Lilly Belle Meads, Magic Bear Beer Cellar Collab Release
Lilly Belle and Magic Bear have once again teamed up on a new mead – Melon Magic, a Traditional Honey Mead with Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honeydew & a pinch of salt, which will be released at Magic Bear July 26 (5pm). Lilly Belle will also be sampling a number of their other meads for the release. The two first teamed up last year on a special mead – BEARy Peach Sangria, a white peach sangria style mead with apricot, pear, strawberry, and blueberry, with a hint of mint.
Big Ditch to Release New Sour This Weekend
Big Ditch Brewing will release Funhouse Mirrors, a 6.3% peanut butter and blackberry jam sour, on July 26. This pastry sour ale features roasty peanut butter and jammy blackberry notes, brewed “to evoke the joy you feel walking the fairgrounds, deciding which crazy food to eat or which insane ride to get on next.” Funhouse Mirrors will be available on tap and in 4-pack 16oz. cans this Friday at Big Ditch’s taproom. The beer will then see some limited distribution beginning next week.
Tickets Available for Wingfest VIP Craft Beer Fundraiser
Tickets to the Wingfest VIP Craft Beer Fundraiser on Saturday, August 31 at Highmark Stadium are on sale now. Tickets include all day admission to the Wingfest (12-9pm), access to the Buffalo Bills field, $15 in wing/food tickets, craft beer tastings, souvenir plate and tasting cup, free bottle Dan-O’s Spicy Seasoning, TUMS Wingfest Survival Kit and a charitable donation to Mafia Babes Charities and Hope Rises which supports pediatric cancer initiatives. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here. Parking for the Wingfest is free.
Buffalo Spree Best of WNY 2024 Winners
Congratulations to all of the winners of Buffalo Spree’s Best of WNY 2024! Resurgence Brewing and Big Ditch Brewing tied for Best Brewery, Fattey Beer won for Best Beer Selection, Johnson’s Landing and Wayland Brewing tied for Best New Building, Britesmith Brewing and Hamburg Brewing tied for Best Patio, Southern Tier Brewing Buffalo won Best Spot to Watch the Game and Griffon Brewing won for Best View for Dining. Cheers to all – this is your sign you should pay a visit to these fine establishments soon. You can see all of the winners here.
12 Gates Closes Ellicottville Location, 12 Gates of EVL
Williamsville’s 12 Gates Brewing has closed their Ellicottville location, 12 Gates of EVL (14 Washington St.). In a statement posted to social media, 12 Gates said that they will not be renewing the lease. They add that any unused 12 Gates of EVL gift cards will be honored at their Williamsville taproom. “Effective immediately, 12 Gates of EVL will not be renewing the lease and is closing its doors. We thank you for two years of incredible memories and support. Please visit us at our Williamsville taproom for the same great brews and some friendly faces.” 12 Gates of EVL opened in November 2022.
Consumer’s Beverages Ballpark Brewbash Not Happening
Consumer’s Beverages has announced their Ballpark Brewbash, their annual beer festival at Sahlen Field, will not take place this year. They made the announcement on social media saying, “Due to scheduling conflicts, the 2024 Ballpark Brewbash will not happen this year. We hope to see you soon.” The unique beer festival takes place all around the home of the Buffalo Bisons, from down on the field to the concourse and concession area, and features more than 50 breweries, including some from across the globe, local favorites and New York institutions.
Resurgence to the Rescue Beer Can Release Party
Buffalo’s top dog and coolest cat will be celebrated at the annual Resurgence to the Rescue pet-friendly beer can release party on July 28 (12pm) at Resurgence Brewing. Top dog K9 Eci and cat Tarzan, winners of this year’s Resurgence to the Rescue Pet Photo Contest, are featured on the Resurgence summer beer cans. The release party will feature adoptable dogs and cats from Ten Lives Club and City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, pet photos, food, a basket raffle, vendors and more. Proceeds from the event will go towards saving cats and dogs.
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).
