Today, December 5, is Repeal Day, commemorating the date in 1933 when Utah became the final state needed for a majority to ratify the 21st Amendment — thus ending Prohibition in the U.S.  To observe the holiday I thought it fitting to select a beer from one of the oldest breweries in the United States, one that survived Prohibition: August Schell Brewing Company, and the beer for today, Schell’s Snowstorm.

August Schell Brewing was founded in 1860, and is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in America. Located in New Ulm, Minnesota, Schell is best-known for its lagers. But Snowstorm is a special beer, one that changes every year and encompasses a wide variety of styles; this year’s vintage is “Speciale Belge,” a Belgian-style strong dark ale.

As an homage to the uniqueness of our Northern climate, we celebrate the start of every winter with a unique Snowstorm of our own, a one-of-a-kind limited edition brew because no two Snowstorms are every the same.

This year’s rendition is moderately malty with notes of biscuit and a subtle fruitiness.

The beer is 7.56% alcohol by volume with 25 IBUs this year. And what a great way to toast Repeal Day — with a special beer brewed by a surviving brewery.

Find Schell’s Snowstorm on:

• Untappd
• BeerAdvocate
• RateBeer
• Facebook