The Growler’s Complete Guide to Beer at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair was posted today. Some interesting state fair exclusives ... ("interesting" is used in all meanings of the word... ). Plus, they include an overall guide to beer at the fair complete with a map. A couple stuck out to me (and not in a good way): Big Wood Brewing Chocolate Chip Cookie Beer. I know others have done similar beers, but this just doesn't appeal to me at all. Lakes & Legends Sweet Corn Summer Ale. Or, how to make corn adjunct sound creative! But the overall corker was this one: Minnesota Iceberg—Summit Pilsener topped with frozen Bud Light Lime-A-Rita. I hope this concoction is created by the vendor (LuLu’s Public House) without the participation of Summit... Otherwise, ... There are others that sound pretty good, and a few others (e.g. Original Beergarita) that seem to be in the same class as the Minnesota Iceberg.
When I'm at the Fair, I love Grain Belt Frozen Blu. I don't think I'd buy it for home, but at the Fair, it's somehow perfect. So this makes me strangely curious about Schell’s Red Citrus Sangria Beer. I'm curious to see if it's another perfect Fair beer.
So how does the Land of 10000 Beers work? I see you can do flights, can you get full pours? And the Cicerone, does that person just decide? First time visiting fair so am curious as towards the process?
Ok, that sounds completely revolting. I'd love to try the Schell's Blu. The last time I was at the fair, 2 years ago, they ran out about 15 minutes before I got there. Don't think I'll make the fair, but that would be a key beer if I did.
Flights only, you purchase tickets first. There are different booths with the different flights, and the beers rotate on the flights. It's a good way to try something new but every time I've gone it's been crowded.
I'm curious about Bad Weather's funnel cake beer and Sociable's Caramel Apple cider, but I'll likely just get a flight at the Land of 10K Beers. It's a good way to try beers from taprooms that I haven't had yet.
Had Sociable's cider yesterday due to curiosity and ended up not liking it You can walk around with beer
Had a flight today, I think it was called "Minnesota favorites". Or something like that.. #1 Bent Paddle cold press black #2 Northbound Smokehouse IPA #3 Dangerous man chocolate milk stout #4 Surly Bender Also had Freehouse Carmel Apple Cider at Blue Barn which was better than expected and the State Fair only white IPA from Summit which was good but not great....cheers from the fair!
