Erie County Fair Beer

The first step in the process to determine which homebrew will be named the 2019 Erie County Fair Best In Show Beer has been scheduled. Beginning Monday, April 1st, homebrewers from across New York State may submit their brews in the Fair’s Homebrew Competition. The annual summer release of the limited run, craft beer based on the winning brew has become an anticipated tradition at the Erie County Fair for beer lovers.

Homebrew hobbyists have until Friday, April 5^th to submit their beers for judging. In addition to the opportunity to win a gold medal for excellence, the Erie County Fair Homebrew Competition’s top entry will be professionally brewed and be named the 2019 “Erie County Fair Best In Show Beer.”

Click here to find out how you can enter this competition for a chance at being brewed!

2018 Best in Show Beer

Vienna Lager Takes Top Home Brew Honors

A Vienna Lager brewed by Kevin DiTondo of Cheektowaga, New York was named “Best of Show” during the Erie County Fair’s 2018 Home Brew Competition. Judging for the Fair’s competition, now in its fifth year, took place on Thursday, April 19th and Saturday, April 21st at the Fairgrounds. A panel of 23 judges and master judges evaluated the submissions according to nationally recognized Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) protocols.

According to BJCP’s published style guidelines, Vienna Lagers are an amber colored brew with a rich toasty character. The Fair’s winning entry had an attractive light brown copper appearance filled with bread and raisin aroma with a slight hops taste. Judges noted that the brew has “just enough sweetness to keep it from bring crisp.” Vienna lagers were first introduced in the Austrian capital in the mid-19th century. The beer style is known for pairing well with chicken, pizza, barbeques and spicy dishes…a good match for all Fair foods!

Fair Branded, Bottled Beer Coming this Summer

American Pale Ale will be available in 6 packs this summer!

Just in time for the official start of summer, Buffalo-Niagara beer enthusiasts will be able to experience the taste of an award winning brew at home. A partnership with Buffalo’s Flying Bison Brewing Company will allow bottled Erie County Fair American Pale Ale to be available at local supermarkets and beer stores. The limited edition Erie County Fair American Pale Ale will be available through Try-It Distributing at Buffalo area Tops Friendly Markets and 17 Western New York locations of Consumers Beverages

The brew’s recipe is based on an American Pale Ale originally submitted by Western New York homebrewers John Crossett and Brian Millville as part of the Erie County Fair’s annual Home Brew Competition. Once crowned “Best In Show,” the recipe was submitted to the Brewmaster at Flying Bison. The original draught version proved so popular with fairgoers that it sold out within the first few days of the Fair.