Buffalo Beer Buzz: Spotted Octopus Rochester & Big Ditch Lockport Open, Genny Ruby Red Kolsch Returns, Tree Tap Maple Fest, Hammer & Ales, Magic Bear x OSB, New STBC Beers

Spotted Octopus Brewing to Open in Rochester on March 22

Spotted Octopus Brewing will officially open their doors at 56 South Union Street in downtown Rochester, inside the former Roc Brewing, on March 22. The new space offers a full kitchen, New York state wine, spirits and cocktails, seating for 100 patrons inside and 30 more outside and a private events space. The opening lineup of beers includes Art Deco White IPA, Paxton’s Pale, Just a Beer, Call the Kraken, Rumplestoutskin” Oatmeal Stout, Chase the Snakes Red Ale, a collaboration with Brazen Brewing, and Hef the Dark Dragon, a collab with Swiftwater Brewing. They also offer a hard seltzer in multiple flavors. Hours are Monday and Thursday, 11am – 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 11am – 11pm and Sunday, 11am – 6pm.

Genesee Ruby Red Kolsch Returns for the Season

In what can only be viewed as the official change of seasons in Western New York, Genesee Brewing’s annual summer staple Rudy Red Kolsch is back for 2025. You’ll still be able to find the grapefruit kolsch in traditional 12oz. can 12-packs, as well as 24oz. cans. Ruby Red Kolsch is a bright golden ale with tart grapefruit flavors, bready malt body and mild hop bitterness. Genesee Brew House Brewmaster Dean Jones created this summer brew for its German heritage and fun taste profile. Look for Ruby Red Kolsch wherever great craft beer is sold.

42 North Celebrates Maple Season With Tree Tap Maple Fest

On March 22 (12-4pm), 42 North Brewing is teaming up with the Erie County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department for Tree Tap Maple Fest, which includes guided tours, demonstrations of the maple production process and much more. The festival will featuring craft beer from 42 North (including a special NYS Maple Porter produced with maple syrup from the Erie County forest), Ranger-guided tours, special maple dishes from Fat Bob’s Smokehouse & Food Truck, live music from Kody & Herren, maple-flavored goods from Blue Eyed Baker & more. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the Erie County Forestry Bureau’s “Sugar Shack” in East Concord.

Big Ditch Brewing Lockport Taproom & Brewery Opens

Big Ditch Brewing’s Lockport Tap Room and Brewery, located at the Historic Post Office (1 East Avenue), is officially opened for business. The taproom offers seating for 250 guests and multiple bars across two levels, main dining area, outdoor covered patio, private event space, small brewery, full kitchen, beer to go, merch area and more. They have a number of new beers, including The Escarpment NY Pilsner, Lockport Extra Special ESB, Hoodledasher Hazy IPA, Carrot Cake Winter Ale, White Water and Rocket Mule Imperial IPA. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4-10pm, Friday, 11am-11pm, Saturday, 12-11pm and Sunday, 12-8pm.

Southern Tier Brewing Releases Trio of New Beers

Southern Tier has once again partnered with Perry’s Ice Cream to create their newest flavor – Cherry Pie Imperial Ale. The 8.6% imperial ale offers notes of tart cherries, sweet vanilla, and biscuit with a smooth finish. Cherry Imperial Ale is available on tap now at all Southern Tier taprooms and will be available wherever great craft beer is sold soon.

The brewery has also added Caramel Cookie Bar to their Blackwater Imperial Stout series. This 10% heavy hitter, inspired by the famous candy bar, features notes of sweet cookie, rich milk chocolate and caramel. Caramel Cookie Bar is available at all Southern Tier taprooms, as well as wherever great craft beer is sold.

Finally, just in time for warmer weather to arrive, Southern Tier is releasing Early Bird, a sweet and tart Blueberry Lemonade Ale that clocks in 4.5% with blackberry and tart lemonade, light notes of sweet malt and Willamette and Centennial hops. Look for Early Bird at all Southern Tier taprooms, as well as wherever great craft beer is sold.

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo’s Hammer & Ales at Barrel Factory

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo’s annual Hammer & Ales fundraiser returns to the Barrel Factory on March 20 (5:30pm) and will feature food & drink tastings of local craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages, silent auctions, games, and more. The event is flannel-themed, so wear your best flannel out for the night. The event is part of Habitat’s The House Beer Built campaign, a yearly fundraiser that sees the organization partner with regional breweries, distilleries, and restaurants to raise money to build or renovate a new home. Tickets for the event ($45) include admission and tastings. Tickets can be purchased here.

Magic Bear Teams With OSB Ciderworks on New Collab

Magic Bear Beer Cellar’s latest collaboration brew is with OSB Ciderworks – GrAppling With a Bear, a grape apple crisp cider with cinnamon, will be released on March 20 (5-7pm). In addition to the collaboration, Elise from OSB, and possibly the cideries’ mascot, Sir Glennister, will be on hand for the release sampling a selection of OSB’s other brews. There will also be food available from Brisket Love BBQ, including their pork belly cinnamon rolls. There will be trivia following the release at 7pm.

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, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).