SATO Brewpub Announces Plans to Close  

SATO Brewpub, located on Pearl Street, will officially close on May 7, owners Josh & Satomi Smith announced. “Being a small family-owned business in these current conditions we believe this is the move we need to make in order to continue to be able to bring our Japanese food and drinks to Buffalo,” they said in a statement. “We truly appreciate all of the staff who have helped us over the years. Together we brought a new experience to the area, authentic Japanese food, and unique craft beers.” SATO on Elmwood and Sato Ramen on Main St. will remain open.

Resurgence Brewing Launches New Rewards Program

Resurgence Brewing has launched a new rewards program, Resurgence Rewards. For every $1 you spend in the taproom on beer, food, merchandise or cocktails, you earn points, which can be used towards freebies, as well as discounts on beer, merchandise and more. You will receive a free pint of beer at the brewery when you sign up here.

Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing Releases New Barrel Aged Stout

Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing have released their latest barrel aged creation, Devil’s Tiramisu, a whiskey barrel aged sweet stout with notes of vanilla, chocolate and coffee, aged in a mix of rye whiskey and bourbon barrels. Devil’s Tiramisu is available by the bottle for on-site consumption at Five & 20’s taproom in Westfield, in 6-pack 12oz. bottles to-go and on draft.

Hofbrauhaus to Tap New Maibock for Spring

Join Hofbrauhaus Buffalo for a keg tapping of their Maibock on May 4 (7pm). The new beer presents aromas of wildflower honey and sweet malt with strong malt notes, a smooth finish and a touch of hop acidity. According to the brewery, Maibock pairs best with the Riesen Oktoberfest Brezen, Schweinbraten, Nurnberger Rostbratwurst and Kasekuche. Sleep in Heavenly Peace will serve as keg tappers and all guests 21 years and older will receive a complimentary Maibock pour. There will also be a steinholding competition at 7:30pm. For reservations, visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

Community Beer Works to Release Sponge Candy Whale

On May 6, Community Beer Works will release Sponge Candy Whale, the latest variant of their award-winning brown ale. The new beer features layers of distinctive English malts with a touch of hops to create flavors and aromas of coffee, chocolate and toasted grains and is brewed with more roasted malt, caramel malts and was then aged on chocolate, natural vanilla, and toffee. Sponge Candy Whale will be available on draft and in 6-pack 12oz cans to go. Preorders are live now at www.communitybeerworks.com.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at These Breweries

Come this Cinco de Mayo, May 5, you don’t have to drink alone. New York Beer Project will have Mexican food specials, fiesta margarita flights and three beer releases, including Cerveza Mexican Lager with Lime, Supernatural Vitamin T (passionfruit sour aged in Tequila barrels) and Tequila BA Cerveza. Belt Line Kitchen & Brewery will release their Olé Grail Mexican Lager, along with Mexican Street Corn, $10 chicken quesadillas and $5 margaritas, in addition to other food specials. Windy Brew will debut their Habanero Lime Cream Ale and welcome back their taco pizza and 42 North Brewing will celebrate with craft-cocktails, micheladas, tacos from Fat Bob’s and music from Son BoriKua.

Fattey Beer Co. to Expand With Three New Locations

Fattey Beer Co. continues to grow, this time with the announcement of three new locations in Cleveland, Rochester and Kenmore. Fattey Beer Kenmore will be located in the Village of Kenmore on Delaware Avenue, Fattey Beer Ohio will be located in the Columbus suburb of Westerville and Fattey Beer Rochester will be near the new Strong Museum of Play Neighborhood in Rochester. Fattey Beer currently has locations in Buffalo, Ellicottville, Hamburg, Orchard Park and the Wurlitzer Building in North Tonawanda.

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).