Erie County Fair Beer

2019 Best in Show Beer

Image of John Crossett of North Tonawanda, Brian Milleville of Sanborn and Mark Zambron of West Seneca "cheering" their winning homebrew

German Leichtbier Takes Top Home Brew Honors

A German Leichtbier brewed by John Crossett of North Tonawanda, Brian Milleville of Sanborn and Mark Zambron of West Seneca took top honors. Judging for the Fair’s competition, now in its sixth year, took place on Saturday, April 27th at the Fairgrounds. A panel of judges and master judges evaluated the submissions according to nationally recognized Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) protocols.

According to BJCP’s published style guidelines, German Leichtbier (pronounced “LYESHT-beer) is a pale, light-bodied German lager with lower alcohol and calories than normal-strength beers. It is moderately bitter with noticeable malt and hop flavors and judges remarked that the winning entry had “impressive flavor and aroma” for a light bodied beer and was “crisp and refreshing.”

Once crowned “Best In Show,” the winner submitted the beer’s recipe to the professional brew staff at Flying Bison Brewery. Kegged product will be offered by Try-It Distributing to Western New York establishments for public purchase prior to the Fair. During the Erie County Fair a limited number of on premise beer garden locations will feature the award winning beer.

Click here for a full list of the 2019 results.

Fair Branded, Bottled Beer Coming this Summer

Image of the Erie County Fair beer 6 pack

American Pale Ale will be available in 6 packs again 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.