Third Annual KBC – Kegs, Barrels, and Crafts at 500 Pearl
On April 7 (12-3p), the third annual KBC – Kegs, Barrels, and Crafts, a beer, wine and whiskey event featuring more than 50 vendors from Western New York, will take place at 500 Pearl. In addition to craft beer wine, KBC offers samplings of spirits, wine, cider, seltzers, canned cocktails and more. There will also be small business vendors stationed throughout the event and food options available for purchase from featured vendors. The official KBC after party will be hosted at Patrick’s Rooftop. Tickets can be purchased here. Don’t want to drive? The Aloft Hotel is running a room special for a special rate of $99.
97 Rock Home Show Happy Hour Returns to Buffalo Home Show
Not only is the Buffalo Home Show returning to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center this year (Mar. 8-10, 15-17), so too is The 97 Rock Home Show Happy Hour. The event, hosted by Tom Ragan from Shredd & Ragan In The Morning, features craft beer from Big Ditch Brewing (Hayburner, No Punts Intended) and Hamburg Brewing (Irish Red, Blueberry Peach Cider), cider, wine, games, trivia and a special building contest, each Friday night (5-7pm), free for all attendees 21 and over. There will be craft beer tastings from local breweries, as well as Clarksburg Cider and Merritt Winery, Cabot Cheese samples and more. You can save $2 by buying tickets in advance online. Free admission for children ages 5 & under.
First Anniversary Party at RationAles in Williamsville
Williamsville’s RationAles is celebrating their first year in business with a party on Mar. 1 (5pm). The special event will feature craft beer samples from Big Ditch Brewing, Ellicottville Brewing, and Resurgence Brewing (5-7pm), live music by Kevin McCarthy (6-10pm), tequila samples from Mi Campo (7pm), food specials from Maizal Mexican Kitchen, beer specials ($1 off select beers), special event cocktail (Mi-Garitas featuring Mi Campo Tequila), and more. The event is free to attend but you are encouraged to RSVP on Facebook.
Pearl Street Brewery, Riverworks Brewing Drop New Hazy IPA
The Pearl Street family of breweries has dropped a new hazy IPA, Charging the Storm, which is available at both Pearl Street and Riverworks. This 8% IPA, brewed with Idaho 7 and dry-hopped with Riwaka and Nelson, features a big smooth tropical fruit bouquet with a full bodied smooth finish. Charging the Storm is available in 16oz. cans at both Pearl Street and Riverworks and is also on draft at the latter. It is available now.
Engagement Party for Community Beer Works, Thin Man Brewery
After the news that Community Beer Works is acquiring Thin Man Brewery, they are making it official with an engagement party on Mar. 2 (12pm) at 520 Seventh St. The special day will feature a dock sale at noon with cans, kegs and merchandise, an exclusive beer release (The Whale/Peanut Butter Jenkins Imperial Stout cuvee), games, giveaways, music, and more beer. CBW will acquire all of the assets of Thin Man, pending approval, including brand rights, recipes, distribution rights, and capital assets at 166 Chandler Street. CBW is set to continue brewing, marketing, and distributing both CBW and Thin Man catalog of beers.
Windy Brew Set to Celebrate 7th Anniversary
Windy Brew is celebrating seven years in Strykersville and is celebrating on Mar. 2 (5pm). The party will feature live music from Rob Koepf, beers from the past on tap, and beer and food specials all day long. Windy Brew offers a variety of beers from light ales and seasonal brews to IPAs and stouts. They are also home to the Windy Brew Custom Brew Center, Western New York’s only custom “make your own beer” center, where customers can get the total experience of learning about the brewing process without having to buy the equipment.
Happy Sherpa Travel Booking for First Buffalo Beer Experience
Experience a lot of what our local craft beer and spirits scene has to offer with Happy Sherpa Travel Co. and their first ever Buffalo Beer Experience. The tour runs Apr. 12-14 and features two nights at the Richardson Hotel, and visits to Autark, Wayland Brewing, Gene McCarthy’s, Resurgence Brewing, Hartman’s Distilling, Hofbrauhaus Buffalo, and Big Ditch Brewing. You can meet the brewers and distillers themselves, tour the facilities and drink some of the best liquid in our own backyard. The Buffalo Beer Experience is $450 per person (based on double occupancy, $200 for singles) and includes hotel, coach, tours and tastings. You can book your spot on the Buffalo Beer Experience here.
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 (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).
