Wowzers! 65 new beers, cocktails, ciders and wines are coming to the State Fair this year! That brings the total to more than 300 alcoholic beverages at the fair...
You can find a full list here, but below is what I'm excited to try! Thanks to Bring Me The News for the lowdown on each new brew!
Babes’ Blueberry & Maple Golden Ale: This golden ale has a hint of blueberry and maple flavors creating the delicious taste of blueberry pancakes. The perfect answer to a day of lumberjacking with your buddy Paul. 4.5% ABV. Brewed in Hastings, Minn., by Spiral Brewery. At Aldo's and Snack House, located in the Warner Coliseum.
Beach'd Cruiser: A new State Fair recipe of a crowd-favorite cider. Extra pineapple, guava and passionfruit deliver a tropical cider blend built for summer cruising. 6% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Sociable Cider Works. At Shanghai Henri’s, located at the International Bazaar.
C-Plane Citrus Blonde: A fresh and zesty citrus-fruited blonde ale combines bright citrus flavors with a smooth and balanced golden base, creating a refreshing and lively drinking experience. 5% ABV. 20 IBUs. Brewed in Excelsior, Minn., by Excelsior Brewing Co. At The Hangar, on the northeast corner of Underwood Street and Murphy Avenue.
Duck Duck Blue Duck: This blueberry twist on Surly Lemonade is topped with salted foam and a tiny blue duck for you to keep. This is the perfect blend of sweet, salty and sour. Just don’t call it Duck Duck Goose! 5.5% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Surly Brewing Co. At The Hideaway Speakeasy, located in the Veranda, Grandstand upper level, northwest section.
Ginger Basil Limeade Hard Seltzer Cocktail: A taste bud-tingling seltzer cocktail with flavors of zesty lime, ginger and aromatic basil. Paired with a subtle but distinct ginger spice, the effervescence from Urban Growler's Ginger Basil Limeade Hard Seltzer balances flavor and rejuvenation to form a drink that goes beyond the ordinary. 7.2% ABV. Brewed in Saint Paul, Minn., by Urban Growler Brewing Company. At Dino's Gyros, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets.
Lemon Berry Chill Slushie: This slushie is made from a Lift Bridge Lemon Icee Seltzer and Red Bull Blue Edition (Blueberry) to make a smooth and icy beverage. 5% ABV. Made in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company. At O’Gara’s at the Fair, located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cosgrove Street.
Purpleberry Shandy: This summery shandy has a hint of blueberry, making it the essence of summer in a beer. 4.2% ABV. Brewed in Cold Spring, Minn., by Third Street Brewhouse. At Coasters, located on the southeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street.
Sun Seared Grilled Lemon Blonde Ale: A collaboration with Animales BBQ, this zesty blonde ale is made from hand-squeezed grilled lemons. The caramelized sugar from the grilled lemons complements the subtle grainy sweetness of the light base beer while the acid from the lemon juice adds a refreshing zing. 4.7% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Bauhaus Brew Labs and Animales BBQ Co. At RC's BBQ, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets.
White Sangria Slushy: Sweet and refreshingly cold Country White Wine is infused with mint, tarragon, pear juice and elderberry flowers. 6% ABV. Wine made in Hastings, Minn., by Alexis Bailly Vineyard. At French Crêperie, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets.