort to permanently endow the scholarship.
Mallett himself was recognized earlier this year by the Brewers Association. The trade group’s Recognition Award is awarded annually “to an individual or company whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.”
The first scholarship will be awarded in 2022. Additional details will be announced by the Master Brewers Association as they become available.
Meanwhile, limited amounts of Malletizer bottles (6% Alc. By Vol.) are available exclusively at the Bell’s General Store in downtown Kalamazoo.
