Latest Buffalo Beer Buzz:

Pressure Drop, Ellicottville Brewing Announce New Partnership

After closing their Elmwood Avenue taproom, along with their brew house at the Barrel Factory in the Old First Ward, Pressure Drop Brewing has entered into a new partnership with Ellicottville Brewing. According to EBC’s Head of Brewery Operations Dan Minner, both breweries have been working on recipe formulation and procuring ingredients Pressure Drop was using in the Old First Ward. They also sourced different grains, brought in new yeast strains, and altered operating procedures “to be faithful to Pressure Drop’s process.” As a result of the partnership, Pressure Drop beers will continue to be available at select retailers throughout Western New York.

Mortalis Brewing Buffalo First Anniversary Party

Mortalis Brewing Buffalo is turning one and are celebrating that fact on Oct. 5. The event will feature live music, specialty exclusive draft options including a selection of Mortalis barrel aged beers, specialty beer flights, and draft specials all day long. The event kicks off at 3pm and is free and open to the public. Mortalis Brewing Buffalo is located at 1250 Niagara St.

Breweries Announced for Third Annual Tap & Craft Festival

The third annual Tap & Craft Festival, coming to the Niagara Falls Convention Center on Oct. 5, will feature craft brews from more than 40 craft breweries, wineries and cideries, including Mortalis, Other Half, Trillium, Frequentem, Brewery Ardennes, Beer Tree, Prison City, BriarBrothers, Wild East, Blood Brothers, Eli Fish, Mystic Hills, Big Ditch, Resurgence, Community Beer Works and more. There will also be live music from The Far Trio, artisan market, food and more. Tickets are $35 and include admission, commemorative tasting glass and unlimited samples. VIP tickets include a special release from Mortalis Brewing, curated beverage selections and more. Purchase tickets at www.tapandcraft.com.

Woodcock Brothers Cocktoberfest Returns Oct. 5

This year’s Woodcock Brothers Brewing Cocktoberfest will be held at The Wurlitzer Building in North Tonawanda on Oct. 5. There will be authentic German food specials, live German music, the release of Woodcock’s Cocktoberfest Lager on draft and in 16oz. 4-pack cans, several other house beers and a few special seasonal beers on draft as well. Dress up in your finest Lederhosen or German garb for the event, which is free and open to the public. Cocktoberfest kicks off at 12pm.

Pizza Plant Presents Annual Tim’s Beer Show Tasting Event

Buffalo Beer Godfather Tim Herzog will once again host New York’s longest running beer event, Tim’s Beer Show, at Pizza Plant Transit on Oct. 16 (7pm). The curated tasting experience features Herzog hosting a unique journey through beer, from light to dark to extreme as you sample, discuss and learn about beer.  Tickets are $50 and include a tasting glass to keep, Pizza Plant breadsticks and 12 4oz. beer samples. Tickets can be purchased at Pizza Plant and at Eventbrite.

Big Ditch, YMCA Buffalo Niagara Team on Turkey Trot Beer

For the third straight year, Big Ditch Brewing has partnered with the YMCA on Turkey Trotter, a beer brewed to celebrate the annual Buffalo Turkey Trot race. Turkey Trotter is a blonde ale that features crackery malt and light, hoppy fruit notes. The beer will be available Oct. 3 on draft or to-go in 6-packs 12oz. cans at Big Ditch’s taproom and wherever great craft beer is sold. Turkey Trotter beer cans will also contain a QR code which can be scanned to register for the race. Registration for the YMCA Buffalo Turkey Trot is open and available at www.ymcaturkeytrot.org. New this year is a contest, “SIP, SIP, HOORAY! IT’S A TURKEY TROTTER GIVEAWAY,” which features six stickers attached to the underside of Turkey Trotter 6-pack rings. The winning 6-packs will be distributed throughout the Western New York area. Winning stickers will receive one free Turkey Trot entry. Full details can be found at www.bigditchbrewing.com/turkeytrottergiveaway.

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo to Release Festbier

Hofbrauhaus will tap their Festbier on Oct. 3 with a ceremonial keg tapping parade and live music from Hops & Schnapps at 6pm. All guests will receive a complimentary pour of the beer. Hofbrauhaus’ Festbier closely resembles the Americanized version of Oktoberfestbiers with notes of toasted bread, caramel and fruit, and, according to the brewery, pairs well with rich foot such as pork and sweet desserts likes apfel stuedel. For reservations, call (716) 939-BEER (2337) or visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

Cider Week New York 2024 Starts This Weekend

Cider Week New York takes place Oct. 5-13 and features tastings, tours and exclusive events throughout New York State at cideries, restaurants and bottle shops. Whether you’re looking for chef-curated cider pairings, orchard tours, cider festivals, or cider-based cocktails, there’s something for everyone during Cider Week New York. Visit www.ciderweeknewyork.com to view a full interactive calendar of events and updates. Cider Week New York has been celebrated for over 10 years and is produced by the New York Cider Association. 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).