New York State Brewers Association’s 24 NYS Beers of Holiday Cheer
The New York State Brewers Association is once again putting together 24 beers from 24 New York breweries for the 24 NYS Beers of Holiday Cheer, a beer advent calendar. The special beer box features a variety of styles, ranging from stouts, IPAs, lagers, sours and more from breweries such as Wayland Brewing, Frequentem Brewing, Mortalis Brewing, Smoldered Society and more. In addition to the beer, you will receive a tasting notes guide, NYS Craft Beer sticker bundle and a Think NY, Drink NY koozie. The beer box costs $149 and can be ordered online.
Lighting of Fireplace, Beer & Cider Release at Hamburg Brewing
Hamburg Brewing will hold the annual lighting of the fireplace in their taproom on Nov. 19 (7 pm). There will be live music from Sue Kincaid & Doug Yeomans starting at 7 pm and Frosty the IPA will make its return to the brewery. “Your official kickoff to cozy season is here!” the brewery said. “Grab your flannel, bring your crew, and let’s make memories by the crackling fire that’ll warm you all winter long.” The event is free and open to the public.
Wayland Brewing To Take Over Lille Belle Taproom in Lancaster
Wayland Brewing has announced plans to expand its empire with a third taproom. The brewery is teaming up with Buffalo Bros Burgers to take over the Lilly Belle Meads taproom in Lancaster, which will close later this year. The 2,400 sq. ft. space will operate as a traditional taproom with 16 taps and a food menu similar to Buffalo Bros’ location in the Village of Hamburg, featuring smashburgers, chicken sandwiches, and more. The site features seating for about 40 inside and another 30 outside, with plans to add another 30 seats inside next year. They plan to be open next spring. Lilly Belle will close their taproom on December 20 and will move all mead production to West Seneca at Rusty Nickel.
42 North Brewing Announces Barrel Jam VI
42 North Brewing will host the sixth annual Barrel Jam on Saturday, Jan. 24, an event that celebrates the art of barrel-aging beers with live music and winter sports. Participating breweries, which will be announced in the coming weeks, will each bring their best barrel aged wares to sample and will set up all around the 42 North campus in East Aurora, both inside and out, as well as in the 42 Below Barrel House. The event also includes a Rail Jam ski/snowboard competition, craft vendors, live music, food and more.
Buffalo On Tap Returns In February 2026
The 2026 edition of Buffalo on Tap will return to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on Feb. 7, 2026. A participating brewery list will be announced soon. The event will also feature live music, craft vendors and food. VIP tickets (12-4 pm, $63, including taxes and fees) include 4 hours of craft beer sampling, access to VIP area with exclusive beer, souvenir sampling glass and more, and General Admission tickets (1 – 4 pm, 5:30 – 8:30 pm, $43, including taxes and fees) include 3 hours of craft beer sampling and souvenir sampling glass. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Hofbrauhaus Welcomes Back Winterzwickel
Hofbrauhaus Buffalo will tap their Winterzwickel, a 5.5% dark beer specially brewed for the winter season with hints of caramel, toasted bread, plum, raisin and chocolate, on Dec. 6 (6pm). The barrel tapping and traditional parade will be led by Men’s Stein Holding Champion, James, and will feature live music from Die Haus Band. Winterzwickel pairs well with Schweinebraten, Jägerschnitzel, and Käsekuchen, according to the brewery. For reservations, visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com, or call (716) 939-2337.
Beer Kind Brewing To Close In December, Announce Beer Sales
Beer Kind Brewing has announced plans to close during the month of December as owners Alex and Jen Buckley prepare to welcome a new addition to their family. “As we prepare for this exciting new chapter, we’ll be taking a break from brewing and closing the taproom in December to spend time together as a family,” they said. They will resume normal operations after the New Year.
The brewery is running numerous sales on their beer. On Nov. 8 and 15, all growler fills will be $10–$12 and 4-packs of cans will be $15 all November.
You can also take part in the Secret Santa 4 Pack Presale, which runs Nov. 1 – 15, and includes four “festive” beers, each of which is wrapped for you to peel and reveal what Beer Kind Santa brewed for you, including exclusive brews not available on tap. There are limited quantities for $22.99 (price will increase following pre-sale). You can order yours 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 X (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).
