26 August 2023
Once again, Minnesota breweries and beverage makers have outdone themselves — coming up with 65 new creations to serve at the Minnesota State Fair.
On what has become one of my favorite days of the year, friends and I merrily tromped all over the Fairgrounds on Friday, sampling the good, the bad and the undrinkable.
We ended up trying 60 from the list — we did not drink any of the wine-based concoctions, because the ones we have tried in the past have been decidedly not our jam, and we don’t feel we can give them a fair (pun intended) shake. And one beer was sold out.
Here are our thoughts on the new drinks, helpfully grouped by location, and in the order we sampled them.
Shanghai Henri’s
at the International Bazaar
Ahhnold Palmer Style Hard Seltzer: This hard seltzer from Sociable Cider Werks fell short of the mark for us. We didn’t get much tea. One taster described it as “earthy lemonade.” 4.5% ABV
Beach’d Cruiser: We could really taste the pineapple, guava and passionfruit in this cider, which upped the percentage of all three for this year’s offering. Tropical and fruity, yet not overly sweet, we’d drink a whole one of these. Brewed by Sociable Cider Werks; 6% ABV
Dan Patch’N Fruit IPA: We didn’t get a ton of fruit from this “tropical twist on a traditional IPA, but we did get a mouthful of chalky hops. Brewed by Summit Brewing Co.; 4.6% ABV
Sabino’s Pizza Pies and Swine & Spuds
Warner Coliseum
The Funnel Never End: This blonde ale from Elm Creek Brewing in Champlin is supposed to taste like a strawberry funnel cake, but all we got was Kool-Aid. Additionally, the sugar might have been masking some off-flavors. This taster said it best: “There’s something weird about it.” 4.5% ABV
Aldo’s and Snack House
Warner Coliseum
Babes’ Blueberry & Maple Golden Ale: After the funnel cake disaster, we were not excited for another sweet beer, but the subtle, bright and natural flavors of this ale, which is supposed to mimic blueberry pancakes, won us over. If you’re looking for a breakfast beer, this is it. Brewed in Hastings by Spiral Brewery; 4.5% ABV
The Blue Barn
Buzzin’ Blue frozen seltzer at the Blue Barn at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
West End Market
Butter Together: This golden ale, infused with caramel, butter and vanilla, tastes exactly like drinking a beer with a Werther’s Original in your mouth. If you’re into that, get it. Brewed by The Freehouse; 5.4% ABV
Buzzin’ Blue: Friday was hot, and slushies were welcome. This one, allegedly made with tropical fruit and strawberry, tastes like Fun Dip. Brewed by The Freehouse; 5% ABV.
B.F.F.: Our tasters had a lot to say about this pretty average hazy IPA that was supposedly inspired by a mimosa. My favorite quips: “I’ll get a mimosa if I want a mimosa.” and “This is not the champagne of beers.” Brewed by Bauhaus Brew Labs, Forgotten Star Brewing Co. and The Freehouse (B.F.F.s); 6.2% ABV
LuLu’s Public House
West End Market
A variety of beers at LuLu’s Public House at the Minnesota State Fair.
LuLucifer’s Lager: This spicy beer from Surly elicited lots of excitement among tasters, who loved the classic lager, which is aged on puya chiles and hickory. A taster summed it up: “It’s not Minnesota Nice, but it is good!” 5.5% ABV
A Ginger Suntan: Gingery and fruity, this is the Fair beverage that tasted the most like an actual cocktail. Rhubarb and strawberry flavors were fresh and natural tasting. Brewed by August Schell Brewing Company and Tattersall; 6% ABV
Strawberry Fool Cream Ale: I hate cream ales, so am not a great judge, but even the cream ale lovers of the group disliked this one, which we all agreed tasted like Strawberry Lipsmacker. Brewed by Indeed Brewing Company; 5.1% ABV
Lime Time Cider: This lime-infused, sugar-boosted cider tastes exactly like a melted lime popsicle. If that appeals, by all means, plunk down your cash. Brewed by Sociable Cider Werks; 6.4% ABV
Peach-E-Keen: As always, the Berliner (sour beer) opinions are divided between those who love that funky, wild-yeast flavor, and those who hate it. If you, like me, love it, you don’t want to miss this peach-forward, juicy gem. Brewed by August Schell Brewing Company; 7.2% ABV
Edna’s IPA: After reading the promo description of this hazy IPA, one taster said, “I’ll give it to them, the finish is pillowy soft. I’m just not jazzed about the flavor.” It’s very, very hoppy. Brewed by August Schell Brewing Company and Back Channel Brewing Co.; 6.3% ABV
Mead For Speed, Orange Honey Blossom: Does anyone like mead? Who are you? I honestly need you to explain it to me. Our tasting notes: “It’s like dirty water,” and “It smells like a dirty diaper.” One of us had a gag reflex. I really wish I had taken photos of everyone’s faces as they tried this one. Brewed by Sociable Cider Werks; 6% ABV
Blue Hawaiian: This bright blue piña colada slushy is pretty and tasty — especially on a hot, humid day. We liked that they didn’t make it overly sweet. Brewed by Lift Bridge Brewing Company; 6% ABV
RC’s BBQ
Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets
Sun Seared Grilled Lemon Blonde Ale: Most of us loved this fun beer, which really does taste like grilled lemons. It pairs beautifully with barbecue, too. If you’re not into some smoke flavor in your drink, you will not like this. Brewed by Bauhaus Brew Labs and Animales BBQ Co.; 4.7% ABV.
Hideaway Speakeasy
In the Veranda, Grandstand upper level
Duck Duck Blue Duck, a blueberry-lemonade beer at Hideaway Speakeasy at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Duck Duck Blue Duck: This blueberry twist on Surly Lemonade divided tasters, half of which thought it was too sweet and would give them a headache, the other half of which thought it was juicy and refreshing. Your call, but the little blue ducky nestled in foam bubbles on top really is cute. 5.5% ABV
Cheers to Cherry Pie: Taster quotes should give you a general idea of what to expect here: “Too sweet.” “Smells bad.” “Tastes like maraschino cherry syrup.” We try them so you don’t have to! Brewed by Bent Brewstillery; 7% ABV
PB&J Hard Honey: This honey-based beverage, inspired by every kid’s favorite sandwich, does taste like one, but it also includes an off-putting flavor that we couldn’t put our finger on. Made by Round Lake Vineyards & Winery; 6% ABV
Bootlegger Berry & ‘Barb: This strawberry-rhubarb seltzer from Urban Growler smelled sweeter than it tasted, which was a good thing. A taster said, “It’s got a late 80’s wine-cooler vibe,” and while I think that’s true, it also tastes much more fresh and natural than a gut-rot-inducing Bartles & Jaymes. We didn’t understand its gummy watermelon garnish, though. There’s no watermelon in it as far as we know. 7.5% ABV
Coasters
Southeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street
Purpleberry Shandy: Coasters is about the place where we started getting mad at all the sweet and fruity beer. This blueberry shandy is both. One taster, who doesn’t even usually drink beer said this: “I’d kill for a beer-flavored beer right now.” Brewed by Third Street Brewhouse; 4.2% ABV
Beergarita Ale: We had a lot to say about this, none of it great. Here are a few quips: “It tastes confusing. It’s neither beer nor margarita.” and “I’ve had better Bud Light Beergaritas in a can.” Brewed by Lupulin Brewing Company; 4.7% ABV
Tropical Island IPA: Even the IPA haters in the group liked this one, which really was tropical and summery. Brewed by August Schell Brewing Company; 6.5% ABV
Cosmopolitan Martini Slushie: Only one of us had a strong opinion on this one: “It’s kind of floral, like a candle, but I kinda like it.” The rest of us were pretty neutral, but we all agreed it didn’t taste like a cosmo. Made by Lift Bridge Brewing Company; 6% ABV
Island in the Sun IPA: One taster got more island (as in, dirt) than sun, and while I agree that there’s nothing tropical about it, I didn’t hate this mishmash of a West Coast and East Coast IPA. Brewed by Bald Man Brewing; 5.2% ABV
Razzmanian Devil: Even a beer-hater in our group liked this refreshing raspberry-forward, yet not-too-sweet ale that would be great on a pontoon or patio. A taster quipped, “It’s devilishly delicious.” Brewed by Surly Brewing Co.; 5.5% ABV
Frontier Bar
Carnes Avenue between Liggett and Nelson streets
BlackBerry Bramble Ale: This sparkling water, infused with fresh blackberry, lemon juice and juniper, really divided us. I thought it was light and refreshing, but the aftertaste was a little off-putting. A few tasters compared the aftertaste to sweat socks or tire rubber. Brewed by Fulton Brewing; 5.5% ABV
Andy’s Grille
Carnes Avenue between Liggett and Nelson streets
Boozy Salted Caramel Milkshake: Is this the first boozy milkshake to appear at the Fair? I can’t recall another, but either way, it should not be the last. It’s a perfect, shareable treat. It’s sweet, but you just ordered a milkshake, so I assume you expect that. Brewed by Lift Bridge Brewing Company; 5% ABV
Dreamsicle Slushy: The fact that this slushy came out of the machine half-melted probably didn’t help its flavor much. While we thought it tasted sort of like a creamsicle, it also tasted like chewable baby aspirin. Drinking a whole one of these would be a challenge. Brewed by Lift Bridge Brewing Company; 6% ABV
Cafe Caribe
Carnes Avenue between Chambers and Nelson streets
Passionfruit Punch Hard Seltzer: This hard seltzer tastes more like watermelon than passionfruit, but it’s fine. A definite step up from White Claw. Brewed by Bauhaus Brew Labs; 5% ABV
Cocabanana (Chocolate Banana Ale): I honestly feel like Modist Brewing is trolling us with this one, a confusing and awful mix of pineapple, banana, coffee, chocolate, vanilla and sugarcane. And to up the ick factor, they rimmed it with chocolate sauce. 6.5% ABV
Paloma Hard Seltzer: This cocktail-inspired hard seltzer tastes nothing like a paloma. “I want tangy and refreshing,” a taster said. “This is not that.” Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company; 5% ABV.
Seedless Summer Sour: This dull, forgettable beer tastes nothing like the fresh watermelon it was allegedly brewed with. Brewed by Bauhaus Brew Labs; 5.1% ABV
Ball Park Cafe
Beer, garlic fries and pickle fries at the Ballpark Cafe during the Pioneer Press beer tasting at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Underwood Street between Dan Patch and Carnes avenues
Eddie’s Lager: I enjoy a lightly hopped lager, and this one is perfect, crisp, refreshing and finally, a beer that tastes like beer! Goes great with garlic fries. Brewed by August Schell Brewing Company and Back Channel Brewing Co.; 5.5% ABV
Hurricane Sour Smoothie: Smoothie beers are usually a no for me, but this tropical, fruited sour, was actually pretty tasty and did resemble the famous New Orleans beverage. Still, how much fruit can a person endure in one day? Brewed by Modist Brewing; 6.5% ABV
Bases Juiced: This strawberry-lemonade-inspired beer is beer first, fruit second, as it should be. Brewed by Surly Brewing Company; 5.5% ABV
Ghost Runner: Not overly hoppy, this is just a good, light, refreshing IPA. Could crush a few of these on a hot day. Brewed by Surly Brewing Company; 7.2% ABV
Great Ape Seltzer: This tastes like a grape ape. If you like those, you will like this. Brewed by Lift Bridge Brewing Company; 5% ABV (Also available at Bandstand Concessions; ticket required)
Mascot Race: Smooth and juicy without that chalky aftertaste that can come with a hazy IPA, we all liked this beer, which is quite tropical and would be an acceptable early-morning choice. Brewed by Barrel Theory Beer Company; 7% ABV
Kirby Pucker Lemon Blueberry: Eastlake Brewing’s annual Kirby Pucker sour once again knocks it out of the park. Lemon, blueberry, sour. Delicious. 5% ABV
Vacation Mullet: Another tropical hazy, this one is less bitter than some, and does have the advertised tropical notes. We love the name and would absolutely drink this on vacation. Brewed by Lupulin Brewing Company; 7.5% ABV
MN Brew Together: Yet another IPA, this one is pretty smooth and not terribly hoppy if you’re looking for something more middle-of-the-road. Brewed by Modist Brewing and Fair State Brewing Cooperative; 6.6% ABV.
Superior Shiver Cold IPA: I’m a big fan of cold IPAs, and this one might be the best I’ve tried. Crisp, clean and lovely. A taster said this: “This is a Minnesota Nice beer, but in the good way, not in the passive-aggressive way.” Brewed by Bent Paddle Brewing Co.; 6% ABV.
O’Gara’s at the Fair
Corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Blood Orange Cream Ale: We have established that I usually hate cream ales, but this one was really good. It tasted very brightly of blood orange, which was maybe hiding that cream ale flavor I dislike so much. Brewed by Castle Danger Brewing; 5.5% ABV
Royal Peach: A taster summed it up in just a few words: “I am so sick of fruit beers, but that is really good.” Brewed by Pryes Brewing Company; 4.8% ABV
Apple Pie Cider: I was worried this would be too sweet, but it was actually nice and really tasted like apple pie! It would be better in cooler weather, but people are drinking pumpkin spice lattes already, so why not? Brewed by Wild State Cider; 5.8% ABV
Pineapple Tajin Dream: We really wanted to like this, but it was not spicy, and we didn’t get enough pineapple flavor. A taster said it was like drinking orange juice after he just brushed his teeth. Brewed by Lakes & Legends Brewing Company; 5.6% ABV.
The Hangar
Underwood Street and Murphy Avenue
Pineapple Sour Beergarita: Maybe I was tipsy by this point, but I didn’t hate this. It tasted a little pineapple-upside-down-cakey. Other tasters were less generous, detecting notes of bile. Your call on this one. Brewed by Mankato Brewery; 4.5% ABV
C-Plane Citrus Blonde: This was … fine? We certainly didn’t get the promised “refreshing and lively drinking experience,” but it was drinkable. Brewed by Excelsior Brewing Co.; 5% ABV
Giggles’ Campfire Grill
Rhubarb Shandy from Giggles Campfire Grill at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Lee Avenue and Cooper Street
Rhubarb Shandy: We had high hopes for this one, and it did not disappoint. Tart, refreshing and not at all sweet, we could drink this any time of the year. Brewed by Mankato Brewery; 5% ABV
Dino’s Gyros
Carnes Avenue, between Nelson and Underwood streets
Aphrodite’s Gift: This hazy IPA from Surly tastes suspiciously like its popular One Man Mosh Pit. That being said, Mosh Pit is a solid hazy. Brewed by Surly Brewing Co.; 7.2% ABV, 32 IBUs.
Appleshine Mango Hard Cider: Unfortunately, this Kool-Aid-sweet cider doesn’t taste like mango at all. Brewed by Invictus Brewing Co.; 6% ABV.
Ginger Basil Limeade Hard Seltzer Cocktail: Gingery, basily and limey, this seltzer is as advertised. One taster thought it tasted a little soapy. I liked it. Brewed by Urban Growler Brewing Company; 7.2% ABV
Cucumber Lemon Lager: This very cucumber-forward beer has a really appealing nose, but a weird aftertaste. Brewed by Indeed Brewing Company; 5.2% ABV
Greek Cookie: If Greek Melomakarona cookies taste like this eau-de-fenugreek beer, I definitely don’t want one. Brewed by Bent Brewstillery; 5% ABV
Mancini’s al Fresco
Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
Birramisu: Compared with the Greek Cookie grossness, this dessert-inspired beer is a triumph. It tastes like tiramisu. That being said, I wouldn’t order another one. Brewed by Indeed Brewing Company; 5.1% ABV
Leinie Lodge
Cooper Street, just south of the Leinie Lodge Bandshell
State Fair Amber Ale: I’m not usually a big Leinie’s fan, but this straightforward amber really hit the spot at the end of a day of flavored beers. It went really well with the Bacon Brothers’ Americana-style rock, too. Brewed by Leinenkugel’s Brewing Co.; 5.2% ABV
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