Three Epic Beer Releases This Week: Core Strategy, Cotton Candy & Oktoberfest
We're closing out July with a triple release you won't want to miss. The official beers of Gen Con and the Indiana State Fair, plus the return of Oktoberfest are here this week.
We’re wrapping up July and diving into August with three brand-new beer releases (OK two that are brand new and one that’s a seasonal), each one crafted to mark a special occasion like gearing up for the con, hitting the fairgrounds or just dreaming of fall.
Core Strategy – The Official Beer of Gen Con 2025
Available Now! | Apple Cyzer
With more than 2,500 fan votes, Core Strategy has been named the official beer of Gen Con 2025. It’s ready to fuel your most legendary adventures.
Forged for heroes and brewed for legends, this crisp and sessionable Apple Cyzer is ideal for your longest campaigns and mightiest quests.
Join us at the Gen Con Block Party.
Keep an eye out for limited-edition collector cans. There are four designs to catch!
State Fair Cotton Candy Ale – The Official Beer of the Indiana State Fair
Available Friday, August 1 | Ale with Cotton Candy Flavor
A taste of the fair midway in a can! Our Cotton Candy Ale is brewed to celebrate the Indiana State Fair and all its tasty traditions.
From Lobster Mac & Cheese to Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Fries and Cinnamon Toast Cookie Butter Pretzel Bites (yes, those are all real and all amazing), Sun King Cotton Candy is sweet, nostalgic and pairs perfectly with your favorite fair food.
Just in time for the Fair’s opening day Friday, August 1!
Oktoberfest – Our Seasonal Classic Returns
Available Friday, August 1 | German-Style Märzen Lager
Yes, we know it’s still July (technically), but trust us, Oktoberfest season starts now.
Crafted with choice malts and Noble hops, this traditional Märzen-style lager features a toasty malt complexity and a crisp, dry finish that’ll have you dreaming of cooler weather and stein clinks.
Prost to early fall vibes. It’s officially Oktoberfest time at Sun King.
Where to Find These Beers
Availability may vary by location, so check with your local Sun King Taproom for release day tapping details and packaged beer.
Sun King Wins top honors at 2025 Indiana brewer’s cup
Sun King Brewing swept the 2025 Indiana Brewers Cup for the second year in a row, winning Brewery of the Year and Grand Champion Brewery of the Year—plus 11 individual beer medals across multiple styles. See the full list of award-winning brews and highlights from this epic event.
Raise a pint in celebration with us!
Sun King Brewing has once again claimed top honors at the 2025 Indiana Brewers Cup, taking home both Brewery of the Year and Grand Champion Brewery of the Year for the second year in a row! We also took home top honors in 2013 and 2022.
Held Saturday, July 12 at the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, this year’s event featured more than 1,300 professional and homebrew entries. Brewers from across Indiana and beyond came together to showcase their craft. Our team had a blast sampling brews, catching up with industry friends, and cheering on all the talented entrants.
Sun King brought home a total of 11 medals, spanning a wide range of styles from traditional European lagers to experimental specialties. We’re especially proud that Pachanga, our German Leichtbier, earned 1st place in its category and 2nd Best of Show overall!
Check out the breakdown of our winning brews below:
🏅 Pale European Beer
1st Place – Pachanga (German Leichtbier) Indianapolis
🏅 Amber European Beer
3rd Place – Howl & Hide (International Amber Lager) Fishers
🏅 Belgian Strong Ale
1st Place – Triptonic (Belgian Golden Strong Ale) Fishers
🏅 European Sour Ale
2nd Place – Stupid Sexy Flanders (Flanders Red Ale) Indianapolis
🏅 Wood-Aged Beer
1st Place – Diddy Muckle (Specialty Wood-Aged Beer) Indianapolis
3rd Place – Cognac Muckle (Specialty Wood-Aged Beer) Fishers
🏅 American Wild Ale
2nd Place – Razzleblaster Busey (Wild Specialty Beer) Fishers
3rd Place – Free Range Farmhouse (Brett Beer) Indianapolis
🏅 Specialty Beer
1st Place – Soul Shakedown Party (Experimental Beer) Indianapolis
2nd Place – Amalfi (Experimental Beer) Indianapolis
🏅 Best of Show
2nd Place – Pachanga (German Leichtbier)
This incredible showing wouldn’t be possible without the passion, creativity and tireless work of our brewing team. Thank you for continuing to push boundaries and brew beer that people love.
And thank you to the organizers, judges and fellow brewers who make the Indiana Brewers Cup one of the premier competitions in the Midwest.
Here’s to another year of brewing excellence. Cheers from all of us at Sun King!