Beer of the Year
2026 Winner
Tall Dog Pale Ale
Crowned the Western Idaho Fair's 2026 Beer of the Year, Tall Dog Lager is the creation of homebrewer Tyson Sather, who named the beer after his own dog. Brewed commercially with Sockeye Brewing, it delivers a clean, easy-drinking experience with a light malt sweetness and a smooth, refreshing finish, modeled after the balanced, approachable character of a classic Danish-style beer. It's the perfect companion for sunny days, mountain views, and summer fun at the Fair.
About Beer of the Year
Sockeye Brewing and Western Idaho Fair partner each year to take the Best in Show recipe from the annual Western Idaho Fair Homebrewing Competition and brew it commercially for the Fair. The winning homebrewer collaborates with Sockeye’s brewers to scale the recipe — so the beer you’re drinking at the Fair started in someone’s garage.
Last Year's Winner
Cannon Ball Pale Ale
The 2025 crown went to Cannon Ball Pale Ale — homebrewer Bart Schaefer's citrusy, hop-forward pale ale, brought to life by Sockeye Brewing.