This year at the fair, I was on a mission. The craft beer presence at the fair has grown a lot in recent years, and this year I was ready to take on all of it. I did my research - thanks, Growler Mag! - made my route and was prepared for a day of trying some state fair-exclusives. After some bumps in the road - inclement weather, mild to moderate hangovers - my friend Maddie, boyfriend Mike and I embarked on our journey.

My advice is to start out at Gate 16, the bus entrance. You don’t want to deal with parking around the fair anyway. Start at the Blue Barn where you can also grab some of the most delicious and substantive food at the fair.

1. The Blue Barn - Freehouse’s Caramel Apple Pi Cider Beer
This stuff is RICH. The caramel definitely comes through. Drink it with some pierogis or chicken in a waffle while you explore the state fair history and heritage exhibit.

2. Lulu’s Public House - Insight’s Duke of Cuke
I’m going to be honest and say this one wasn’t my favorite. The cucumber is definitely prominent here, but I felt like the base was off. I wanted a bit more effervescence with the lightness of the cucumber. Share it with your friends while you wait in line for some Schell’s frozen creations.

3. Schell’s Pavillion - Grainbelt Blu, Red Sangria and the Red, Light and Blu
I love Schell’s frozen beer foam concoctions. Apparently Kirin brewing does this at Dodger’s games as well. It’s a fun twist, I just wish it had been a warmer day so I could enjoy it more. I had the Red, Light and Blu which layers frozen Premium and Blu. Enjoy these beers while watching the entertainment at the pavilion.

4. Coasters - 612 Lingonberry Lager
From the West End Market, head down Liggett Street and stop by Coasters for some Lingonberry Lager from 612. It’s a sweet nod to Minnesota’s Norwegian heritage and goes down easy! Enjoy it while you’re wandering through the livestock barns.

5. Frontier- Fulton’s Amarillo IPA
When you’re ready for a refill, head back to the same block and stop at Frontier for their Amarillo IPA. As I am not an IPA fan, Mike took care of this one. Though I gave it a try and was please that it wasn’t too bitter.

6. Andy’s Grille - Big Wood’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Beer
Right next door is Andy’s Grille, where Big Wood serves their chocolate chip cookie beer. A couple years ago, on our way to Forest Lake, Mike and I stopped at Big Wood’s taproom and got to taste this one before the fair. It’s delicious. The chocolate chip garnish along the rim really makes it. Just try not to eat them all right away like I did. Sip this beer while you make your way down Judson to the Miracle of Birth Center and the DNR exhibit.

7. Horticulture Building - Craft Brewer’s Guild Flights
The Craft Brewer’s Guild sets up 6 pre-determined flights of four local beers, grouped together by flavor profile. Maddie got the Crisp & Clean, Mike got the Hoppy & Bitter and I got the Dark & Roasty. While I love the concept, this space is always so hectic! Be prepared to get in and get out.

And here is where our journey ended. We only got about halfway through my list, but it was a fun day of day drinking and exploring the fair. Here’s what the rest of my route looked like, if any of you are up for the challenge.

8. Shanghaid Henri’s - Summit’s Lazy Sipper

9. Mancini’s - Bad Weather’s Lemon Sunshine

10. Ballpark Cafe - Bauhaus’s The Shandlot, Bent’s Hungarian Cherry Wheat Ale, Bent Paddle’s Mosaic Kanu, East Lake’s Kirby Pucker Sour, Lift Bridge’s Mini Donut Beer, Sweetland Orchard’s Minnesota Mule Sour

11. O’Gara’s - Castle Danger’s Grapefruit Ode IPA, Lakes and Legend’s Sweet Corn Ale

12. Giggle’s Campfire Grill - Barley John’s Dill Pickle Beer, Socialble Ciderwerk’s Raspberry Hard Cider, Excelsior’s Maple Bacon Brown, Flat Earth’s S’more Beer, Sociable Ciderwerk’s Candy Apple Hard Cider

There you have it folks! What was your favorite beer this year?