At this point in the Minnesota State Fair’s history, the new drinks list might just be more anticipated than the new foods.
It certainly is longer.
With 53 brand-new beers, wines and drinks to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to try them all (though a merry band of us will attempt to do just that early next week: full reviews to come).
So I’m here to offer you the 10 that I’m most excited to try as someone who knows the local beer scene — and the trends within it — well.
This year’s list, like last year’s, is heavy on fruity and sweet beers and drinks, and while I understand novelty is the name of the game here, I really do wish there were more pilsners and straight-up IPAs on the list.
With that said, in no particular order, here are my picks:
1. Berry Go Round Sour: A mixed-culture Berliner Weise aged for more than a year in 80-year-old cypress wood layering tanks before being refermented on raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. (August Schell Brewing Co.; available at LuLu’s Public House, at West End Market, south of the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater)
2. Coco-Lime Wit: This summer sipper is a blend of lime- and coconut-infused witbier and tart wheat beer. (Fair State Brewing Cooperative; at Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street, at The North Woods)
3. Crop Duster Lager: An American lager made with real corn. (By Fair State Brewing Cooperative; at The Hangar, located on the northeast corner of Murphy Avenue and Underwood Street at the North End)
4. Elderflower Wheat Ale: A showcase of Minnesota-grown ingredients, this ale pairs locally grown wheat with Triple Pearl hops from Mighty Axe Hops Farm for a soft melon and sweet citrus flavor. (Able Seedhouse + Brewery; at Ball Park Cafe, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues, outside The Garden)
5. Four Seam Screamer: This West Coast-inspired IPA was brewed with the help of former Minnesota Twins All-Star pitcher Glen Perkins. It delivers hop flavor, with tropical notes of orange, mango and pineapple. (Surly Brewing Company; at Ball Park Cafe, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues, outside The Garden)
6. Kirby Pucker #34 Arnie Palmer: This third in a series of State Fair exclusives is brewed with loose-leaf tea, lemon zest and lemon juice with a hint of sweetness. (Eastlake Craft Brewery; at Ball Park Cafe, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues, outside The Garden)
7. Mini-Sotan IPA: American-style IPA features a new experimental hop and Cascade hops, along with a complex blend of British, American and German malts. The result showcases a golden color with intense aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and apricot. (Summit Brewing Co., proud sponsor of the International Bazaar Stage; at Shanghaied Henri’s and the Summit Booth, located at the International Bazaar)
8. MN Brew Together Orange Dreamsicle IPA: Orange Dreamsicle-style IPA is brewed with Minnesota barley and wheat malt, a bit of milk sugar and vanilla bean, then dry-hopped with Lotus and Citra cryo hops. (Brewed as a collaboration between Modist Brewing Co. and Barrel Theory Beer Company; at Ball Park Cafe, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues, outside The Garden)
9. People Watcher: Medium-bodied dry pilsner features notes of grapefruit and orange. (Finnegans Brew Co.; at Aldo’s, Sabino’s, Swine & Spuds and Snack House, located in the Warner Coliseum)
10. Toasted Pumpkin Seed Ale: A traditional lager with a toasty, roasty pumpkin seed flavor. (Third Street Brewhouse; Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street, at The North Woods)
