Schell's eyes buying Grain Belt

NEW ULM (AP) -- Grain Belt Premium beer might may be saved from extinction by August Schell Brewing Co. of New Ulm.

Last week, Minnesota Brewing Co., which produced Grain Belt Premium Lager, Golden Pilsner, Pig's Eye Pilsner, Yellow Belly and Brewer's Cave beers, closed down in St. Paul.

Minnesota Brewing may be sold entirely or liquidated, which would enable the Grain Belt label to be sold to another brewery.

Grain Belt beer is old hat at Schell's, Minnesota's oldest family-owned brewery.

All Grain Belt Premium beer in returnable bottles was made by Minnesota Brewing in St. Paul and shipped to New Ulm to be bottled at Schell's.

Grain Belt's fate should be known soon. Marti said Minnesota Brewing's asset disbursing deadline is Aug. 15.