Gezellig Brewing Company in Newton has a cozy, family-friendly environment
This is the story of two women who love beer and the craft beer community and have found great success opening their own brewing company in central Iowa.
Co-founders Betsy Duffy and Mindi Vanden Bosch, as residents of Pella, originally wanted to bring a brewery to their hometown.
“We both believe in the recruiting power and community building that craft beer brings, and we wanted to bring that to our town,” said Duffy.
However, they soon learned that Pella was not ready for a brewery. That’s when they met Kim Didier from Des Moines Area Community College, which owns the space Gezellig secured in Legacy Plaza in Newton.
“Newton and DMACC have been lovely, accommodating, supportive and great partners,” said Duffy.
The building that Gezellig occupies was once the Maytag headquarters.
“Our brewery is in the space where washers were tested, and our taproom is the former company deli,” said Duffy.
Their taproom opened its doors in June 2019. Being a solely women-owned brewery isn’t something that Duffy has put a lot of thought into, even though a demographic audit conducted by the Brewers Association showed that only 2.9 percent of breweries are 100 percent female owned.
“Honestly I don't really think too much about that aspect,” said Duffy. “I am a mom of three great kids, in elementary and middle school, and also a wife and daughter and friend, so those are a lot of hats to wear. But I am very grateful that we have a team of women and of men who make Gezellig great.
"For example, our head brewer, Joe Kesteloot, is key to our beers, brewery maintenance and operations. He plays a vital role in this business. Our taproom manager Jacki, and Kim who is our coordinator of fun, plus our teammates who work behind the bar, bring vibrancy and warmth to our taproom. They are some truly great people.”
Gezellig 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,” said Duffy.
Look for fun names like Horoscope Homies, a Hazy New England IPA, Catnip for Brewers, a Farmhouse Ale or Hug Deal Gone Sideweiss, a Hefeweizen Wheat Beer. Duffy said there is no science behind how they come up with their unique names.
“At times, the ingredients going into the beer give name to the beer for us. Other names like The Devil Doesn't Like Bubblegum DIPA was a phrase that my adorable and imaginative 4-year-old neighbor boy said one day. We keep a list of words or silly things that we hear or say or that pop into our heads,” said Duffy.
The vibe for the taproom is cozy, with the intent to feel like guests are sitting in their own homes.
“We used kitchen countertops on the bar top, tile you would find on your own backsplash, warm wood and lots and lots of plants for a mid-century vibe of comfort,” said Duffy.
Step outside to see the beautiful courtyard for outdoor seating and activities during warmer months. You can even go ice skating during the winter in the courtyard.
Duffy can’t wait to welcome guests. “We are super excited to share that our beers have won over 21 awards in the past two and a half years. We are so proud of the team's hard work,” she said.
Address: 403 W. 4th St. N, Maytag Building 17, Newton
Website: gezelligbrewing.com
Distance from Downtown Des Moines: 35 miles
Hours: 4-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m. Friday, 12-10 p.m. Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday.
What’s Behind the Name: Gezellig is a Dutch word that means "that warm feeling you get with you are with your loved ones." “We wanted our beers to give you that sort of feeling. That is how our tagline, 'Like a Liquid Hug,’ was born,” said Duffy.
Food: Order prepackaged snacks like popcorn, pretzels or the Dutch treat stroopwafels. “People are more than welcome at any time to bring their own food, to have it delivered or to order from whichever food truck we happen to have on site any given day,” adds Duffy.
Kids: Duffy said, “We are happily family-friendly in our taproom and courtyard and pet-friendly in our courtyard. In our taproom we have games, books, coloring books and colored pencils for children and adults alike.”
Events: Come on the third Thursday of the month to hear the Brewer Chat with brewer Joe Kesteloot. “He chats about our beers, talks with home brewers and gives tours. He is a really neat guy to hang out with,” said Duffy. On Saturdays and Sundays come for Gezellig School, where teachers instruct on anything from crochet to canvas painting to macrame.
While You’re There: You don’t even need a tankful of gas to get to Newton, being only about 30 minutes from Des Moines. Duffy said the town has a lot to offer. “The Centre For Arts & Artists is just across the parking lot and hosts resin, painting and clay classes, along with a self-guided sculpture tour throughout town,” she said. “Maytag Park has a great disc golf course where you can actually take your Gezellig beer and drink while you throw. Jasper County Conservation hosts snowshoeing and cross country skiing as well as scavenger hunts and even an occasional falconry demonstration.”
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Gezellig Brewing Company packs sense of community in Newton, Iowa
