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As part of a Kickstarter campaign, Proper Soda Co. is asking donors to vote whether its next flavor will be Coffee or Hibiscus. The image is from the company's video about the contest.

(Courtesy photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Inspired by the Grand Rapids craft beer and coffee scene, a Grand Rapids business is brewing up craft soda.

Proper Soda Co.’s first experiment with this new genre was Hop Soda, which was described as an enjoyable “cousin of craft beer”

Now the Michigan soda start-up is raising some capital with a Kickstarter campaign to expand its offerings.

Along with a donation, Proper Soda is asking supporters to pick one of two flavors.

The company has narrowed down the finalists to either coffee or hibiscus.

Hibiscus is described as a crisp, tart and cranberry-like drink, while coffee taste like a rich, velvety, caramely cola.

In addition to a vote, donors who give at least $25 will be rewarded with cans of the winning flavor.

You can vote here.

“Proper Soda is built on the premise that flavors should be unique and intriguing. We don’t create just orange or cherry sodas,” said Stephen Curtis, founder and CEO of Proper Soda Co., which launched in 2013. “Most importantly, our sodas have to be refreshing and taste good. We believe either winner will find a strong audience.”

The inaugural Hop Soda, described as a light and refreshing soft drink, is made with four ingredients: water, cane sugar, phosphoric acid and natural hops extract.

The drink introduced last year garnered numerous accolades, including four stars on BevNet, which called it a great “cousin of craft beer” and the most enjoyable non-alcoholic hops beverage they’d ever had.

Hop Soda is available at venues in West Michigan and in the Northwest in Portland, Ore., and Seattle, Wash.

Proper Soda’s first Kickstarter campaign will help the founders select its next flavor and help finance its expansion. The company is trying to raise $10,000 to help Proper Soda cover the costs associated with prototyping a new flavor.

Curtis believes social engagement and crowdfunding align perfectly together.

“The potential reach through social media makes it easier than ever to poll consumers, get input and move a flavor experiment forward,” said Curtis. “Our Hop Soda has hopefully given the public a taste for the style and flavors of soda we aim to create. Using Kickstarter, we’re looking to the public to help us discover what should be next.”

Since its launch on Thursday, June 26, the 14-day fundraiser has so far raised $1,318 from 18 backers. The more generous the donation, the more cans of soda the donor will receive.

Supporters who give $9,750 or more, can select the company’s next flavor and its name. So far, most of the donations have been in $25 increments.

Shandra Martinez covers business for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email her or follow her on Twitter @shandramartinez.