Minnesota State Fair & Summit Brewing Co. Pairings
It’s July 9th, and the State Fair food list just dropped, and like anyone, I make my way through the list and circle what looks good and I can miss. First to be added to the must-try list was obviously the Deep Fried Ranch. So fast forward like a month, and we make our way to the State Fairgrounds, list of food in hand (or in this case, on my notes app) from the brewery, excited about the journey we were going to take with our tastebuds, we departed the brewery at about 8:35 in the morning. To make things more efficient, we made sure we had our team meeting at the fair and scheduled it for 9:30 AM, leaving us plenty of time to get to the fair, park, and take in all the sites of opening day at the fair. The time was now 9:45 AM, and we just parked the car… We began what can only be described as the fastest power walking anyone has ever done as we trekked all the way to Lulu’s in the Northwest part of the State Fair. I got in line and ordered our deep-fried ranch and an EPA. It’s now 9:55, and I’ve all but missed the meeting that was scheduled, but who cares? I’ve got State Fair food to eat and Summit beer to drink, all to find what pairs best for this year’s Minnesota State Fair!
First up the Deep Fried Ranch. Normally I wouldn’t condone eating anything ranch based in the morning but I have a job to do and this was basically the most talked about item before the Fair started so what better beer to pair it with than our iconic Extra Pale Ale. The bright, hoppy flavors of our Extra Pale Ale make it a perfect match for this year’s hot MN State Fair food item, Deep Fried Ranch. The crisp and refreshing nature of the beer acts as a great contrast to the richness of the deep-fried goodness, while the hoppy notes enhance the savory ranch flavors. The beer’s carbonation also helps to cut through the fried exterior, cleansing the palate and leaving a clean, refreshing finish after each indulgent bite.
The crisp, refreshing profile of our Purple Maize Mexican Lager provides the ideal complement to the bold and savory flavors of some Quesabirria Fried Taquitos from El Burrito Mercado. The light and clean taste of the lager balances out the richness of the shredded beef and melted cheese, while its subtle sweetness and slight corn notes harmonize with the crispy texture of the taquitos. The lager’s refreshing nature also helps cleanse the palate between each bite, allowing the full spectrum of flavors to shine through with each indulgent bite. This pairing is a true delight for the senses, enhancing the enjoyment of both the beer and the taquitos.
Whether you’re choosing a Pronto Pup, Corn Dog or even a vegan Corndog, the perfect beer to pair it with is definitely going to be our Oktoberfest. The malty richness and smooth caramel notes of our Oktoberfest beer make it an excellent accompaniment to the classic indulgence of a corn dog at the state fair. The beer’s slightly sweet, toasty flavors complement the savory, crispy exterior of the corn dog, enhancing the experience of each bite. And Oktoberfest’s balanced profile ensures that it doesn’t overpower the battered hot dog’s flavors, allowing them both to shine together.
Finally, The Pickle Pizza slice continues to shine and be a staple to many fairgoers this year. So if you’re picking up one, you’ll need a Twins Pils to pair with it. The tangy, salty, and dill flavors of the pickles perfectly complement the rich and flavorful cheese on the pizza, creating a unique taste sensation. The crisp and refreshing taste of the Twins Pils cuts through the richness of the pizza and leaves a clean and refreshing finish. Together, they create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re a pizza lover or a beer aficionado, this pairing is a must-try.
