You’ve probably already heard that Schell’s has bought the iconic Grain Belt Beer sign that overlooks the Mississippi river in Minneapolis. They plan to restore and re-light the sign by 2017. And if you’ve heard that, then you’ve almost definitely heard that Schell’s is planning to brew a new beer to celebrate this acquisition – a copper lager by the name of Lock & Dam Lager under the Grain Belt brand.

“These honors reinforce that Minnesota brewers create exceptional craft beers,” says Dan Schwarz, President of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. “We are proud of our Guild members for representing the strong state of craft beer in Minnesota at this prestigious competition.”

Wallonia is a French speaking region in south Belgium. Wallonia is home to famous breweries such as Chimay, Rochefort, and Orval. Schell’s could certainly choose a worse place to draw inspiration for a beer.

Cypress Blanc, August Schell Brewing’s newest release and latest in the Noble Star Collection, is a perfect example of taking tradition and twisting it just a bit.

We all know the sign. It is a piece of our heritage and our history. The Grain Belt sign IS Minneapolis, it IS Minnesota. Schell’s has announced the fantastic news that the Marti Family, in cooperation with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, has announced the purchase and restoration of the iconic nordeast landmark.