The first step in the process to determine which homebrew will be named the 2018 Erie County Fair “Best In Show” beer has been scheduled. Beginning Monday, April 2nd, 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 6th 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 2018 “Erie County Fair Best In Show Beer.”
A $20 entry fee allows homebrewers to submit up to five entries in categorical styles ranging from lagers and pilsners to a variety of ale. Any New York State resident is eligible to enter the Homebrew competition. Judging is scheduled to take place Saturday, April 21st inside the Fair’s Ag-Grange Building. Top brews will be selected through a blind tasting panel made up of at least two certified master judges.
Once a “Best of Show” winner is determined, the brewer will be asked to submit the brew’s recipe which will then be turned over to the professional brew master of Flying Bison. Flying Bison will analyze the winning recipe to ensure that it is commercially and legally producible. In addition, an attempt will be made to brew the winning beer with all New York State sourced products. Once kegged, Try-It Distributing will distribute the finished product for public purchase at select Western New York outlets prior to the Fair. During the Erie County Fair, several on-premises locations will feature the award winning beer.
Homebrewers interested in entering the competition can find complete rules and guidelines on the Erie County website. Entries can be dropped off on Monday, April 2nd through Friday, April 6th between 9am and 5pm (with a copy of the entry form) to the Main Office of the Fairgrounds OR to Flying Bison Brewing Company on April 5th or 6th between the hours of 12pm and 8pm. Those dropping off brew entries entries at Flying Bison will be able to take home a filled growler of Flying Bison brew for $5.
The judging of homebrewed beer is just one of the competitions held annually by the Erie County Fair. In 2018, over 12,000 entries are expected to be received and judged by the Fair’s Competitive Exhibits Office. The wide range of ribbon winning categories include agriculture, conservation and creative arts, among others. Entry information for other categories will be available online as early as February 1st with registration opening May 1st.