For the third year in a row, the August Schell Brewing Company, of New Ulm, Minn., has been named one of the top 10 breweries in the recent U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Five of Schell's beers received medals, including its Deer Brand, which took gold in the American Cream Ale category, its Light and Grain Belt Premium, which took silver in the American Light and American Lager/Pilsner category, and Schell's Hefeweizen and Stout, which each took a bronze in their categories.

The brewery, which celebrated its 150th birthday last year, offers a virtual view of the brewing process on its website, as well as actual tours on its property. Schell is the second oldest family-owned brewery in America. With its acquisition of Grain Belt, it's the oldest and largest brewery in Minnesota.

"Being able to compete with the likes of nationally known breweries with deep pockets for the latest equipment and technology is tribute to the personnel we have here at the brewery," said Schell president Ted Marti on the company website. "I also suppose our standards for brewing beer comes from living in a community filled with thirsty Germans. If you don't make a damn good beer, you're sure to hear about it."

The top 10 breweries were determined by a rating system that reflected the number of its beers that placed first, second or third in the contest. There was a tie for second place and also for 10th place (where Schell tied with a Wisconsin brewery).

1. Deschutes Brewery, Oregon
2. Cigar City Brewing, Florida
2. Grand Teton Brewing, Idaho
4. Boston Beer Company, Massachusetts
5. New Belgium Brewing, Colorado
6. Full Sail Ales, Oregon
7. Sprecher Brewing, Wisconsin
8. Neustadt Brewing, Canada
9. Montana Brewing, Montana
10. August Schell Brewing Company, Minnesota
10. Capital Brewing, Wisconsin

The judges also offered an award for the most creative beer names. These five received recognition:

  • Bear Ass Brown, Silverton Brewing
  • Indiana Krunkles Wheat IPA, Terrapin Beer Company
  • Mama's Little Yella Pils, Oskar Blues Brewing
  • Pursuit of Hoppiness, Grand Teton Brewing
  • Satan's Pony, South Street Brewery