Grain Belt Nordeast

Grain Belt beer is "The Friendly Beer."  Now brewed by the August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm, Minnesota.  It was originally brewed in 1893 by the Minneapolis Brewing Company.  In the 1960's it became Grain Belt Breweries and was sold in 1976 to G. Heileman.  In the 1980's Grain Belt was taken over by Minnesota Brewing Company who brewed it until 2002 when Schell's took over.  This beer is named for the area of Northeast Minneapolis where Grain Belt had their big brewing complex.  

The beer pours a deep amber and medium brown in color, hints of orange-ruby, but still transparent. There is a half-inch of off-white head, foamy and a touch creamy, but not long lasting. The aroma is bright, malty, herbal, sweet, yet brassy, light caramel, with a bit of a tang. The taste is malty, light toasted caramel, a touch herbal (think root beer), but much less so than the aroma. The finish is mild and brassy. It has that distinctive Grain Belt Premium taste, but built up with  light toasted caramel. It is well-carbonated and drinks refreshing, crisp and dry, just a hint of bitterness. This makes for a nice easy drinker. 

New 2014 labeling:

Original packaging: