Tag: state fair

Tom Thumb Would be Proud – Lift Bridge Mini-Donut Beer

By on August 15, 2013in breweries

lift-bridge-mini-donut-beer-smIf it didn’t sound delicious, I’d call it a gimmick. Our friends at Lift Bridge have produced what is said to be the first-ever mini donut flavored beer. Armed with a stack of Motley Crue albums, some ripped jeans and a sleeveless Iron Maiden t-shirt, brewer Matt Hall toured the country with carnies for months as he honed his recipe and devised a tiny automatic brewhouse to produce this sweet little beer, one pint at a time.

True story. The fruits of the brewery’s labors will be available exclusively at the Ball Park Café.  And though you won’t have to bitch should you throw this beer into your mouth too quickly, drinking a dozen in a sitting will probably kick your ass. Expect a malty sweet sipper that weighs in at about 5% abv. Mini-Donut will be served in a glass rimmed with cinnamon and sugar. Suggest pairing: Mini-donuts. Duh.

Many thanks to the guys at Lift Bridge for not making a corn dog or blooming onion beer. Gah.

Summit State Fair IPA

By on August 14, 2013in bars/restaurants, breweries

Here’s a cool little video featuring Summit Brewing Company brewery and all-around good guy, Jeff Williamson. Jeff and his amazing mustache explain his State Fair-inspired brew. Look for it daily at the International Bazaar and bask in the glory that includes Minnesota ingredients like wild rice, honey, pronto pups corn and Cascade hops from Hippity Hops Farms. And just so it’s hoppy enough for you, they’ve thrown in Magnum, Amarillo, Chinook and Centennial hops, creating a beer that rounds out at 95 IBU and 5.5% abv.

You know what would be awesome? State Fair vendors, are you listening? State Fair IPA beer-battered something on a stick. DO IT! Incidentally, if you’d like to catch Summit at the fair, here are a few dates for your consideration.

• August 22 – Jeff Williamson, brewer of State Fair IPA – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 1-2:30pm
• August 26 – Meet Founder Mark Stutrud – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 12-1:30pm
• August 28 – Meet Head Brewer Damian McConn – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 1:00-2:30pm
• August 30 – Mike Lundell, brewer of Another IPA – Summit Booth at International Bazaar – 11:30-1:00pm
• August 30 – Mark Stutrud (with Ted Marti from Schell’s) – Craft Brewer’s Guild Area in Agriculture Building – 3pm

Craft Beer at the Minnesota State Fair Horticulture Building

By on July 17, 2012in breweries, brewpubs, MN

Wait. What? Beer is an agricultural product? Well regardless of what you believe (and I’m kidding, btw), we’ve just learned that the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild will be at this year’s Minnesota State Fair in the Horticulture Building. Their exhibit will highlight Minnesota’s brewing history, how beer is made and what’s going on in Minnesota beer. Brewers will be present, and we’re told there will be sample beer flights too. The Minnesota State Fair just got a little bit cooler!

Minnesota State Fair Homebrew Competition

By on July 11, 2012in homebrew, MN

Kinda’ funny how the State Fair always creeps up on us, not unlike “back to school” areas in department stores. In any case, it’s time to start thinking about the State Fair Homebrew Competition. Details below.

Minnesota State Fair Homebrewed Beer, Mead and Cider Competition

This isn’t your Grandma’s blue ribbon!  As part of The Great Minnesota Get Together the Primary Fermenters Brewers and Vintners will be hosting the 11th Annual Minnesota State Fair Homebrewed Beer, Mead and Cider Competition.

Get your entries brewing!  On-line registration will be open from July 20th to August 3rd. Competition is limited to the first 750 entries. You can drop off your entries in person at either Midwest Supplies or Northern Brewer Stores between July 27th and August 3rd. Mail-in entries will be accepted at Midwest Supplies only.

Judging will take place on Friday, evening August 17th, AND Saturday, August 18th, on the State Fair grounds.  Best of Show judging and awards will be held during the Minnesota State Fair, on Saturday, August 25th at 11 AM on the MN Craft Brewers Guild Stage, in the Ag-Hort Building.

Please join us for a fun competition!  To volunteer and help with the competition, contact Amanda Kutzke, the Competition Organizer, directly at pfbrewclub@gmail.com or to judge/steward sign-up online at http://www.mnstatefair.brewcompetition.com (beginning July 20th.)

Dates to Remember:
Online Registration:  July 20 – Aug. 3, 2012
Entries accepted at drop-off sites:  July 27 – Aug. 3, 2012 until 3 PM
Judging:  August 17-18, 2012 (Not Open to Public)
Best-Of-Show Judging and Awards:  August 25, 2012 (Open to Public)

For more information and additional details visit: http://www.mnstatefair.brewcompetition.com/