This was the night and location that Bell's Brewery was releasing its popular seasonal beer Oberon. And Crunchy's was packed to the point that it had reached capacity.

For many Michiganians, the release of Oberon is more significant than an additional option at the bar, it represents the coming of warmer times. Such is the case for integrative studies in social science senior Brandon Ashton.

"It's more about what Oberon represents than the actual beer itself to me," Ashton said. "And don't get me wrong, a lot of people here they love it, and it is their favorite seasonal beer. But to me, it signifies spring is coming and friendship and everybody loves to get together." 

Given the spirit of drinking Oberon and its popularity across the state, Ashton sees himself drinking his fair share.

"Between family get togethers and being in the bar and its availability since it's so widely distributed now, I'll probably have quite a bit," Ashton said.

Bell's Brewery and Crunchy's have partnered for this event for years, Crunchy's General Manager Mike Krueger said.

"We’ve been doing it for many years, it’s kind of an annual thing we've done," Krueger said. "I've been here for five years and we've done it every year since I've been here and a couple of years before that."

Along with the release of Oberon, Bell's also brought memorabilia to give away to Crunchy's patrons. These included sunglasses, T-shirts, stickers and hats. There was something for almost everyone who came in, Krueger said. 

Oberon is typically served with an orange slice, prompting bartender Manuel Macias to have an interesting theory regarding the release of Oberon.

"I've actually noticed something about Oberon from cutting oranges all week," Macias said. "Before this week, we had no oranges in the back. But now, we have so many. I bet citrus farmers love Oberon season because it has to help with their sales."