Flying Bison to Debut Special Crossover Power Ale
Flying Bison is set to release Crossover Power Ale, the latest in their aviation-themed brews (I.E. Aviator Red, HERC C-130 Barleywine, Blackbird Oatmeal Stout), a 7% ABV robust brown ale with coffee beans added post-fermentation, on Saturday, February 11 (1pm). The new small batch offering is the first from the newest Flying Bison crew member Ian McLennan, who came to the brewery through ECC’s new Brewmaster Certification Program after years of service in the United States Air Force. Flying Bison is inviting all active-duty and retired USAF personnel to enjoy discounted pints for the occasion, their way of saying cheers to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station on their refueling mission with new KC-135 tanker planes. All proceeds from the Crossover Power Ale will go to Hospice Buffalo.
42 North Puts the Nitro in Asylum For New Can Release
42 North Brewing will unleash a limited batch of Nitro Asylum Porter (6.8% ABV), which was produced by adding a drop of liquid nitrogen during the canning process, in 4-packs of 16oz cans on Wednesday, Feb. 8th in the taproom for $12.99. “After purchasing, please pour vigorously into the proper pub glass to ensure adequate nitro cascading!” the brewery proclaims. “There are only a few cases of these, so we expect them to sell rather quickly.” The beer will be released just in time for the first annual Brewski on Feb. 18 (12-3pm) at Knox State Park, a two-mile cross country ski while drinking 42 North beers. Immediately following, the brewery will unveil their Five Cows Farm Maple Porter. To pre-register, log onto to www.thinkrink.org.
Indulge in Belgian Beers and Chocolates at Pizza Plant
Pizza Plant’s Chocolate and Belgian Beer Fest, an annual February tradition, returns for an eighth year on Feb. 8 (7-10pm) at the Plant’s Transit Road location. The annual event pairs decadent chocolates from Chow Chocolat with equally decadent beers from the likes of Ommegang and Duvel (and maybe some stuffed pizza and a pod as well?). Additionally this year, the event will double as a fundraiser for the Queen City Roller Girls, who will be on hand for a special 50/50 raffle in order to raise money for their team. For more information, email beertasting@pizzaplant.com or visit www.pizzaplant.com.
Tickets On Sale For Second Annual Thawfest
Although we [thankfully] haven’t had much to thaw out from thus far this winter season, at least we have something to look forward to in spring as tickets for the second annual Thawfest are now on sale. The celebration of all things local, which includes breweries, wineries and distilleries, takes place at Buffalo Riverworks on April 8 at 6:30pm. There will be over 50 local breweries, distilleries and vineyards to sample from (with more being added every day), while Kurt and The Loders provide live music. A wider selection of rare and limited beers, as well as more food, will be available in the VIP section. Tickets can be had at www.thawfest.com (General Admission – $39, VIP – $59).
Brian Campbell is a co-founder/Brand Manager of the BNBA’s enthusiast arm, Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at buffalobeerleague@aol.com, on Twitter at @buffbeerleague, on Instagram at @buffalobeerleague and on Facebook at @thebuffalobeerleague.
