Craft Beer Fundraiser Returns to National Wing Festival

The National Buffalo Wing Festival, August 29-30 at Sahlen Field, will once again play host to Craft Beer Fundraiser with tastings from Big Ditch, Resurgence, Community Beer Works, Thin Man, Hamburg Brewing, Flying Bison, Ellicottville Brewing, Southern Tier, 42 North Brewing and more. Tickets are $68 and include festival admission and tastings (Saturday 2-6 pm or Saturday, 1-5 pm). Tickets also include $15 in wing/food tickets, a souvenir cup and donations to Mafia Babes Charities and Hope Rises, which supports pediatric cancer initiatives. The tastings are held at the Pub at the Park located at Sahlen Field. You can purchase tickets at https://buffalowing.com.

Genesee Country Village & Museum’s Hop Harvest Festival

Genesee Country Village & Museum will host the Hop Harvest Festival on Sept. 5, an event that allows guests to experience the journey of hops from the bine to your glass. Festivalgoers will be able to join GCVVM’s costumed historical interpreters for hands-on hop harvesting out in the Hop Yard, tour the only working 19th-century brewery in the U.S., sip on historical craft beers, enjoy German food and dance and more. The event is free for museum members. Tickets are $24 and can be purchased here. Tickets can also be purchased day-of for an additional $1.

Seneca Sips Beer & Wine Festival Returns Sept. 12

Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino’s Seneca Sips Beer & Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 2 – 6 p.m. in the resort’s outdoor lot. The event will feature tastings from more than two dozen local, regional and national providers, including 42 North Brewing, Bee Spit Meadery, Big Ditch, Buffalo Olde, Community Beer Works, Ellicottville Brewing, Southern Tier, Thin Man and more. There will also be live music from Twilight Band and Nerds Gone Wild and DJ OneWay. Tickets are $35, which include unlimited beer and wine samples, five food tastings, a wine tote, and $10 in Free Slot Play, and can be purchased here.

Stuff Your Trunk Sale at Ellicottville Brewing Little Valley

Ellicottville Brewing is hosting another Stuff Your Trunk sale at its Little Valley location on August 28 (4 – 7 pm) featuring BOGO deals on EBC, Pressure Drop Brewing and other beers, special merchandise and more. There will also be food specials and live music from 6-9 pm. The Stuff Your Trunk sale is free and open to the public. EBC Little Valley is located at 202 2nd Street in Little Valley.

Purchase a $50 Rusty Nickel Brewing Gift Card for $25

Right now, while supplies last, you can purchase a $50 gift card to Rusty Nickel Brewing for only $25 at Beourguestbuffalo.com. With your purchase ($25 plus $1.95 processing), you will receive two $25 certificates to combine on one order or split among two visits to use within six months of the purchase date. “NY Farm Brewery with a full bar and pub-style food. Their offerings include award-winning beer made with locally grown ingredients. Their local brewery also offers award-winning Bloody Marys and WNY local ciders, wines, spirits, and mead.” You can purchase your gift certificates here.

Bites and Beers on the Patio at The Ridge Giveaway

Step Out Buffalo and The Ridge West Seneca are teaming up to give away a $100 Bites and Beers on the Patio experience. This prize includes a $100 gift card to The Ridge West Seneca. All you have to do is click here and enter your name and email address. The contest runs through Thursday, August 27. You can also head to @stepoutbuffalo on Instagram for more chances to enter. When you win, you can head out to The Ride West Seneca for a full menu of pub-style food including their Bacon Jam Smash, grouper tacos, Viking rolls, and more, along with a self-serve tap wall with 20 different taps to choose from.

Hofbrauhaus Munich Oktoberfest Keg Tapping

Hofbrauhaus is getting an early start to the Oktoberfest season with a barrel tapping of Munich Oktoberfest on Sept. 3. The ceremonial tapping will take place at 6 pm with a traditional ceremonial parade and live music led by Die Haus Band. Munich Oktoberfest is a full-bodied beer brewed with Bavarian hops and malt for notes of toasted malt, dark fruit and spice. All those in attendance will receive a complimentary beer after the barrel is tapped. Reservations can be made online at www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com or by calling 716-939-BEER.

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).

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The National Buffalo Wing Festival, August 29-30 at Sahlen Field, will once again play host to Craft Beer Fundraiser with tastings from Big Ditch, Resurgence, Community Beer Works, Thin Man, Hamburg Brewing, Flying Bison, Ellicottville Brewing, Southern Tier, 42 North Brewing and more.

Tickets are $68 and include festival admission, tastings (Saturday 2-6 pm or Saturday, 1-5 pm).

Tickets also include $15 in wing/food tickets, a souvenir cup and donations to Mafia Babes Charities and Hope Rises, which supports pediatric cancer initiatives.

The tastings are held at the Pub at the Park located at Sahlen Field.

You can purchase tickets at Buffalowing.com.

Ellicottville Brewing is bringing a distinctly Western New York pairing to the 25th National Buffalo Wing Festival – Blueberry Wheat Ale and Bourbon Blueberry wings, finished with a blueberry-bourbon-pecan glaze.

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Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino’s Seneca Sips Beer & Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 2 – 6 p.m. in the resort’s outdoor lot.

Throughout the day, attendees can soak up the September sun while enjoying a wide selection of tasty beverages from more than 25 participating breweries and wineries, delicious food options, and great live music.

“The Seneca Sips Beer & Wine Festival is a signature celebration of the summer,” said Bryan Van Buren, vice president of operations, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. “Craft beers, fine wines and late summer vibes will come together to create a perfect summer Saturday backyard party.”

The event will feature tastings from more than two dozen local, regional and national providers, including 42 North Brewing, Bee Spit Meadery, Big Ditch Brewing, Buffalo Olde Brewery, Community Beer Works, Ellicottville Brewing Company, Ellicottville Distillery, Southern Tier Brewing, Thin Man, Winery of Ellicottville and more.

Adding to the party atmosphere will be live music from Twilight Band and Nerds Gone Wild, plus DJ OneWay will be spinning throughout the event.

Tickets for the Seneca Sips Beer & Wine Festival are $35 and include unlimited beer and wine samples, five food tastings, a wine tote, and $10 in Free Slot Play. For more information, visit SenecaAlleganyCasino.com.

After the festival, keep the fun going at the After Party at The River Bar, next to the gaming floor, where DJ OneWay will be spinning until midnight.

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Genesee Brewery is raising a crisp, fruity toast to the teachers who inspire and shape the next generation with the debut of Crammin’ Cranberry-Apple Ale, available now. The limited release celebrates educators with a bright, flavorful fall ale made for back-to-school season, well-earned breaks and raising a glass to the teachers who make a lasting difference.

“Genesee Specialty Crammin’ Cranberry-Apple Ale is our way of celebrating the educators who pour so much into their communities,” said Brian Duquette, associate brand manager for Genesee. “It’s smooth, crisp and packed with bright apple and tangy cranberry flavors—the perfect fall beer for raising a glass to teachers and enjoying the season.”

To celebrate the launch, teachers are invited to a special “Teacher Happy Hour” on September 18 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Genesee Brew House (25 Cataract Street in Rochester). Educators who show their teacher or educator badge can enjoy exclusive happy hour benefits, including discounts on merchandise, food and drinks.

Genesee Crammin’ Cranberry-Apple Ale is a smooth autumn ale combines the crisp apple flavor with the tangy sweetness of cranberries. The result is a bright, fruity twist on classic ale that’s made for crisp fall days, back-to-school celebrations and moments spent with friends and family.

Find Crammin’ Cranberry-Apple Ale in 12-packs now wherever great craft beer is sold.

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Local Hollow Brewing to Open August 19

Local Hollow Brewing, the rebranded Shalooby Loofer Brewing, in Clarence Hollow has announced plans to open on August 19. The new brewery says that the first week will serve as their soft opening. More information will be announced soon regarding their grand opening celebration. “We appreciate your patience and support as we work through the final details and settle into our new home as Local Hollow Brewing,” the brewery said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming you in, sharing a beer, and starting this next chapter together. Thank you for supporting local.” Local Hollow will be led by Hilary Dollinger.

Mystic Hills Brewing 3^rd Anniversary Party

Mystic Hills will celebrate their third anniversary on Sept. 5 (10 am) with several beer releases, food, psychic readings and more. The party will feature the release of 3rd Anniversary Year Zero Pale Ale, Hand of Doom Bourbon Barrel Aged Black IPA (on tap and bottles available) and nano batch release of Kaisarion Berliner Weisse. There will also be a raffle for a 2024 Bourbon Barrel Aged Oatmeal Stout bottle ($1 per entry), food from Under Fire Pizza (4–7 pm) and psychic readings from Psychic Lynn (2–6 pm). “Thank you for three incredible years. We can’t wait to celebrate with you,” the brewery said. The event is free and open to the public.

Buffalo Craft Invades Rochester’s Flour City Brewers Fest

Many Buffalo-area breweries and cideries are set to invade the Flour City Brewers Fest in Rochester, including 42 North, Big Ditch, Brickyard, Mystic Hills, Eli Fish, Hamburg Brewing, Rusty Nickel, Resurgence, Spotted Octopus, BlackBird Cider Works and Lilly Belle Meads. The event, hosted by Rohrbach Brewing Company, takes place Friday, August 21 at the Rochester Public Market. There will also be food, live music, craft vendors and more. A limited number of general admission ($55) tickets are still available, which include samplings and tasting glassware. For more information, visit https://www.flourcitybrewersfest.com.

Hofbrauhaus to Set Sail With Two New Booze Cruises

Hofbrauhaus is taking its German beer to the high seas with a pair of upcoming cruises. On Aug. 20 (6 pm), Hofbrauhaus will host a sampling event aboard the Spirit of Buffalo where you can meet the people who brew the beer. Tickets for the cruise are $54 and can be purchased here. This is a 21-and-over cruise. Then, on Sept. 25 (6:30 pm), the brewery will host an Oktoberfest German beer sampling on the Harbor Queen. The cruise will feature live music from Hops & Schnapps German Band. Tickets are $44 and can be purchased here. Visit BuffaloBoatTours.com for more information.

Buffalo Bills-Themed Beers Continue to Hit Shelves

Just in time for the start of the Buffalo Bills’ preseason, several Bills-themed beers have returned to brewery and store shelves across Western New York. Ellicottville Brewing’s Buffalo Fan Zone IPA, an American IPA with notes of apricot, lemon rind and hops, is back for another season, Griffon Brewing’s Buffalo Proud, a 4.2% traditional American Lite Lager with Saaz hops, is available now wherever Griffon beers are sold and New York Beer Project’s Buffalo Billzner is a 4,6% Buffalo-style Pilsner, a cross between a German-style Pilsner and Italian-style Pilsner, that’s bright and crisp with floral and citrus hop character. It’s available on draft and in cans at NYBP locations. Resurgence Brewing’s BUF IPA, a hazy IPA brewed with Citra and Cashmere, has also made a return in cans and on draft.

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).

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New York Beer Project Wins 3 Medals at World Beer Cup

New York Beer Project has won another three medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. The brewery took home a pair of silver medals for their Peche Spon 2024, a Lambic-style wild ale fermented in NYBP Beer Lodge’s Koelschip that was aged in Red Zinfandel barrels for 12 months and conditioned on locally grown peaches for 6 months, and West Coast Pils, as well as a bronze medal for Hazy Crush IPA. These are three more reminders that you don’t have to go very far for great beer in Western New York.

Craft Beer Fundraiser Returns to National Wing Festival

The National Buffalo Wing Festival, August 29-30 at Sahlen Field, will once again play host to Craft Beer Fundraiser with tastings from Big Ditch, Resurgence, Community Beer Works, Thin Man, Hamburg Brewing, Flying Bison, Ellicottville Brewing, Southern Tier, 42 North Brewing and more. Tickets are $68 and include festival admission, tastings (Saturday 2-6 pm or Saturday, 1-5 pm). Tickets also include $15 in wing/food tickets, a souvenir cup and donations to Mafia Babes Charities and Hope Rises, which supports pediatric cancer initiatives. The tastings are held at the Pub at the Park located at Sahlen Field. You can purchase tickets at https://buffalowing.com.

German-Polish Celebration at Spring Garden Park

The German-Polish Celebration at Spring Garden Park in East Aurora, Saturday, August 15, will feature a specially brewed Polish pilsner from Buffalo Brewing Company, dance performances from the Polish Heritages Dancers of Western New York and SGTV Edelweiss Dancers and live music from Captain Tom and the Hooligans (4 pm). Gates open at 3 pm and food will be available beginning at 3:30 pm. Admission is $6 – you can save $1 by clicking here. For more information, visit SpringGarden.com.

Magic Bear Beer Cellar Introduces OktoBEARfest Offering

Magic Bear Beer Cellar has introduced a new curated Oktoberfest beer pack just in time for the upcoming fall beer season. The OktoBEARfest Offering is essentially a fall beer advent calendar, featuring a mixed 12-pack assortment of Oktoberfests, Marzens, and Festbiers to enjoy throughout the Oktoberfest season, which takes place from September 19 to October 4. Pre-sale for the OktoBEARfest Offering begins August 14 at https://www.magicbearbeer.com. Beer boxes cost $39 plus tax. There is a limited quantity available.

Pours & Plates Summer Beer Pairing Dinner at Brazen Brewing

Brazen Brewing is pairing seven courses with seven unique brews at their Pours & Plates Summer Beer Dinner on August 18 (6 pm). The menu consists of Ahi Tuna Nachos paired with Alt Bier, Drunken Chicken Wings, Goat Cheese Dip paired with Mesopotamian Ale, Leek Hash paired with Potato Rosti Ale, Scallop & Red Shrimp Ceviche paired with New Zealand Pils, Cuban Rillette paired with Lancaster Wild Ale, Steak Bao Bun paired with Rye IPA and Stracciatella paired with Sour Ale. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased 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).

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Bills-Themed Beers Returns Ahead of Start of Preseason 

Just in time for the start of the Buffalo Bills’ preseason, a number of Bills-themed beers have returned to brewery and store shelves across Western New York. In addition to staples such as Thin Man Brewery’s Pills Mafia, Mafia Light and Mafia Light Lime and Community Beer Works Let’s Go Pils, Big Ditch Brewing’s No Punts Intended, Resurgence Brewing Circle the Wagons Pilsner and IPA (available this year in special 16oz. can 8-packs), Ellicottville Brewing The Charge American Lager (in new Tailgate Edition cans), Brickyard Brewing Just One Before I Die IPA, to name a few, are available now. Look for these beers wherever great craft beer is sold.

42 North Brewing Launches Special Borderland Can

For the seventh consecutive year, 42 North has launched a special Borderland IPA can in honor of the Borderland Music & Arts Festival. The new limited edition cans feature artwork paying tribute to the annual festival. For the fifth straight year, the festival has teamed up with local artist Ryan Besch to create the unique can art. These cans are available at 42 North’s taprooms, as well as wherever great craft beer is sold. You can scan the QR code on the can to enter to win two weekend VIP passes to Borderland, which takes place Sept. 18-20 at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora. You can also enter to win at Borderlandfestival.com/ipa.

Bee Spit Meadery, First Line Brewing Team On New Collab

Holland’s Bee Spit Meadery and Orchard Park’s First Line Brewery have teamed up on a new collab, Born To Bee Wild Orange Creamsicle & Custard Braggot. A braggot is an ancient hybrid alcoholic drink made by combining honey and malted grains and Born To Bee Wild blends orange citrus, vanilla custard, malt, and Bee Spit’s signature honey. “Remember racing outside when you heard the ice cream truck coming down the street? Before you even reached the curb, you already knew what you were ordering. That first bite of an Orange Creamsicle. Bright citrus. Creamy vanilla. Pure summer. We asked ourselves one question…What if that feeling could be poured into a glass?” Bee Spit said. Born To Bee Wild is available on draft and in 16oz. cans at both Bee Spit and First Line.

The Lock Tender To Celebrate Second Anniversary

The Lock Tender is celebrating their second anniversary, as well as the birthday of late Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia, on August 8. For the special occasion, the Lockprot beer bar is hosting a 30-brand craft beverage tasting (1 – 6:30 p.m.). A $30 ticket includes 12 four-ounce samples. The Tattoo Bus will also be on site (1-10 pm) and live music will be provided by The Little Mountain Band Acoustic Duo playing Dead favorites (6 pm). “Whether you’ve been with us since day one or you’re stopping by for the first time, we’d love to celebrate with you,” the Lock Tender said. Tickets for the event are available now at www.thelocktender.com/events.

Southern Tier Brewing Is Turning 23 Years Old

Southern Tier Brewing is turning the ripe old age of 23 and are marking the feat with a party and celebration down in Lakewood at The Empty Pint on August 8 (2 pm). The special party will feature live music from Derek Davis & Angel Busch and Hello City (Barenaked Ladies Tribute), limited-edition throwback Gemini anniversary tees (while supplies last), anniversary cupcakes and more. “Join us on Saturday, August 8 as we celebrate 23 years of great beer, great music, and even better memories,” the brewery said. “Raise a pint with us and celebrate 23 years of Southern Tier!” The event is free and open to the public.

Hofbrauhaus Monthly Barrel Tapping With Brunnerbock

On Thursday, August 6, Hofbrauhaus will debut Brunnerbock during their August barrel tapping. The festivities will get underway at 6 pm with a traditional parade through the beer hall, capped off by the tapping of a barrel of Brunnerbock. Brewed in honor of Braumeister Jeff’s newest edition, this Amber Lager is big and bold at 6.9% with floral hop and dark raisin aromas and notes of bread crust, caramel and toffee. There will be live music following the tapping and everyone in attendance will receive a free pour of the beer. Reservations can be made via Resy or www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

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).

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While we are conditioned to associate lagers with the summer season, the answer is both psychological and physiological. Lagers are light-bodied, highly carbonated, and clean, which makes them especially refreshing when you’re hot and sweaty. When your body’s craving hydration and relief, a crisp lager satisfies both your thirst and your taste.

Research says that the cool temperature of ice-cold lagers triggers thermoreceptors in your mouth and throat, thus giving you a cooling sensation. As your sense of taste and smell dull slightly due to dehydration and heat fatigue on hot days, lagers are easier to process. They are also typically highly carbonated, which contributes to a perception of refreshment due to the carbonic acid stimulating your trigeminal nerve. Lagers rely less on aroma complexity and more on texture, carbonation, crispness, and finish, attributes that remain highly perceptible even when olfactory sensitivity declines during the summer. Because trigeminal sensation remains robust during heat stress, carbonation continues to provide a vivid sensory experience even when aroma perception is reduced.

After reading way too much medical research online to support my theory, something I never thought I’d be doing when I started writing about craft beer, I wanted to gather some real-world thoughts on why lagers taste better during summer, so I turned to the experts. And by experts, I mean the people behind my current favorite local lagers – Smoldered Society (Strike Anywhere), Resurgence Brewing (Bridge Pilsner), Buffalo Olde Brewery (Lovejoy Lager), Buffalo Brewing (Simon Pure), First Line Brewing (Everyday Lager) and 42 North Brewing (Solshine).

Illumination Pilsner was one of the very first beers I drank when 42 North Brewing opened, and while no offense is meant towards it or their Craftsman Lager, my current favorite crispy from the East Aurora brewery is Solshine, a helles lager brewed with sweet orange peel and tangerine, one of my absolute favorite beers to consume while floating around in the pool.

“I tend to think lagers taste great all year round,” 42 North owner John Cimperman said. “That said, I do tend to drink more of them in the summer. And the beauty of a lager coming in around 5% is, you can toss back a few. Crisp, refreshing and a perfect way to beat the heat. Before, of course, you throw back a few IPA’s.”

I’ve long posited that Buffalo Olde’s Lovejoy Lager is one of the most slept-on lagers in all of Western New York. It’s also one of my favorite beers to drink at a beer festival because, not only is it thoroughly refreshing, it’s a well-built beer. When I asked Buffalo Olde head brewer Tom Dargen for his thoughts on my lager theory, he offered something of an interesting take.

“I did recently hear an NPR story about how to manage extreme heat where the expert interviewed said drinking light beer was as hydrating as water, and by that he meant lighter lager, which I assume you are referring to as well,” Dargen said. “I love that clean, crisp, beer-flavored beer is having a bit of a renaissance. Who wants to drink another enormous IPA that tastes like bong water on a hot summer day?”

Resurgence Brewing’s owner Jeff Ware has a bit more of a straightforward take.

“Nothing better than a cold refreshing beer on a hot day. Match made in heaven. Like a beer and hot dog at a baseball game!” Ware said.

Russ Haentges, head brewer at Orchard Park’s First Line Brewing, said that it is lager’s simple nature that makes them a go-to choice for summer when you’re reaching into your cooler.

“I suppose I should start by asking you: in which season does a lager not taste delicious?” he said. “Because lagers are straightforward nearly 99% of the time, they are especially attractive during the summer. The light, refreshing, crisp, and simple nature of the style makes it a natural go-to in the heat. I also feel we are finally turning a corner, with lagers becoming the preferred choice as the hazy IPA craze begins to settle.”

Buffalo Brewing Company is making some of the best lagers in Western New York right now, and it is largely due to their successful revival of the Simon Pure line and Schreiber Brewing’s Manru line. As owner and head brewer John Domres told me recently, BBC makes “old man beers,” and they are doing it pretty damn well in my opinion. While he says part of the reason why lagers are so closely associated with summer is psychological, there is science behind it, which I found out during my research for this article. The science does actually exist.

“Lagers simply taste different during the summer,” he said. “They are cold, crisp, clean, refreshing, and usually not too heavy. When the weather is hot, you don’t want something overly sweet, boozy, or filling. Instead, you prefer something cold with good carbonation and a clean finish. Part of the reason for this preference is likely psychological. Cookouts, patios, baseball games, yard work, and ice-cold cans all evoke a sense of lager season. In essence, lager embodies the essence of summer in a glass.”

According to Smoldered Society’s Cameron Frank, lagers are built for summer because they can be full-flavored, but not overly heavy. Plus, they are pretty much untouchable when it comes to day drinking.

“Summer offers a special opportunity for these beers to fucking rip. Built for longer sessions, the (traditionally) lower-ABV, crisp, refreshing characteristics of lager complement the warmer months all too well,” Frank says. “Lagers offer the craft beer drinker an opportunity to enjoy something full-flavored, without the filling nature of hop-saturated and/or high-gravity beer. In addition, you can drink 4 or 5 pints without getting annihilated.”

In conclusion, hot weather changes human sensory perception. Lagers are uniquely engineered, through high attenuation, elevated carbonation, clean fermentation, moderate alcohol, and cold service, to match the physiological state of someone experiencing heat stress. While lagers are psychologically associated with summer, they are biologically optimized to feel more refreshing.

So, why do lagers taste better during the summer? It’s just science.

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).

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Thin Man Drops New Summer Crusher – Mafia Light Lime

Thin Man Brewery has dropped a new version of their Mafia Light – Mafia Light Lime, an ultra-light and crushable lager that clocks in at 3.5% and only 80 calories with a subtle and refreshing lime note. “Mafia Light Lime (aka summer water?) is here and ready to be crushed by your preferred body of water,” Thin Man says of the new beer. Mafia Light Lime is available now wherever great craft beer is sold, including Chandler Street Breweries, Wegmans and Consumer’s Beverages.

Ellicottville Brewing The Charge Returns With Fresh Look

Just in time for Buffalo Bills training camp, Ellicottville Brewing’s The Charge American Lager has returned with a fresh, updated look. According to the brewery, the new Tailgate Edition design is inspired by the “hardworking communities across the Rust Belt. It belongs at neighborhood bars, game-day gatherings, backyard grills and kitchen tables.” “At 4.8%, The Charge is made for cooler doors and tap handle pours — crushable by the can, crisp by the pint and priced just right to keep in your regular rotation. It’s the kind of beer that shows up, fits in, and keeps good company.” The Charge is available at all EBC taprooms and wherever great craft beer is sold.

Resurgence Brewing Kickoff to Football Beer Release

Resurgence Brewing is celebrating the return of their Buffalo Bills-themed beers – Circle the Wagons IPA and Pilsner and BUF IPA – at a special Kickoff to Football release party on July 30 (5-8 pm). BUF IPA is a hazy IPA brewed with Citra and Cashmere hops and features notes of berries and tropical fruit, Circle the Wagons IPA is dry-hopped with Citra, Galaxy and German Amarillo hops and CTW Pils is a light and crisp American Pilsner. If you wear your favorite Bills gear, you can get $1 off all draft beer, Blackbird Cider, and Brightside Vibes Vodka Seltzers all night long. There will also be beer samples throughout the evening. This event is free and open to the public.

Armstrong’s Beer Co. Eyes Taproom in West Seneca

Armstrong’s Beer Co., a new venture from Alexander Armstrong, whose family owns and operates Armstrong’s Barber Shop and Armstrong’s Armory, has filed plans with the Town of West Seneca to open a new taproom at the former Country Peddler’s building (1340 Orchard Park Road), Buffalo Business First reports. Tentative plans call for a taproom space that serves a rotating beer and wine selection plus a limited food menu of burgers, fries and light snacks. According to Armstrong, Armstrong’s Beer plans to operate a “family-friendly” site open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with outdoor seating, weather-permitting.

Southern Tier Introduces Pumqueen Imperial Pumpkin Cider

Southern Tier Brewing has teamed up with Bold Rock Cider on Pumqueen, an 8.6% Imperial Pumpkin Cider. Pumqueen “begins with Bold Rock’s signature crisp apple character before unfolding into the familiar magic of pumpkin pie spice.” Southern Tier says it’s rich, aromatic, and smooth. “It’s autumn royalty in every sip. At 8.6% ABV, Pumqueen rules with the strength of an Imperial and the confidence of a Queen. Raise your glass… and bend the knee.”  Pumqueen is available now at all Southern Tier taproom, as well as wherever great craft cider is sold.

Massive Collab, Open Bags, Returns For Eighth Time

Open Bags, a massive collaboration between dozens of breweries across the state, is back for an eighth installment. Brewed at Brockport’s Stoneyard Brewing, Open Bags 8, a collab between Eli Fish, Nine Maidens, Solitude Brewing, Brazen Brewing, Keuka Brewing, Heritage Hill Brewery, Watershed Brewing Company, Spotted Octopus Brewing, Swiftwater Brewing, Irondequoit Beer Company, Runaway Blue Brewing, Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery, Mountain King Brewing, Lake Drum Brewing, Buffalo Brewing, Stumblin’ Monkey Brewing, Talking Cursive Brewing, and Drumlins Brewing. This year’s collaboration features 12 different fruits – watermelon, banana, pink guava, lemon, prickly pear, pineapple, dragon fruit, grapefruit, boysenberry, coconut, Niagara grapes, and apples, as well as marshmallow and vanilla. A limited quantity of Open Bags 8 will be available on draft and in cans at each participating brewery while supplies last.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: New Beers at Thin Man & EBC, Armstrong’s Beer Co. Planned for West Seneca, Open Bags 8, Resurgence’s Kickoff to Football, Southern Tier x Bold Rock Pumqueen appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Armstrong’s Beer Co., a new venture from Alexander Armstrong, whose family owns and operates Armstrong’s Barber Shop and Armstrong’s Armory, has filed plans with the Town of West Seneca to open a new taproom at the former Country Peddler’s building (1340 Orchard Park Road), Buffalo Business First reports.

Tentative plans call for a taproom space that serves a rotating beer and wine selection plus a limited food menu of burgers, fries and light snacks.

According to Armstrong, Armstrong’s Beer plans to operate a “family-friendly” site open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with outdoor seating, weather-permitting.

The building also features Molly’s Mutts Doggie Daycare and El Jefe Mexican Bar and Grill.

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).

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