Spotted Octopus Moving to 500 Seneca Street

Spotted Octopus Brewing has announced plans to relocate from 41 Edward Street to 500 Seneca Street, the former Dobutsu and Compass Run. The new location will have more space, a full restaurant, a bigger outdoor patio, and parking. “We are thrilled to be relocating to a larger venue that will allow us to enhance our offerings and create a welcoming environment for everyone,” said Domenic Nicotera, co-owner of Spotted Octopus. “Our customers can look forward to enjoying their favorite brews along with an upgraded dining experience.” The new taproom is expected to open in early August 2026. Before they make the move, the brewery is saying goodbye to their current home and needs help drinking the bar dry on July 3-5.

William Mattar Offering Free Uber Vouchers for Fourth of July

William Mattar Accident Lawyers is once again helping Western New Yorkers get home safe with their Safe Ride Home 4 the 4th of July program. The initiative provides eligible participants with a $20 rideshare discount voucher to help them get home safely after their celebrations. Vouchers may be used between 12 pm on July 4 and 2 am on July 5. You can register at WilliamMattar.com now through 12 pm on July 1, or until all vouchers have been claimed. For complete program details and registration information, visit WilliamMattar.com.

Big Ditch’s Deep Cut Double IPA Returns

Big Ditch Brewing’s award-winning Double IPA, Deep Cut, will make a return this Friday, June 26. The 8.2% DIPA features dank hops, citrus, orange and tropical fruit. “The final obstacle in constructing the Erie Canal was leveling a 7 mile section of the canal 40 feet deep – by hand – between the Flight of Five in Lockport and Lake Erie. Our Deep Cut Double IPA is equally ambitious. It’s layered with citrus, tropical punch, and wild berry flavor, with moderate bitterness and a dry finish. Hopheads will truly appreciate this 8.2% ABV beer,” Big Ditch says. Deep Cut will be available in cans ($14.90 per 4-packs 16oz. cans) and on draft at both Big Ditch locations (Buffalo, Lockport).

Resurgence Brewing Releases Mojito Ale

Resurgence Brewing is putting a new spin on a classic summer cocktail, the Mojito, blending cucumber and mint for a light-bodied and easy-drinking beer, Mojito Ale. “Perfect for relaxing sunny days and vibrant patio nights alike, this cocktail-inspired ale is a unique new summer drink you won’t want to miss!” the brewery says of the new beer. Mojito Ale is on tap and available in cans at Resurgence’s Chicago Street taproom now.

Erie County Fair Homebrew, Cider Winners Announced

The Home Brew and Hard Cider Best of Show winners of the Erie County Fair Home Brew and Cider competitions have been selected. For the second straight year, the Best in Show Cider comes from Chuck Privitera of Eden. Privitera also won for Most Creative Cider at this year’s competition. It will be produced by Blackbird Cider Works. The Best in Show Beer comes from West Seneca’s James Krell for his Red IPA. It will be brewed and released by Hamburg Brewing. Both the winning beer and cider will be available on draft throughout the fair, as well as in cans at Hamburg Brewing and BlackBird Cider Works. Stay tuned for more details.

 

Southern Tier Rolls Out New Beers For NHL Draft

With the 2026 NHL Draft coming to town this weekend, just steps from Southern Tier Brewing Buffalo, the brewery is rolling out a pair of new hockey-themed beers – Pineapple Powerplay, a tart 4.5% tropical fruit sour with notes of pineapple and citrus, and River Hockey Light Lager, a 4.2% American light lager that’s crisp, clean, smooth and refreshing. Both beers can be found at the brewery on tap. The NHL Draft takes place June 26-27 at KeyBank Center.

Wayland Brewing Lancaster to Hold Special Preview

If you have been patiently waiting for Wayland Brewing to open its new Lancaster location inside the former Lilly Belle Meads, this weekend is your chance. The brewery is hosting a special sneak peek at the outside of the space on June 26 (4-10 pm) and June 27 (1-11 pm) with can pours available from Wayland and food from Buffalo Burger Bros. The event is free and open to the public. Lilly Belle Mead vacated the space last year after partnering with Rusty Nickel Brewing. 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 with smashburgers, chicken sandwiches and more.

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).