Sweet Wines But Better Beer at State Fair

So, this is the part where I’m supposed to tell you about how wonderful the wine and beer exhibit is at the Indiana State Fair.

It’s the first time in more than 60 years the fair has sold alcohol. Open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Grand Hall across the street from the Coliseum, each day has a different lineup.

I went one evening with friend Emily Udell to taste our way through everything available. A little mouthwash-sized cup of beer or wine runs $1.25. We put down a $20 for 16 samples.

Our fair champions all that’s fascinating about Indiana’s agrarian past and present, black smithing to beekeeping. Having a range of Hoosier-crafted offerings is a fantastic way to pay homage to Hoosiers who grow things besides corn and soybeans. I understand the naysayers who feared drunken shenanigans, but security was on top of things, checking IDs, and a system was in place to keep folks from quaffing too much booze.

So, what did I think?

It’s clear that organizers wanted to isolate this area and not let folks get too comfortable. Minors can’t view the area, and the industrial building has no seating, just a few high tables for setting cups on. But the State Fair, known for dirt and hay, not velvet and Italian leather. But, next year, I’d love to see a cordoned-off patio outside, where beer and wine lovers can people watch, even if they have to do it standing up.

But, I talked with a bunch of people who dug them. If you know you like sweet Midwestern wines, try Black Jack, an apple and blackberry fruit wine from The Ridge Winery. It’s clean and fresh tasting.

We tried the peach hard cider made by Oliver’s Beanblossom label. It was very nice. Try it if you know you like this style of drink.

The beers were better overall. We tried good brews from Figure 8 in Valparasio and Bargersville’s Taxman, but a weird one was the Kolsch from Chapman Brewing in Angola that left a strange and distinctive aftertaste of corn tortillas. The County Brown from Outliers Brewing was our clear favorite, and I bought a few tastings cups of it before heading over to grub on giant doughnuts and deep fried Snickers.

If you’re of age, stop in for some samples before the fair ends. Take a look at the upcoming lineup here

There is nice stuff every day, but I’d target Aug. 15, when Three Floyd’s will be pouring beer alongside Carson’s and Daredevil.

Enjoy the fair, and let me know what your hits and misses are.