Week 26 of 52
Grainbelt Premium
June 23rd thru June 29th
Brewer's Description
Local legends aren't just born, they're brewed. And no beer in the Midwest has a grander brewing tradition than Grain Belt. For over 100 years, Grain Belt has been the beer that fathers have passed on to sons and friends have passed amongst each other at local bars and watering holes. It is a beer with tradition that spans generations. Which is why it has become legendary–both here and across the country..
Beer Style: American Macro Lager, ABV, Alcohol by Volume: 4.60%
Overall Rating based on 11 reviews
3.45 of 5 stars
Brewery Information
August Schell Brewing Company
New Ulm, Minnesota
schellsbrewery.com
Interesting Fact
Early Grain Belt labels assured customers the beer was "Properly sterilized -- Does not cause biliousness." Read more
Photography
Courtesy of Erin Reichelt. View more on her flickr set.
Reviews | Learn More About the Brew52 Reviewers | Previous Beer | Next Beer
ryan says I used to drink this a lot…
August 10th, 2008
…but then discovered local craft beer. Chance are good that if you’re a Minnesotan, you know this beer. It’s our version of PBR, Iron City, Blatz, etc., etc. The beer pours pale yellow in color, with a light white head. The aroma is light and sweet, not hoppy or overly malty, but definitely more flavorful than your typical American pale lager. The old timers will tell you that they could detect a flavor change (water?) when this beer moved to New Ulm… me, I couldn’t tell… Not my favorite, but definitely one of my favorites for this style of beer.
Ben R says smelly……but in a different way
July 15th, 2008
Erin mentioned that she thinks Grain Belt smells funny. From my experience, Grain Belt makes ME smell funny the next morning, I always have the worst gas the next day. Not unlike after a night that involves White Castle………..
Erin says smelly
July 15th, 2008
Being a lover of light beers, you’d think I’d love Grain Belt. I usually will drink it just fine if it’s the only light beer available, but I’ve found it has a weird odor that I don’t enjoy when drinking. In fact, on more than one occasion when drinking it out of a glass, I’ve been known to plug my nose while taking a swig. I prefer it in a bottle.
ajkutzke says Premium Brew
July 9th, 2008
Great MN beer. One of the first beers I started drinking until I was introduced to other styles of beer and Micro brews. Premium has a lot of flavor for a lighter lager and yields a hint of blueberries. Standard staple at many weekend gatherings with friends. I’d recommend trying one if you haven’t. But seriously, who hasn’t had a Grain Belt Premium?
Ang says Loyal, but not in love
July 1st, 2008
I have to agree with Joe Lunchpail on this one. Premo always has a place in my “heart” but I don’t go searching for it. Some of the northern MN bars don’t carry much else so it’s nice that it’s always a standby when I’m up visiting the folks, but I’m not in love with the lighter, cheaper taste.
flashmcduff says should be served over ice
June 29th, 2008
I really can’t get too pumped about a good-old ’merican lager. That said, I have come to prefer Grain Belt over most other domestics given the choice. It’s the reliable Minnesota beer - when you’re out and about, don’t worry about what’s being served - they’ll have Premo. That’s good, I guess.
vonklebs says its like Die Hard, the movie; but beer, the drink
June 27th, 2008
I love really good movies: the ones defined by their directed, written, and acted by characteristics and qualities. Then I also love Die Hard.
So, craft beer by technicality no; gonna drink it all night and still love it in the AM, yes. Still deserves some stars.
Thank you Schell’s for letting this beer live on.
BTW; don’t order a primo in New Ulm, you will get a Premium Light. Just saying, not that there is anything wrong with that.
Joe Lunchpail says State Fair beer
June 27th, 2008
Let me be the first to not give this beer 5 stars. I guess it might be because I taste this beer with my tastebuds and not my heart, but Grain Belt is sub-average in the taste department at best. Although I agree that it is a good beer for binge drinking, I see little value to it other than that it is always the cheapest beer available at the State Fair. I do, however, prefer a Grain Belt any time the other choices are Bud, Bud Light, Mich Golden, Miller Lite, and Coors Light, which is often the case at bars back in my little hometown. Not being a hater here, just my opinion.
beckel says Simply Lovely
June 25th, 2008
Oh Primo how we do love thee. This beer pours a very transparent golden color. Has moderate head that settles rather rapidly. Very simple scent of malt and almost a sweet citrus. Mouthfeel is very light and smooth. Tastes like a slightly malty lager with an almost tart after taste. Good flavor but very simple. This is a great easy drinking beer, particularly on a nice hot day. If your into simple lagers this is a good one to go for. Beyond that its always nice to enjoy a flavorful cold local beer that is reasonably inexpensive and very drinkable. Truly a premium beer.
commas says My Go-To Brew
June 25th, 2008
I spent most of the winter working in the Grain Belt Studios in the old bottling house next to the brewery and it seemed downright weird to drink anything but Primo while we were there. Now, when I’m feeling overwhelmed at Surdyk’s and can’t think what to buy, I fall back on the Grain Belt. It’s perfect for summer - light, refreshing, tasty. It’s not too tasty, though. Not distinctive enough to get sick of. Best of all, you can get twelve bottles for less than ten bucks. Great for nights on the porch, barbeques, and yard work.
Rett says Premo!
June 25th, 2008
Grainbelt Premium has long been a favorite summer drink-a-lot-in-a-row beer. So I think it’s fitting that we celebrate this Minnesota classic during hump week, our Brew52 half way point. As you sit back and chug one after another, I ask that you think about all of your good memories involving Grainbelt. For me the top two have to be playing bean bag toss on the fourth of July and bungie jumping off of the Grainbelt billboard. Ok, the second one hasn’t actually happened…yet.