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Gezellig Brewing Company Newton offers a family-friendly, cozy environment

Gezellig Brewing Company Newton offers a family-friendly, cozy environment

Gezellig Brewing Company prides itself on creating beer that, regardless of style, is approachable. “Liquid Hug Lager is one of our most popular in our taproom. Though, as palates and trends vary, our IPAs and sours have really made a name for themselves,” says co-owner Betsy Duffy.
Gezellig Brewing Company prides itself on creating beer that, regardless of style, is approachable. “Liquid Hug Lager is one of our most popular in our taproom. Though, as palates and trends vary, our IPAs and sours have really made a name for themselves,” says co-owner Betsy Duffy.

Gezellig Brewing Company takes pride in making beer that is approachable, regardless its style. Our most popular beer in our taproom is Liquid Hug Lager. Betsy Duffy, coowner, says that IPAs and sours are always in demand, even though tastes and trends can change.

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.

Gezellig Brewing Company co-owner Betsy Duffy, left, and head brewer Joe Kesteloot.

Betsy Duffy, co-owner of Gezellig Brewing Company, and Joe Kesteloot, head brewer, are pictured left.

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.

Gezellig Brewing Company prides itself on creating beer that, regardless of style, is approachable. “Liquid Hug Lager is one of our most popular in our taproom. Though, as palates and trends vary, our IPAs and sours have really made a name for themselves,” says co-owner Betsy Duffy.

Gezellig Brewing Company takes pride in making beer that is approachable, regardless its style. Our most popular beer in our taproom is Liquid Hug Lager. Betsy Duffy, coowner, says that IPAs and sours are always in demand, even though tastes and trends can change.

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.

The vibe for the Gezellig Brewing Company taproom is cozy, with the intent to feel like guests are sitting in their own homes.

Gezellig Brewing Company’s taproom has a cozy vibe that makes guests feel at home.

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.

Joe Kesteloot is the head brewer at Gezellig Brewing Company in Newton.

Joe Kesteloot in Newton is the Gezellig Brewing Company’s head brewer.

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.

Gezellig Brewing Company is located at 403 W. 4th St. N, Maytag Building 17, in Newton.

Gezellig Brewing Company is located in Newton at 403 W. 4th St. N. Maytag building 17.

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.

Betsy Duffy is co-owner of Gezellig Brewing Company in Newton.

Betsy Duffy is coowner of Gezellig Brewing Company Newton.

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.

Gezellig Brewing Company is located at 403 W. 4th St. N, Maytag Building 17, in Newton.

Gezellig Brewing Company is located in Newton at 403 W. 4th St. N. Maytag building 17.

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

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