The Summer of 2020...
Despite the postponement of the 181st ECF, Western New Yorkers were still be able to “Taste the Fair”. Through a collaborative effort between the Flying Bison Brewing Company and the Erie County Agricultural Society... “FairTastic Lemon Strawberry Ale” will soon hit store shelves in early July, 2020.

The brew was based on the ever popular, freshly squeezed lemonade that has been a tradition on the Fair midway for generations, while strawberries represent the rich bounty of WNY produce that is celebrated each year inside the Fair’s Agricultural Grange Building.

Six packs of this limited edition fair flavor were available through Try-It Distributing at Buffalo area Tops Friendly Markets and 17 Western New York locations of Consumer’s Beverages.

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.