Erie County Fair’s #1 Draught Pick? Vienna Lager Takes Top Home Brew Honors

The folks at the Erie County Fair always do such fun and creative promotions each year, including the Home Brew Competition which is now in it's fifth year!  Judging for the 2018 competition took place on Thursday, April 19th and Saturday, April 21st at the Fairgrounds where a panel of 23 judges and master judges had a chance to evaluate submissions.  The top honor went to a Vienna Lager brewed by Kevin DiTondo of Cheektowaga.  Kevin's Lager was named “Best of Show'.  Judges noted that the brew had “just enough sweetness to keep it from bring crisp.”

According to the Erie County Fair Press Release - Vienna lagers were first introduced in the Austrian capital in the mid-19th century. The beer style is known for pairing well with chicken, pizza, barbeques and spicy dishes…a good match for all Fair foods!

Winning brewer Kevin DiTondo is a member of the Niagara Association of Home Brewers. He has been brewing since 2010 when he received a home brew kit as a Christmas gift. He is a multi-award winning home brewer. His recipe will be offered by Try-It Distributing in select places for purchase prior to the Erie County Fair this summer and during the Fair it will be available at the Fair's Beer Gardens.

The judging of home brewed beer is just one of the competitions held annually by the Erie County Fair. In 2018, over 12,500 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. 2018 entries will be accepted online beginning May 1st at www.ECFair.org.