Schell’s Northland Gold

 Schell’s Northland Gold. 

4.9 % ABV, Schell’s Brewing, Nee Ulm, MN.

Clear, bright golden hue, large white head. 

In the nose: fresh, clean, slightly malty, thoroughly noble.

In the mouth: crisp, light-Schell’s Northland Gold bodied, easy drinking. Classic Helles lager. Minor hopping. Exceptionally refreshing. I don’t mind this one at all. 

Introducing Schell's Northland Gold, a delightful Session Lager crafted to perfection for moments of easy enjoyment. This radiant beer pours a deep golden hue, capturing the essence of the Northland's rich landscapes.

Schell’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter

 Schell’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter.

6% ABV, 25 IBU, August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Dark brown color, fully opaque, rich, full, creamy head. Looking good. 

In the nose: big aromatics, bold p.b. & chocolate. Sweet, but balanced. 

In the mouth: full bodied, rich, and well-rounded. Smooth (not chunky), slightly toasty and altogether malty. The p.b. / cocoa combo is kept in check, displaying sweetness, but never too much. Ends on a delicious dry note.

Well done! Good work, Schell’s!

This porter is a full-bodied drinking experience with strong notes of peanut butter and chocolate—a delicious dessert beer. The porter’s base malt is Golden Promise, and the other seven malts make up  chocolatey-caramel joy. The peanut butter flavor comes from an extract that was slowly dosed into the fermenter as a secondary addition. Cacao nibs were added to the fermenter as a secondary addition to further enhance the chocolate notes. This porter is all about balance and finding ways to experiment with the boundaries of what beer is and how good drinking beer can be. 

Schell’s Fresh Prints Cold IPA

 Schell’s Fresh Prints Cold IPA.

6.5% ABV. 60 IBU. August Schell’s Brewing, New Ulm, Minnesota. 

A few things occurred to me when this beer was initially released. First, surprise in that August Schell tried out a very new style so quickly. And then, not surprised because this style is a hoppy lager, and lagers are what they do. Finally, more surprise that it became a year round, core brand, flagship, whatever, quite so soon. Now, let’s drink one. 

Clouded. Are Cold IPAs supposed to be clouded? Bright yellow. Slim white head. 

In the nose: orange, lemon, and... banana? I swear, banana. Is this a Weizen yeast at work? Oddly like banana cream pie. Not much from hops.

In the mouth: here’s where the hops come in. Brief bitterness, citrusy hop flavors, more banana blended with lemon and orange. Just enough bitter to call it IPA. Crisp, clean, smooth, decently drinkable. ...and distinctly odd. I still feel this a weird IPA/ Hefe Weizen mash- up. In any case, it’s sorta not too shabby there.

Our remix of a West Coast Style IPA. Fresh Prints has fresh, bold citrus flavor and tropical fruity aromas, with an icy, clean, cold-fermented finish you expect from a Cold IPA.

Okay, now I’m more confused. There’s little West Coast IPA about this. Maybe they’re trying to continue the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme? 

Schell's Snowstorm 2021 Oat Starkbier

Schell's Snowstorm 2021 Oat Starkbier.

6.1 % ABV, 25 IBU. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN. 

I've taken far too long with this one. It's been out for two months. This year I wised up and bought a 12-pack, before even trying it. I just have faith that anything in this series will be good, and 12-packs are a sound value.That 12-pack of cans was purchased on December 11, according to my first check-in on Untappd. Now, 11 cans later, it is at last time to take some notes. And here we go...

First of all, what is a "oat starkbier"? Sources tell me that it is a completely invented designation, meant to stave off any comparisons to other beers of whatever style it would be named. "Starkbier" means "strong beer", and while 6.1 % ABV doesn't seem strong, it is compared to the typical German beer. And it's made with oat malt. How does it taste? Wait, first, what's it look like? 

Crystal clear, deep amber hued, large, lush cloud-white hue. 

In the nose:  caramel, moderate hops, slight sweetness. Lightly toasty. 

In the mouth: Brief little hop buzz on the palate, then the kiss of malts rushes up. Light bodied, easy drinking. Hearty malt flavors keep up persistent, if mild-ish, hop bitterness. Exceptionally smooth. A lot of tastiness in this little can. 

I always wish that the Snowstorm series beers were all darker and richer, but then I have to come to terms with the fact that they've been doing this for nearly 20 years (or more?), and they've never repeated anything. You certainly can't complain when it's at face value just a damned good, tasty beer. 

As every Midwesterner knows, no two snowstorms are ever alike and that’s what makes this brew so special. This year’s Oat Starkbier is a malt-driven dark lager meant for the coldest of winter nights. The creamy mouthfeel from the oats smooths out the toasty notes, amplifying the rich Munich malt before a crisp finish.

August Schell Starkeller Peach

August Schell Starkeller Peach. Mixed culture sour Berlin-style wheat ale aged on peaches and apricots. Aged in 1936 Wooden Tanks. Methode Traditionelle. 

7.2 % ABV, Starkeller Brewery & Taproom, New Ulm, MN.

Lightly clouded, golden hued, no head.

In the nose: strong aromatics, billowing tart. Vinegar and funk. Fruit below. 

In the mouth: Big tart on the palate, juicy fruit on the side. Delightful wild ale. Light bodied, well-balanced and delicious. Just a little bit of sweet to match the sour. Good wild ale and you can drink it. 

Starkbier Berliner Weisse aged on Peaches. This strong Berliner Weisse was brewed with an extensive decoction mash schedule and fermented with an authentic mixed culture then aged for nearly a year in our original 1936 cypress wood lagering tanks before 5500 pounds of peaches were added for a four month, tertiary fermentation.

Starkeller Peach is hazy, golden orange in color and bursts with the aroma of ripe peach skin. It is full-bodied and fairly dry, with the sweet, tart flavor of peaches, lemons and nectarines.

August Schell Starkeller Moondrift Hazzzzzy IPA

August Schell Starkeller Moondrift Hazzzzzy IPA. One Groovy Ale. Citra, Sabro, El Dorado. 

6.3 % ABV, 35 IBU. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN. 

And here we have a beer from August Schell Brewing with the Starkeller brand, but it is not a sour or barrel-aged ale. What's up with that? A hazy IPA, from Schell's? What has the world come to? 

Lightly hazed...hell, hardly hazy at all, bright golden color, slim white head. 

In the nose: Soft and citric. Leaning into dank. 

In the mouth: Slightly sharp and citric. A mess, but murkiness is not to blame. Fairly formless and incoherent. Light, easy drunk, but containing no character. Some tropical notes to match the citrus, and a bit of apricot/peach, but it's too mundane and amorphous to wish for another. I had hoped that I would have liked it, honestly, but it fails at what it's trying to be, and that's too bad. Who knows, maybe I'm wrong, and perhaps you'd like it, though. Merely average. Eh. 

Moondrift is an out-of-this-world Hazy IPA, and our first ever! The galaxy's best Citra, Sabro, and El Dorado hops produces blasts of grapefruit, orange, mango that’ll leave you starry-eyed.

That's from the website. This is from the label: Moondrift is a gravity-bending and tide-shifting ale that tastes like an interstellar mix of tangerine, coconut, pineapple, and stone fruit. Houston, it appears we don't have a problem. 

I have to ask, is everyone high except for me? "Coconut"? Come on....

August Schell Starkeller Adaptive Matter

 August Schell Starkeller Adaptive Matter. Mixed-culture Berlin-style Wheat Sour with Mango, Passionfruit + Guava. 375 ml bottle. 

4.8 5 ABV, 4 IBU, August Schell Brewing Company, The Starkeller, New Ulm, MN. 

Bright orange color, opaque, slim to no head. 

In the nose: sour & funky leads the charge, fruit right behind. Mango and tropical fruits in full force, with the sour dominating over any sweetness. 

In the mouth: Intense sour from the start. Begins forceful, then softly fades back. Delightful fruit flavors shine on the palate. Medium bodied, long softly sour finish. Yum a dum dum. 

Jam-packed with fruity flavors, this beer has the sweet and sour combination nailed. Seriously. Passion fruit, mangos, and guava front and center. Need we say more?

Schell's Hefe Weizen and Strawberry Hefe Weizen

Schell's Hefe Weizen and Strawberry Hefe Weizen.

Hold the phone, people! It just dawned on me that the Schell's Hefe Weizen has not yet appeared here in the Bitter Nib! What? How is this possible? Well, it seems that when the 2014 30th Anniversary edition come out I chose that to stand in for the regular, year-in, year-out version. And, what of the new strawberry edition? Let's consider them both, side by side. 

Another reason I am tackling this and these tonight, besides that I have decided upon going forth in an alphabetical fashion: The other day, an older gentleman asked me for recommendations on good, local Hefe Weizen. I chose Utepils first, followed by Steel Toe, then remembered Schell's. Can't beat good ol' Schell's, I said. His response: No! I'll never drink it again! They changed it! It's not even unfiltered anymore! Can he possibly be correct? Let's find out

This post will include two reviews, one for each. And away we go....

Schell's Hefe Weizen, August Schell Brewing Company, New Ulm, MN. A family tradition since 1860. 

5.5 % ABV. 14 IBU. 

Lightly clouded, bright golden color, slim white head. 

In the nose: Banana and clove, big time. Citrus on the sly. Beautiful expression, slightly sweet. 

In the mouth: More sweetness, followed by wheat flavor and texture, then nothing but smooth and creamy.  Light bodied and easy drinking. Citrusy flavors, lemon and orange, mingle with banana and clove hints from the yeast. Exceptionally refreshing, very much in the style of the great Bavarian wheats. 

Conclusion: the old guy's nuts. 

First brewed in 1984, Schell’s Hefeweizen is made with a blend of wheat malt and barley malts. We use an authentic wheat beer yeast culture, which gives the beer a fruity ale character dominated by a citrus-like tartness. Refreshingly light character with a higher than normal carbonation level. Straw-colored and cloudy from the unfiltered yeast left in suspension. Notes of banana and clove with a slight bready malt flavor. 

We invite you to join us in a hearty German toast to this gold medal winner. Prosit!

and now, Schell's Strawberry Hefe Weizen. Wheat Beer with Strawberry Flavor. Bavarian Style Flavored Wheat Beer. Limited Release. 

5.5 % ABV. 14 IBU. 

Perfectly clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting ivory cap atop. 

In the nose: Sweet, sweet strawberries. Artificial, or real? I'm leaning toward the former. 

In the mouth: Sweet, phony strawberry flavorings, and little else. Practically empty of the flavors found in the true Hefe weizens. Moderate maltiness, minimal hops, and devoid of the Weizen yeast that gives so much character to the true Hefe Weizen. I don't think this beer and that are related at all. 

Who thought this was a good idea? Did anyone ask for this, at all? 

This comes in an odd package, a 6-pack of cans, 3 Hefe Weizens, 3 Strawberrys. I don't see how anyone could think this an improvement. 

Schell's Stag Series Black Bock

Schell's Stag Series Black Bock. Small Batch. Limited Release. Since 1860.

August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN. 

This one arrived to me via the Harvest Collection variety pack (or was it Brewer's Stash?), last one out of the bunch, after finishing off the Fort Road Porter, the Keller Pils, and the Firebrick. Did I leave the best for last? We'll see. 

Dark brown color, nearly black, mostly opaque, with a large brown head, that slowly, but surely settles. 

In the nose: Soft, semi-sweet, mostly malty, minor notes of cocoa, brown sugar, molasses. 

In the mouth: Starts with a sweetness. Major malt, gets clean after a spell. Cocoa flavor is first, here, once more, followed by caramel & toffee. Medium bodied, malty finish. Tasty little beverage. Good bock and you can drink it. 

A rich and toasty black lager with notes of caramel, toffee and a light chocolate malt sweetness. Dark and malty, this beer is the perfect winter sipper.

Schell's Keller Pils

Schell's Keller Pils.

5.5 % ABV, 39 IBU. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN. 

Here's one that I couldn't believe that hasn't appeared here yet. My first check-in on Untappd was nearly two years ago, at Acadia. If I remember correctly, I chose to put it on tap there without ever receiving a sample, just going with my gut that it had to be good. It sold well, too, if I recall correctly. The can I am reviewing from was part of a sampler pack, The Harvest Collection. There were two beers I'd had, two that I needed to review. Will I buy the new Peacock Collection, which only has one new-to me beer? Probably not, we'll see.

Anyway, on to the beer: 

Highly hazed, bright golden color, large, long-lasting, lace-leaving ivory head. Looking great. 

In the nose: Expressive hoppiness, largely floral, slightly citric. Delicate and delightful. 

In the mouth: Crisp, clean, lively. Lemon leads the flavors, a kiss of grapefruit, more floral, touch of spice. All dances beautifully on the palate. Light bodied, easily consumed, with a long, hoppy finish. Chock full o' taste and character, this is by far one of the best pilsners around. I'm enjoying this, and if you know me, I'm no lager-lover. 

a crisp, dry pilsner, with a firm hop bitterness, our Keller Pils is unfiltered and full of character. The addition of Callista hops lends a fruity aroma of citrus, stone fruits, and berries. Golden in color and balanced in flavor, it stands tall against it's lighter-bodied, low-hopped relatives.

Schell's Snowstorm Oat Stout Limited Edition 2020/2021

Schell's Snowstorm Oat Stout Limited Edition 2020/2021.

6.5 % ABV, August Schell Brewing Company, New Ulm, MN. 

Black as night, fully opaque, with a toasted brown head that quits too quick. 

In the nose: nutty, earthy, toasty, and toasty. Bittersweet. Notes of cocoa and coffee. 

In the mouth: Starts out with bitter notes, moving into creamy and smooth. Medium bodied, malt forward. A hearty, sturdy stout that glides easily down the gullet. Easy-drinking to the max. Maybe too much so. I don't mind a challenge once a year. But, that's just me. Or, is it? 

Anyway, it is a good oatmeal stout, and you can certainly drink it. 

A black stout brewed with Triticale Oats, this beer has notes of coffee and chocolate. 

Schell's Cream Ale

Schell's Cream Ale. 4.7 % ABV. 20 IBU.
August Schell Brewing Company, New Ulm, MN.

Clear, pale golden hue, lasting ivory head.

In the nose: Lightly hopped, slight fruit. Small measure of graininess.

In the mouth: Crisp and clean, brisk. Light in every way, with just enough malt for flavor. Fairly pleasant and expertly drinkable. No flaws in this, perfectly serviceable in every way.

I'm not the one to ask if it's a good cream ale or not, but it's not a bad one by any stretch. Actually, I'm enjoying it. If cream ales are your thing, by all means.

"Our Cream ale is lighter bodied with a subtle creaminess, leaving you with that smooth finish many of our beers have. Every sip is mild and refreashing, yet full of flavor, just the way a Cream Ale should be!" - August Schell Brewing Co.

Schell's Snowstorm 2019/2020: Red Ale

Schell's Snowstorm 2019/2010: Red Ale. 6.5 % ABV.
August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Clear, bright crimson color, slim white head.

In the nose: Some sweetness at the start, lightly fruity, mostly malty.

In the mouth: Grabs the palate with a brisk bit of bitterness, lingering on the tongue. Bright fruitiness, crisp and clean, meaty malty flavors. Medium bodied. Excellent ease of drinking. Moderate hopping, medium bitterness, just enough to keep me happy (hoppy). Long lasting flavors in this highly likable ale.

A reddish amber ale for the seasoned winter veteran who can withstand even the coldest of days. Delicious malt flavors and a crisp, hoppy finish will leave you asking one question, were you prepared for the storm?

Schell's Fort Road Porter

Schell's Fort Road Porter. English-style Brown Porter.
4.8 % ABV August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Fully opaque, largely brown, full tan head atop.

In the nose: Cocoa. Minor espresso. Much malt. Nicely roasted and toasted. Largely likable, so far.

In the mouth: Sweet, then dry. Mostly malty, minorly hoppy. Sweet malt kept just in check. Chocolate and coffee, with a touch of roast. Medium-bodied, easy-drinking. Every inch delightful.

This is solid stuff. I had every intention of finding fault with their attempt at an English style ale, but, hey, these guys know what they're doing, no matter what.

Chocolate and caramel notes will shine through this brew, leaving room for the roasted malts to make their appearance. With barley grown near the brewery on the historic Fort Road, this beer gets its name and runs during the colder months, opposite our Fort Road Helles.

Schell's IPA

Schell's IPA. India Pale Ale.
5.8 % ABV. 40 IBU.
August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN. A Family Tradition Since 1860.

Slightly hazed, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: mildly hoppy aromatics, light citrus notes. Pleasant enough.

In the mouth: Fresh and vibrant blast of hoppiness upon the palate. It's hitting on all cylinders, before politely backing down. Light bodied, slightly sweet malt character at the base. Citrus-y and sweet tropical fruit notes dominate. Bitterness mellows and deliciousness takes over. Easy-drinker. I'll have another. And another.

For the first IPA ever from the 159-year old German brewery, it's an excellent entry in the field.

Schell's IPA is hop-forward and bursting with tropical fruity aromas. This brew pours a light golden color and has a low hop bitterness.

From the label: Yes, you read that right. We're not just slaying with lagers, we've got some mad skills with IPAs, as well. Schell's IPA is hop-forward and bursting with tropical fruity aromas. The brew pours a light, hazy gold color. has a creamy mouthfeel, and low hop bitterness. You've all been asking for it, so here's your IPA!

Grain Belt Southwest Cerveza

Grain Belt Southwest Cerveza.
Mexican Style Lager with Natural Lime Flavor.
4.5 % ABV.
August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Clear, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: Clean, crisp, lightly hopped. Some cereal notes, in classic Grain Belt style. Not picking up anything extra yet.

In the mouth: Light. Light. ...Let's see, what else....ooo, there's some lime flavor, as promised. And....not much else. I've already mentioned it's best properties. If that's good enough for you, go for it.


Southwest Cerveza is a crisp, copper lager, both dry and refreshing. This easy-drinking lager puts a twist on the friendly beer with its subtle lime flavor.

Grain Belt Blu Blueberry Lager

Grain Belt Blu Blueberry Lager.
4.7 % ABV. Made with real blueberry juice.
August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.
"Go ahead. Be the blu sheep of the family."

It's time for a blueberry lager. Why? Because it exists and is in my possession. That's the long and short of it.

Well, it ain't blue. It's deep red with a pinkish head, leaving some lace.

In the nose: Fruity. Sweet. Berry-ish, of course. Nice enough.

In the mouth: Sweet and juicy from the start. Malty, smooth, easily drinkable. Barest hint of tart. Stays fresh and berry-vicious without getting too sweet. I'm starting to like it. Can't imagine having more than one, but it's surprisingly tolerable.

A blueberry lager that is tart, balanced, and refreshing. A delightfully sweet twist on the classic American lager. 

Schell's Sangria

Schell's Sangria. Lager with natural flavor with elderberry extract color.
4.7 % ABV. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

"Enter Vacation Mode."

Dark red, hazy, pinkish head.

In the nose: Sweet and fruity. Very berry.

In the mouth: Slightly tart at the start, then on come the sweet berries. Juicy. Light. Refreshing. Spritzy. But not very beer-flavored. That's my favorite beer flavor: beer-flavored beer. But this was clearly not meant for me. Probably a hit at that picnic in the park with your family. You brother-in-law's gonna love it. His wife, too. And probably your niece, who just turned 21.

As it is, I am very glad for the sample to try it out, and gladder still I didn't spend my hard-earned money on it.

And it's evidence, if we needed, it, that even the most tradition-based brewery has to chase trends once in a while.

Schell’s Sangria is refreshingly sweet and full of juicy citrus flavor. These tropical vibes will transport you to a new relaxation destination. So grab your can, find the nearest hammock, and enter Vacation Mode.

Schell's Snowstorm 2018/2019 Speciale Belge

Schell's Snowstorm 2018: Speciale Belge. ABV:? IBU: ? Belgian Strong Dark Ale. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Clear, dark crimson-colored, slim head.

In the nose: malt-forward, dark fruits, raisins, plums.

In the mouth: Fruit notes dominate. Mostly malty, a kiss of caramel, and just enough hops. Medium bodied, leaning toward light. Swift finish. Some of the classic hallmarks of Belgian-style ales seem to be in attendance, but not enough, and lacking any vigor or verve.

This year's SnowStorm is a good beer, and you can drink it. But I wish it was a little bit more.

As every Midwesterner knows, no two snowstorms are ever alike. This year’s rendition is moderately malty with notes of biscuit and a subtle fruitiness.

You know what? Reading the above, thinking about Schell's, who they are, where they are, and what they do, I wonder to myself what I thought they were going to make. Did I expect a Trappistes Rochefort or something? It's a nice beer, it's tasty, it goes down easy. And there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Schell's Citra Blanc American Pale Lager

Schell's Citra Blanc American Pale Lager. 6.7% ABV. 44 IBU. August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Clear, bright golden color, large and lasting ivory head on top.

In the nose: sunshine-y citrus-y notes steal the show here. Blend of lemon and grapefruit, with a twist of the tropical, too. Beautiful.

In the mouth: A hop explosion kicks it off, gives out fruit, swiftly turns out dry. Crisp and refreshing. Light bodied. I always remind the reader that I'm not a lager lover, but I am in favor of flavor, and this one packs it. This is nothing short of delightful. Any time I've had a citra hop lager, I'm liking it, and this one is crafted exquisitely. Tasty, tasty, tasty, and almost yum-a-dum-dum.

Similar to an IPA, Citra Blanc is hop-forward and refreshing, for those who like their beer to pack a punch. A citrusy, hoppy lager. Citra and Hallertau Blac hops create bright flavors and aromatics.