Mr. Goodbar’s annual tradition of showcasing local cask beer returns Thursday, December 7. This year’s celebration, which takes place in the Attic at Goodbar, will include limited edition cask beers and cask ciders from Autark Brewhouse, Big Ditch Brewing, Community Beer Works, Flying Bison, Old First Ward Brewing, Pressure Drop Brewing , 42 North Brewing, Thin Man Brewery, Mortalis Buffalo and OSB Ciderworks.

Tentative cask list (subject to change):

  • Autark Brewhouse – Cosy Dark Mild
  • Big Ditch Brewing – Red Wine Barrel Aged Marzen with Brettanomyces
  • Community Beer Works – Ginger Snap Whale
  • Flying Bison Brewing – Oak Aged MacBison Pale Scotch Ale
  • Old First Ward Brewing – Schwarzbier
  • Pressure Drop Brewing – Faded Clauz Milk Stout with vanilla and oak
  • 42 North Brewing – Raspberry Coffee Cake Porter
  • Thin Man Brewery – Wai-Iti Double Dry Hopped Bliss DIPA
  • Mortalis Buffalo – Egg Nog Hydra Smooth-Style Sour
  • OSB Ciderworks – Gingerbread Cider

So, what exactly is cask beer? Cask beer, also known as real ale, is a traditional and unfiltered beer that undergoes a secondary fermentation process in the container from which it is served, known as a cask. It’s typically unfiltered and unpasteurized, meaning it retains more of its natural flavors and the absence of pasteurization allows for a broader spectrum of flavors to develop. The beer is usually served at a slightly higher temperature than your normal, run of the mill kegged beers, which can enhance the release of its aromatic compounds. The natural fermentation and conditioning process in the cask can also result in a broader array of flavors and aromas.

Tickets to Cask Fest are $30 and include unlimited cask beer and cider tastings, as well as a complimentary tasting glass and food from Hanzlians sausage. Tickets can be purchased at Mr. Goodbar right now.

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).