Big Ditch to Release Lock IPA Series #3: 363, Fresh Deep Cut Cans

Following in the footsteps of Packet and FIP, the third installment of Big Ditch Brewing’s Lock IPA Series, 363, will be released January 13 (12pm). Named for the number of miles the Erie Canal stretched when originally constructed by hand in the early 1800’s, 363 features notes of tropical fruit, mango, and pineapple thanks to Azacca, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Zeus hops, which add loads of dank, citrusy hop aroma and flavor. 363 will be sold in 4-packs of 16oz. cans for $13.99. A fresh batch of Deep Cut Double IPA cans will also be for sale (16oz. cans for $14.99).

Battle the Cold with 42 North’s New Spiced Stout and Scotch Ale

42 North Brewing are doing their part to help us battle the extreme cold with the release of Good in the Snow Spiced Stout, a collaboration with Brooklyn’s Kings County Brewing Collective, and Ben Nevis Scotch Ale. The former, on tap now, features cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate aromas with Ancho and Pasilla chilies that add raisin/plum flavors backed by some heat. Ben Nevis, to be tapped on January 20 (12pm), is named after the highest mountain in the British Isles located in Scotland. Expect flavors of caramel, honey, toast and some dark fruit notes. Both are available for growler/crowler fills.

New York Beer Project to Tap Perennial Favorite

New York Beer Project’s Red Velvet Cake Ale, their annual favorite that sold out in four days last year, will return to taps on January 11 (5pm). As a result, NYBP scaled this year’s batch to 15bbls, though they stress it still won’t be around for very long. This Belgian Specialty Ale features caramel and vanilla on the nose and a light toffee and caramel sweetness with notes of milk chocolate and a tinge of pepper and vanilla to round out the flavor profile. Don’t sleep on the Red Velvet Ale, because if you do, chances are you’ll miss out.

Southern Tier Brewing Launches New IPA Series

Southern Tier Brewing are launching a new IPA series, the Science in the Art Collection, with the first release being All Is Well at the Station, an unfiltered Double IPA. Clocking in at 80 IBUs and featuring Amarillo, Chinook, CTZ and Simcoe hops for big citrusy, stone fruit & earthy character with a dank edge, AIWATS is a remarkably drinkable double IPA as the malt bill leaves just enough residual sweetness to perfectly balance its hoppiness. Available for a limited time beginning January 8, this is the first of six very limited releases within the Science is the Art Collection.

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 (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague) and www.buffalobeerleague.com.