Aug 5, 2025 - Food and Drink

Trying Sun King's State Fair Cotton Candy Ale

Justin L. Mack

Hand holding a wet can labeled "State Fair Cotton Candy" with a blue cotton candy image at an indoor event with people, artwork, and booths in the background. — Just get real cotton candy and beer and enjoy them separately. Photo: Arika Herro/Axios

I get it. A big part of the Indiana State Fair dining experience is consuming bold, unorthodox flavor combinations that push our palettes to the limit.

Why it matters: There is a limit, however. And the always daring Sun King Brewery may have blown right past it this summer.

Brew of the week: State Fair Cotton Candy Ale is a limited edition brew that doubles as the official beer of the 2025 Indiana State Fair.

It's billed as a celebration in a can that "balances the sweet summer flavors of blue cotton candy with crisp malt character."
4% ABV.
10 IBU.

My take: I taste blue. Not blue cotton candy, mind you. Just, blue.

The color of the beer — which is both captivating and eye-searing when poured into a pint glass — somehow comes alive in your mouth.
And it burns. Not in a brisk, refreshingly carbonated way. But more like chemicals are coating your tongue and redefining the very meaning of blue cotton candy with every sip.
As someone who adored the overwhelming pickle onslaught provided by last year's Sun King fair offering, I can admit that this one made me tap out halfway through.

How to try: You can pick up a can at the Indiana State Fair or your favorite Sun King location.

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Trying Sun King's State Fair Cotton Candy Ale

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