Berthel (or “Bert”) is an established Michigan brewmaster whose career started back in 1997 as head brewer at Kraftbrau in Kalamazoo, MI. In 2005, he took a leap of faith with his business partner and opened a new brewery – The Livery in Benton Harbor. The Livery was built in a 100-year-old former horse stable and carriage shop and has become a well-respected brewery in the state. Bert is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Brewers Guild.

“The same creativity and imagination that goes into renovating a hundred-year-old horse stable into a thriving brewery – also goes into Bert’s remarkable brews,” says New Holland president, Brett VanderKamp. “We’ve known Bert for years and respect the passion he brings to the brewing community.”

Berthel’s first brew for New Holland is a collaboration with VanderKamp and New Holland partner, Fred Bueltmann – Water Sign IPA. The trio have been collaborating on versions of Water Sign for the past two years as a nod to their birthdays all falling in February.

“I’ve always respected the vision and integrity of New Holland,” say Berthel. “Brewing is a labor of love for me and it’s an honor to put my talent and energy into a company like this one.”

“Bert is a great advocate of Michigan beer and shares our commitment to creating well-balanced, handcrafted beers,” says Bueltmann. “He has a wonderful knack for blending innovation with traditional techniques and local sourcing. We’re looking forward to tasty examples of his adventurous spirit.”

Berthel will join New Holland at the 2013 MBG Winter Beer Festival in Comstock Park on February 23 and will be bringing Water Sign IPA with him. There will also be a Water Sign IPA release party the night before (February 22) at Billy’s in Grand Rapids called the Brewer Birthday Beer Bash. VanderKamp, Bueltmann and Berthel will be tapping a keg at 8:00pm with the official toast at 9:00pm. For more details, check out the New Holland Brewing Co. Facebook event page.

About New Holland Brewing Company:

New Holland Brewing Company’s deep roots in the craft industry go back to 1997. Our role as an integral member of the artisan approach is something we take seriously, yet engage lightheartedly. We believe the art of craft lives in fostering rich experiences for our customers, through creating authentic beer, spirits and food while providing great service. Recognized for our creativity and artistry, our mission to improve the lives of craft consumers everywhere is seen in our diverse, balanced collection of beer and spirits.

New Holland brews and distills at two locations in Holland, Michigan: our production facility on the north side and our Pub & Restaurant in downtown Holland. The restaurant welcomes guests seven days a week and production tours are on Saturday afternoons. We welcome visitors and locals alike, and appreciate the opportunity to share our artisan approach through warm hospitality and enriching education.

With just under 150 employees, New Holland Brewing Co. sells its beer and spirits across a growing regional landscape, while anchored in the upper Midwest. In 2012, our production facility underwent substantial development including the tripling of our brewing capacity through outdoor fermentation, the addition of a centrifuge and the expansion of our Dragon’s Milk cellar. In 2013, the company is expanding its distilling capabilities, renovating the downtown Holland Pub & Restaurant and focusing on the integration of Michigan agriculture; hops, wheat and barley, into several new and existing brands.