Illumination Meadery to Close on Niagara Street

Illumination Meadery, who operate out of Mortalis Brewing’s taproom on Niagara Street, have announced plans to close, citing changes in the lives of the owners, rising costs and decreased consumer demand for craft beverages. “We are very thankful that Mortalis took a chance on us and accepted our partnership offer to share the space. We hope that we were able to teach people a little more about mead, and maybe we even made some new mead fans,” the meadery says. Their final sendoff will be at CollaBEERation Fest on April 5. They still have a few kegs on tap in the taproom, plus bottles and glassware to go.

Brickyard Brewing’s Stained Glass Vol. 1 Returns

Brickyard Brewing’s Stained Glass Vol. 1 Barrel Aged Belgian Quad has made a return, this time in 375ml. corked and caged bottles. The 8.8% was aged in a blend of rum and bourbon barrel and features notes of dark fruit like raisins, plums and dark cherries. Bottles of Stained Glass Vol. 1 are limited (only 8 cases), along with a few kegs for retail, and are available now at Brickyard’s Lewiston taproom, as well as select retailers around Western New York.

Old First Ward Breweries Announced 4 The Ward Collab

Four Old First Ward breweries – Resurgence Brewing, Briarbrothers Brewing, Old First Ward Brewing and Frequentem Brewing – have announced a new collab – 4 The Ward – which features each location brewing their own take on a pale ale to support the Old First Ward Community Center. Start at any brewery, order a pint of 4 The Ward, and receive a punch card. Visit the other breweries, collect punches, complete all four, turn in your card, and at the end of the promotion (now through St. Patrick’s weekend), each brewery will donate to the Old First Ward Community Center for each completed card.

Williamsville’s 12 Gates Brewing Company to Close

12 Gates Brewing Company in Williamsville has announced that they are closing their doors after 9 years. The brewery made the announcement via their social media that they are closing, effectively immediately. “From the very first brew to the countless pints shared, every moment has been special, and we couldn’t have made it this far without the incredible support of our loyal customers, staff, and the community. You’ve helped us craft more than just beer — you’ve helped us create memories that will last a lifetime,” the brewery says. 12 Gates first opened their doors in 2015. Their sister location, 12 Gates of EVL, closed last summer.

Hofbrauhaus to Hold March Marzen Tapping

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo is teaming up with the Witches of the Moonlight for their March Marzen barrel tapping on March 6 (6pm). Die Haus Band will perform, Witches of the Moonlight will host a parade and dance performance inspired by the Wolfshager Hexenbrut witches of Germany, and a barrel of Märzen will be tapped. The beer is a smooth and drinkable, amber-colored beer with a rich malty character and a hint of hops. Mention you’re dining for the witches and 10% of your pre-taxed bill will be donated to the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier. You can make reservations on OpenTable.

CollaBEERation Festival Announces First Collab Beers

CollaBEERation Festival, which takes place at the Powerhouse on Apr. 5, have announced the first round of collab beers that will be poured at the event. This includes Southern Tier Brewing Meet the Bockers Maibock, Pod City Beer Labs Bollywood Wit (Belgian-style witbier with traditional Indian spices), Eli Fish Brewing Mr. Pink’s F**k All That Gose (pink lemonade gose with pink Himalayan sea salt), Buffalo Olde I Remember Mama… Italian Pilsner and 42 North Brewing PeeWee’s Beer Adventure Dark Lager (aged in Tequila barrels). The event brings together members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with more than 50+ participating Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies. Tickets can be purchased here.

Buffalo Home Show Returns With New Happy Hours

The Buffalo Home Show returns to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on March 7-9 and 14-16 and features two floors with over 300 exhibitors. Each Friday night will play host to a different Happy Hour – WBLK Home Show Happy Hour with Ed Nice (March 7, 5-7pm), including beer samplings from Labatt, food from Cabot Cheese and contests, and the WYRK Home Show Happy Hour with Clay Moden (March 14, 5-7pm), with beer samplings from Labatt, food from Cabot Cheese and ticket giveaways for the sold-out Taste of Country concert. Tickets can be purchased here – use code BEER to receive $4 off.

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the 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 brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).