Minnesota State Fair is less than two weeks away. Many of us have been daydreaming about the gooey cheese curds, melted butter dripping from corn on the cob, and warm, sugary mini donuts straight from the fryer. And yes, while the main star of the show is always the outrageous, deep-fried goodness, you’ll need something to cleanse the palate and wash down all the deliciousness.
This year, the Minnesota State Fair is yet again treating us to some exceptionally creative, tasty, and quintessential Minnesotan beverages. With 27 brand-new specialty brews and beverages and 13 returning favorites, it’s guaranteed you’ll find one you love. Here are some of the drink highlights of the 2018 Minnesota State Fair that’ll keep you cool and refreshed in between Pronto Pups.
Caramel Corn Cream Ale
A generous amount of corn in the brewing process gives this beer a pleasant caramel flavor. Fermenting at a uniquely higher temperature also gives way to a harmony between the hops and light and toasty caramel malts. 5.4% ABV. 20 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis by FINNEGANS Brew Co.
At Hildebrand Concessions, located in the Grandstand concert venue.
Funnel Cake Cream Ale
Reminiscent of a State Fair classic, this lightly hopped cream ale is bright and refreshing with a sweet finish. Flavors give the beer a taste of gooey dough with a crispy crust, apple pie filling and a dusting of powdered sugar. 4.7% ABV. Brewed in Milwaukee by Lakefront Brewery.
At Coasters, located on the southeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street.
Helles Ya, You Betcha
This light, refreshing Helles-style lager offers flavors of tangerine and fresh blood orange for a clean mouthfeel and a hint of sourdough crust. 4.2% ABV. Brewed in St. Paul by Summit Brewing Co., proud sponsor of the International Bazaar Stage.
At Shanghaied Henri’s and the Summit Booth, located at the International Bazaar.
Juicy LuLuLucy
This hazy, northeastern-style IPA provides a fresh, juicy orange and grapefruit-like hop flavor. 6.7% ABV. 40 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis by Surly Brewing Co.
At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, south of the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater.
Kirby Pucker #34
This second in a series of State Fair exclusives undergoes a second fermentation with lactobacillus. It’s brewed with a classic Minnesota combination of strawberries and rhubarb. 4.0% ABV. 3 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis by Eastlake Craft Brewery.
At Ball Park Cafe, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues, outside The Garden.
The Kloser IPA
Former Twins pitcher Glen Perkins teamed up with Surly to brew this hop-heavy, citrusy IPA based off of one of his homebrew recipes. 5.0% ABV. 64 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis by Surly Brewing Co.
At Ball Park Cafe, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues, outside The Garden.
Uffda Ale
I’m not sure you could get more Minnesotan than with the Uffda Ale. This easy-drinking ale’s crisp and slightly tart flavors harmonize with honey aromas to make it the ultimate Norwegian-inspired session beer. It’s brewed with locally malted Rahr pilsner and wheat malts, a dash of honey malt, German Hallertau Magnum hops, Minnesota’s own Norsland Lefse, and Scandinavian lingonberries. Each is garnished with fresh lingonberries and a crispy lefse chip. 4.7% ABV. 21 IBUs. Brewed in St. Cloud by Beaver Island Brewing Co.
At Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street, at The North Woods.
The Shandlot Pink Lemon Shandy
For some summer nostalgia drink up this pink, lemony concoction infused with strawberries and hibiscus. 4.5% ABV. 15 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis by Bauhaus Brew Labs.
At Ball Park Cafe, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues, outside The Garden.
And, in case you missed it last year, some of the returning favorites include: Chocolate Chip Cookie Beer, Cotton Candy Bubble Trouble, Mini Donut Beer, Dill Pickle Ale, and Maple Bacon Brown.
Be sure to check out the full list of new beverages here: State Fair Specialty Brews and Beverages.
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