This is the story two women who love beer and the craft beers community and have opened their own brewing business in central Iowa.
Mindi Vanden Bosch and Betsy Duffy, co-founders, were originally residents of Pella and wanted to bring a beer brewery to their home.
Duffy said that they both believe in the community building and recruiting power that craft beer brings and that we wanted to bring that to our area.
But they quickly realized that Pella was not ready to start a brewery. Kim Didier from Des Moines Area Community College, who owns the space Gezellig secured at Legacy Plaza in Newton, was their next stop.
Duffy stated that Newton and DMACC are wonderful, accommodating, supportive and great friends.
Gezellig used to live in the Maytag headquarters.
Duffy said that our brewery is located in the space where washers were tested. Our taproom is the former company restaurant.
Their taproom opened their doors in June 2019. Duffy is not a woman-owned brewery. A demographic audit by The Brewers Association found that only 2.9 per cent of breweries are 100 per cent female-owned.
Duffy said that I don’t think about it too much. I am a mom to three wonderful children in middle and elementary school. I also have responsibilities as a wife, mother, friend, and daughter. I am so grateful to have a team of women as well as men who make Gezellig great.
Joe Kesteloot is our head brewer and key to our beers, brewery operations, and maintenance. He plays a crucial role in this company. Jacki, our taproom manager and Kim, our coordinator of fun, are the key to our taproom’s vibrancy and warmth. Our teammates who work behind bars also bring that same energy to the taproom. They are great people.
Gezellig is proud to make beer that is accessible, regardless of its style.
Liquid HUG Lager is a favorite in our taproom. Duffy stated that IPAs and sours have been a hit with a variety of palates and trends.
Look out for names like Horoscope Homies (a Hazy New England IPA), Catnip for Brewers (a Farmhouse Ale), Hug Deal Gone Sideweiss (a Hefeweizen Whey Beer), and Catnip for Brewers (a Catnip for Brewers). Duffy said that there is no science behind the unique names they choose.
Sometimes, the beer’s ingredients are what give it its name. Another name for the beer is The Devil Doesn’t Like Bubblegum DIPA, which my 4-year-old neighbor boy used to say. Duffy explained that we keep a list containing silly or funny things that we hear or speak or that come to our minds.
The taproom feels cozy and inviting, and guests will feel as though they are in their own homes.
Duffy said that we used kitchen countertops as the bar top. Warm wood, tile you would use on your own backsplash, and lots of plants to create a mid-century feel of comfort.
You can also see the beautiful courtyard outside for outdoor seating or activities during warmer months. In winter, you can even ice skate in the courtyard.
Duffy is eager to welcome guests. We are thrilled to announce that our beers have won more than 21 awards over the past two-and-a half years. She said that the team is so proud of their hard work.
Address: 403 W. 4th St. N, Maytag Building 17, Newton
Website: gezelligbrewing.com
Distance from Downtown Des Moines35 miles
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-8 p.m., Friday 3-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.
What’s the Story Behind the Name?Gezellig, a Dutch word meaning “the warm feeling you get when you are with your loved one”, is Gezellig. We wanted our beers give you that kind of feeling. Duffy explained that that is how our tagline, “Like A Liquid Hug”, was born.
FoodPrepackaged snacks such as popcorn, pretzels, or the Dutch treat stroopwafels can be ordered. Duffy says that anyone is welcome to bring their own food to be delivered to the truck or order from one of the food trucks on site at any time.
ChildrenDuffy stated that we are family-friendly both in our taproom, courtyard, and in our courtyard. We also allow pets in our courtyard. We have games, books and coloring books for both children and adults in our taproom.
Events: Join Joe Kesteloot, brewer, for the Brewer Chat on the third Thursday each month. He talks about our beers, gives tours, and talks with home brewers. Duffy says he is a great guy and a fun person to be around. Gezellig school offers classes on everything from macrame to canvas art to crochet on Saturdays and sundays.
While You Are ThereYou don’t need a tank of gas to reach Newton. It’s only about 30 minutes away from Des Moines. Duffy stated that the town offers a lot. She pointed out that the Centre For Arts & Artists is right across the parking lot. It hosts clay, painting, and resin classes, as well as a self guided sculpture tour through town. Maytag Park offers a great disc-golf course where you can enjoy your Gezellig beer while you throw. Jasper County Conservation offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as scavenger hunts. There is also an occasional falconry demonstration.
This article was originally published on Des Moines Register Gezellig Brewing Company in Newton, Iowa, engenders a sense of community