Seneca Beer & Wine Festival Coming to Seneca Square in July

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is partnering with the Niagara Food & Wine Festival to host the Seneca Beer & Wine Festival on July 26 (12-6 pm) and 27 (12-4 pm) in Seneca Square, outside of the resort’s 4th Street entrance. The event will feature beer tastings from dozens of local, regional and national brewers, local wines, live music, food trucks, backyard games and more. Tickets are $40 pre-sale (includes 15 tastings) and day of ($45), VIP tickets are $55 (includes 15 tastings, swag bag and $10 in dining credit at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino). DD tickets are also available ($35, includes $20 in Free Slot Play). Tickets are available at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com or Ticketmaster.com.

Tap & Craft Festival Moves To Buffalo Riverworks

This year’s Tap & Craft Festival will take place on Oct. 4 at Buffalo Riverworks featuring more than 30 craft breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries. There will also be live music from Buffalo Dead Alliance. Tickets are on sale now – VIP ($45 pre-sale only), which includes a tasting glass, four hours of sampling, VIP-only tastings, a pretzel necklace, a Lock Tender sticker, and more. General admission ($35 pre-sale, $48 day of) includes a tasting glass and sampling. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $10. A tentative pour list will be released on August 1 at tapandcraft.com. You can purchase tickets here.

Ellicottville Brewing Releases Non-Alcoholic Blueberry Wheat

Ellicottville Brewing is the latest local brewery to jump on board the non-alcoholic train with the release of NA Blueberry Wheat, a non-alcoholic version of their flagship brew. This new version is light and refreshing with blueberry flavors, just minus the alcohol. “Skip the booze, not the flavor,” EBC said. “Our NA Blueberry Wheat is as clean as it is crisp.” NA Blueberry Wheat is now available in cans.

Wings & Beers Special Weekend at Belt Line Brewery

From Friday, July 11 at noon through Sunday, July 13, Belt Line Kitchen & Brewery is hosting a “taste of” weekend featuring wings and beer specials. For $25 you will receive four 7oz. pours of Belt Line ‘s craft beer and a 10-wing flight of their most popular wing flavors (Saucey Boy, 716 Medium, All Dressed). This special is only available this weekend in the taproom.

Clarksburg Cider Sale, New Summer Release

Stock up on cider at Clarksburg Cider’s summer sale on July 18 (3-6 pm) in Clarksburg’s parking lot, 4493 Walden Avenue in Lancaster. The sale includes BOGO mix and match 4-packs and cases of Summer Tea, Vanilla Spice, Cherry Lavender, and Galaxy Grove ciders, free tin tackers or pennant with purchase of any case of cider and 10% off all non-sale items.

Clarksburg has also released a new summer cider, Clarksburg Lemongrass Rosé Hard Cider. This new summer seasonal features a crisp apple base with Isabella grapes and lemongrass with a semi-sweet finish. You can find Lemongrass Rose Hard Cider wherever great craft cider is sold, as well as online at https://clarksburgcider.com/shop.

Halfway to Cask Fest at Mr. Goodbar

We are officially halfway through the year, which means we are officially halfway to Mr. Goodbar’s annual Cask Fest, which takes place in December. And Goodbar is rolling out the casks to celebrate! On July 19 (3 pm), Mr. Goodbar’s Halfway to Cask Fest event will feature casks from Brickyard Brewing, Flying Bison Brewing, Old First Ward / Gene McCarthy’s, Pressure Drop Brewing and Wayland Brewing. A complete beer list will be released soon. The event is free and open to the public – cask beer can be purchased by the pour. Casks will be available all weekend while supplies last.

WNY Brewers Guild Annual Charity Golf Tournament

The WNY Brewers Guild Charity Golf Tournament returns Aug. 25 at Chestnut Hill Country Club, an annual event that offers golfers and craft beer enthusiasts an opportunity to play a round of golf, in addition to enjoying food, local beer, hole challenges, raffles and more. You’ll get a chance to meet and play with brewers and raise money for local charities. The cost to participate is $150 per person ($525 per foursome) and includes golf, breakfast, lunch, steak dinner and food and drinks on the course. The 4-person scramble tournament will start at 10 am with a light breakfast and registration at 9 am. Register at www.WNYBrewersGuild.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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Seneca Beer & Wine Fest, Tap & Craft, Belt Line Wing Special, Brewers Guild Golf Tournament, Halfway to Cask Fest, EBC NA Blueberry Wheat, Clarksburg Sale, New Cider appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Every once in a while, the stars align, the pint glasses all fall into place and we get a day full of local beer events. One such day is June 21 – a true banner day for Western New York craft beer. Sure, it’s the result of our summers in Buffalo being so short, causing multiple events to be crammed into a brief window of ever-diminishing weekends. Still, I prefer to be a bit more romantic and grandiose about it all. But in all seriousness, Saturday, June 21 is a great day to be a local craft beer drinker.

In addition to the annual New York State Craft Brewers Festival: Buffalo returning to Canalside, which features craft beer from over 50 breweries, a pair of local breweries are celebrating anniversaries. Scene forefathers Flying Bison Brewing are celebrating a quarter century of helping fuel the local craft beer renaissance with throwback beers, cask beer and live music, while BriarBrothers Brewing is marking three years in business with throwback beers, new beers and live music.

Regardless of where you choose to spend your precious time this weekend, make sure you’re raising a glass of something local to this great craft beer scene of ours. I’ll see you out and about Saturday.

New York State Craft Brewers Fest at Canalside

44 Prime St, Buffalo

The New York State Craft Brewers Festival: Buffalo returns to Canalside on June 21 and a limited amount of tickets remain available. Produced by the NYS Brewers Association and WNY Brewers Guild, the event features craft beer from over 50 breweries, live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, and more. Participating breweries have been announced and you can find that list here. GA tickets are $45 (souvenir tasting glass, all samplings), GA+ is $65 (1-hour early entry, access to exclusive VIP beers, souvenir tasting glass, all sampling, $5 NYSBA merch coupon) and new this year is a special VIP upgrade ($100) that includes a beer and chicken wing pairing at Southern Tier Brewing.

You can purchase tickets and find more information here.

Pre- and Post-NYS Craft Brewers Fest Parties at Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen

545 Swan St., Buffalo

Show your ticket to the New York State Craft Brewers Festival and receive a “10% Off Friends and Family” discount on food at the taproom and beer to-go.

Flying Bison Brewing 25^th Anniversary Party

840 Seneca St., Buffalo

Cheers to 25 years! Flying Bison Brewing, Buffalo craft beer stalwarts and forefathers, are turning 25 years old and will celebrate a quarter century in business, on June 21 (12 – 7 pm). The brewery will be bringing back some throwback beers. Several vintages of Barrel-Aged HERC Barleywine will be available, as will two specialty casks. Tom Stahl will perform at 4 pm. “We can’t believe it’s already been 25 years that we have been able to provide Buffalo with our beer. We want to truly thank everyone for enjoying our beer for the past 25 years,” the brewery said.

The anniversary party is free.

BriarBrothers Brewing Third Anniversary Party

50 Elk St., Buffalo

BriarBrothers Brewing Company is already celebrating their third anniversary on June 21 with live music, new merch, beer releases and more. In honor of the special occasion, the brewery is bringing back Crusher (Session IPA), Euphoria (Golden Ale), and Agora (Brown Ale), there will be a special variant of Agora and a trio of new brews, including Rooftop Sessions (7% IPA brewed with Whakatu Koura, a New Zealand hop blend of Wakuta hops and Phantasm Thiol powder), Coats on the Couch (7.5% IPA brewed with a New Zealand hop blend named Newzilla) and Tears on the Linoleum (7% IPA brewed with Motueka, Nelson and Rakau hops). There will also be live music from Vinyl Cocktails (5pm), new anniversary merchandise and more.

The event is free and open to the public.

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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Barrel Jam V Beer List Announced

42 North Brewing will host Barrel Jam V, a barrel-aged beer festival on Jan. 25. Fifteen breweries, cideries, and distilleries will participate this year, including Eli Fish Brewing (Chateau Tropicale (fruited tropical Brett beer), Methodology #1 (traditional Koelschip ale)), Ellicottville Brewing (Barrel-Aged Platter’s Chocolate Cherry Stout, Barrel-Aged Blueberry Maple Pancake), 42 North (Barrel-Aged Treaty Saison, Barrel-Aged Double Stout) and more. The event will also feature a Rail Jam ski/snowboard competition and live music from Olmsted Dub System. General Admission tickets are $40 and a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $50. Tickets are available at both 42 North taprooms or at https://bit.ly/4fHwZ6A.

Tonawanda Winterfest: Beer, Bourbon & Wine Tasting

There will be a special beer, bourbon and wine tasting at the Tonawanda Winterfest, which takes place Jan. 17 at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 at the door) and include 10 drink tastings, including craft beer from Resurgence Brewing and bourbon from Three Chord, finger foods from the Grill at the Dome, mini golf, and live music from Miller & the Saints. This is a 21 and older event and tickets can be purchased here.

Belt Line Brewery to Host Special Wing Flight Night

Belt Line Kitchen and Brewery are pairing their best beer with their best wings at a special event dinner on Jan. 23 (7pm). Tickets are $34 and include a “Welcome Beer” upon arrival, 12 wing flight (4 different flavors, 3 wings each) paired with four 7oz. beers hand selected by Belt Line brewers to complement each of the wing flavors, and $5 beers specials after that. You can reserve your seat for the event at Belt-linebrewing.com, via their social media pages or by calling the taproom at 716-402-1756. Belt Line also hosts weekly Wing Nights on Wednesdays, which features 20 wings and 2 pints for $28.

Resurgence Brewing Looking for Your Brewery Stories

Having just celebrated their 10^th anniversary last summer, Resurgence Brewing are compiling stories from any and all patrons who have a Resurgence-related story to share. “Resurgence has become a part of so many stories over the last 10 years,” the brewery says. “If you have an FU Awesome Resurgence story to tell, we want to hear it! Maybe it’s a first date that ended in a happily ever after or maybe you got the call that changed your life forever while sipping on our beers. Whatever it is, share it with us for a chance to get featured.” To submit a story, visit click here.

Thin Man Brewery Drops New Zealand-Style Pale Ale

Thin Man is releasing a brand new pale ale, Destination Palm Trees, a New Zealand-style pale brewed with NZ Kohatu, Wakatu, and Tango hops. Destination Palm Trees is a 4.6% pale ale that features a classic pale ale malt profile with a hint of malt sweetness, biscuit and cracker notes, notes of citrus, pineapple, and sweet fruit flavors, as well as a balanced bitterness. Destination Palm Trees will be available wherever great craft beer is sold soon.

The Lock Tender to Launch New Monthly Tasting Series

Lockport’s The Lock Tender is launching Monthly Tap Tender on Jan. 25, a new year-long series featuring beers tasting from New York City to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Florida and more. Beginning on Jan. 25 with beers from New York City, Monthly Tap Tender events will cost $20, which include a commemorative tasting glass, 10 6oz. samples, $2 off 4- and 6-packs, $2 off regular Urban Rural BBQ meals and 1 half price draft. There are 2 sessions – 12-3pm and 3-6pm. From there, Monthly Tap Tender will feature beers from Finger Lakes (Feb. 22), Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania (Mar. 29), Cleveland/Ohio (Apr. 26), Philadelphia (May 31), Detroit (June 28), Florida (Aug. 30), Erie Canal (Sept. 21), Chicago (Oct. 25), North Country (Nov. 15) and Hudson Valley (Dec. 20). Purchase tickets 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 Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Barrel Jam V, Tonawanda Winterfest, Resurgence Stories, Belt Line Wing Dinner, New Thin Man Beer, The Lock Tender Monthly Tap Tender appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

42 North Brewing Celebrates Their 9^th Anniversary

42 North Brewing is celebrating their ninth anniversary with a weekend full of events, Oct-18-20. On Friday, 42 North will release three beers, including Yodeler Winter Ale, Belgian Strong Ale, a collaboration with Blue Eyed Baker, and Ninefold Darkness, a 10% ABV Imperial Stout aged in American Oak Bourbon barrels. On Saturday, Public Water Supply will perform at 8pm and on Sunday, the brewery will host a Buffalo Bills watch party with food specials from Fat Bob’s Smokehouse and the Old Time String Jam hosted by The Brothers Blue. 42 North first opened its doors in October of 2015.

Wayland Brewing Opens Seasonal Taproom in Ellicottville

Wayland Brewing Company has opened a seasonal taproom within their sister restaurant, West Rose, in Ellicottville. The upstairs lounge space features Swiss ski chalet-themed decor and televisions, along with a rotating beer list across 6 taps, as well as a cooler stocked with beer to-go, which will feature build-your-own six packs. As for food, the new taproom space will feature the most popular dish at every Grange Group restaurant, including Wayland’s Detroit-style pizzas, featured small plates and kids’ chicken fingers. The space will be open Fridays and Saturdays, 4:30 – 10pm. Visit https://www.westrose.restaurant/rawbar for more information.

Belt Line Brewery Launches IPA Flight Special

Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen are celebrating all things hops this week with a special IPA Flight, which consists of four 7oz. pours for $12 when you make it an IPA flight. You can choose from a session IPA (High Green), West Coast IPA (West Coast Flashes), hazy IPA (First Loop, Hop Runner 545) and Double IPA (Fresh Coat). The brewery suggests pairing an IPA flight with a Chicago Dog, which features onion jam, sport peppers, sliced tomato, Weber’s mustard, Barrel & Brine dill and celery salt (served with Frites).

Big Ditch, Strangebird Releases Strangeburner Vol. 2

Big Ditch Brewing has once again teamed up with Rochester’s Strangebird on a new version of Strangeburner Barrel Kissed IPA, which blends Big Ditch’s Hayburner IPA with Strangebird’s neutral white wine barrels to add a clean oak flavor and a light vanilla undertone to the citrus character from the hops. The 7.2% beer can be found at both breweries in 16oz. cans and at select retailers around Western New York. You can also order online (shipping to New York and Pennsylvania) at https://www.bigditchbrewing.com/order-beer-online.

Magic Bear Teams With ONCO Fermentations on New Collab

Magic Bear Beer Cellar is continuing to churn out collaborative beers, this time teaming up with Tully, New York’s ONCO Fermentations Hazy Bear Session IPA, which will be released at Magic Bear on Oct. 22 (5-7pm). This sessionable hazy IPA packs a ton of flavor without a ton of ABV. Erin, the owner of ONCO Fermentations, will be on hand for the release and will have a number of their other beers available to sample.

Eric Wood & Stevie Johnson Book Launch at Resurgence Brewing

A pair of Buffalo Bills fan favorites, Eric Wood and Stevie Johnson, are launching a new children’s book, “Eric Wood Centers on What’s Good,” with a book signing at Resurgence on Oct. 19 (2-6pm). A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to The Evan Wood Fund, which benefits the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. At the event, if you purchase a copy of the book for $14.99, you can get a piece of merchandise signed. The event will also feature the release of Why So Serious? Lager. The first 100 people to purchase a copy of the book will receive a free 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 Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: 42 North Anniversary, Wayland in Ellicottville, Magic Bear x ONCO, New Beer From Big Ditch & Resurgence, Belt Line IPA Flight appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

First-Of-Its-Kind N.Y. Cider Mark Launches

The New York Cider Association has launched a first-of-its-kind N.Y. Cider Mark, created to educate hard cider consumers, promote the quality of N.Y. Cider, and increase desire for NY state agricultural products and apples. The mark, created by members of the New York Cider Association, is placed on labels of hard cider to indicate that it is made with 100% New York State apples and is a 100% New York State agricultural product. For more information, visit www.newyorkcider.org.

42 North Releases Pilsner for 100th Anniversary of NYS Parks

42 North Brewing has launched Centennial Pilsner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks. Centennial Pilsner is a West-Coast style pilsner that features New York State grown ingredients, including pilsner malt from New York Craft Malt, as well as Centennial, Chinook, and Excelsior hops. Each 16oz. can features artwork from a different NYS park, including Niagara Falls, Letchworth, Watkins Glen, and Saratoga Spa. Cans also include a QR code with more information on parks and events. Look for Centennial Pils at the brewery and wherever great beer is sold.

Belt Line Brewery to Release Fresh Coat Hazy Double IPA

In honor of Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman’s now iconic yellow puffer coat, Belt Line Brewery has released a new hazy Double IPA, aptly titled Fresh Coat, which clocks in at 8.6% and is dry hopped with Galaxy, Nelson, and Mosaic hops and features notes of passion fruit, mango, citrus and white wine, to go along with a soft and creamy mouthfeel. Fresh Coat Hazy DIPA is available now on draft at the taproom and in crowlers to-go.

Brickyard Brewing Release New Summer Beers

Brickyard Brewing has dropped a pair of new beers just in time for the summer months – Trolley Traveler Pilsner, Luna Belgian Blonde Ale and Surfin Bird Watermelon Dragonfruit Sour. Trolley Traveler (5%) is a crisp and easy drinking German-style Pilsner, Luna (6.2%) is brewed with European malt and hops, and Belgian yeast to create floral, peppery notes with a crisp, clean finish, and Surfin Bird (7.2%) is tart, refreshing and not overly sweet or sour, brewed with watermelon and dragon fruit. Trolley Traveler and Surfin Bird are available on draft and in 16oz. 4-packs cans at the taproom now, while Luna is draft-only currently.

SPCA Wine, Wags & Brews Fundraiser Slated for June 12

The SPCA Serving Erie County will host Wine, Wags & Brews, a fundraising event, on June 12 (5-8pm) at the SPCA (300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca). The event will feature beer and cider from Big Ditch, Community Beer Works, Clarksburg Cider, Ellicottville Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Rusty Nickel, The Ridge West Seneca and more. There will also be food samples, food trucks, pet-themed vendors and more. All proceeds will benefit the SPCA. GA tickets are $45, VIP tickets (early entrance, admission to VIP tent, exclusive samples, and premier seating) are $75, and DD tickets are $25. Purchase tickets here.

Southern Tier Buffalo to Release Pink Boots Society Beer

Southern Tier Brewing Buffalo will release their special collaboration with the Pink Boots Society, Walk the Lime, on May 30. Walk the Lime is a small batch, limited edition 5.0% wheat beer accented with subtle notes of jalapeno, lime, and slight heat. The beer is brewed with natural lime flavor and fresh house roasted jalapenos, and features a balance of wheat, jalapeno, and lime. This beer was designed by the women of Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood and was brewed in honor of International Women’s Day. Walk the Lime will be available on draft at the taproom.

Watch the Sabres in Prague With Happy Sherpa Travel

Want to travel to Prague and watch the Buffalo Sabres take on the New Jersey Devils this October? Happy Sherpa has a package for that. The trip, September 30 – October 7, is $3,200 and features roundtrip flight from Buffalo to Prague, six nights at the Grand Hotel Bohemia (including breakfast), day trips to Pilsner Urquell and Kutna Hora, walking tours of Prague and Kutna Hora, private coach, and Czech and Slovak Sabres Fan Club meetup. For more information, click here. Resurgence Brewing is hosting an informational session on June 5 (5:30pm) – talk to your guide, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy your first beer free. Sign up 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 Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: N.Y. Cider Mark, New Beers at Brickyard, Southern Tier, 42 North & Belt Line, Wine, Wags & Brews, Sabres in Prague appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Resurgence Brewing Expanding to Canalside

Resurgence Brewing is taking their talents to the waterfront as they plan to take over concessions at the former Clinton’s Dish at Canalside. The new space will feature an expanded food and drink menu, one similar to what the brewery offered in Delaware Park the past years at their Resurgence in the Park location, which will not open this year as Resurgence sets their focus on Canalside. In addition to Resurgence craft beer, Blackbird Cider and canned cocktails will be available. Tentative plans call for the new space to open in early May with limited hours, with plans to expand to seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Don’t Call It A Comeback at Southern Tier Brewing

If you’ve been missing any retired Southern Tier Brewing beer, make sure you’re in attendance at The Empty Pint in Lakewood as they open up their beer vault for Don’t Call It A Comeback on April 27 (11am). They will be tapping rare releases and forgotten favorites for a one-day-only celebration of epic beers, including Unearthly Imperial IPA, Steve Farmhouse Ale, Tripel, 2xIPA, Pale (OG version), Krampus Helles Lager, Porter, Phin & Matt’s Extraordinary Ale and Razz Wheat. There will also be live music from The Derek Davis Trio (5-8pm).

Nickel City Brewz Hosting First Ever Meadfest

On May 25, the best of the best in local mead will descend upon Depew as Nickel City Brewz hosts the first ever Meadfest (3pm). The event will feature meads from Lilly Belle Meads, Queen City Meadery, Bee Spit Meadery, Wildflower Beverages, Three Bear Meadery and Illumination Meadery. Each will be pouring samples of their products and bottles and cans of the products will be available for purchase, along with crowlers of draft mead. Stay tuned to the event page for more information.

Cabin Fever, Beer & Wine Festival at Buffalo Ski Center

The 7th annual Cabin Fever, Beer and Wine Festival returns to the Buffalo Ski Center/Tamarack Lodge in Colden on April 27 (4pm). Tickets for the event are $40 presale ($50 day of) and include tastings from local and national breweries, wineries, and distilleries, including Rusty Nickel Brewing, Thin Man, Resurgence Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, 12 Gates, Big Ditch, Spotted Octopus, Johnson’s Landing, Mystic Hills, Bee Spit Meadery, 42 North, Southern Tier, Community Beer Works, and more, a free commemorative tasting glass, live music, door prizes, raffles, auction items, and more. There will also be food available. You can purchase tickets here.

Tickets Remain for Thawfest at Buffalo Riverworks

A limited amount of tickets are still available for Thawfest, Buffalo Riverworks’ annual celebration of all things spring, April 26 (6pm). Participating craft vendors include Pearl Street, Lafayette Brewing, RiverWorks Brewing, Three Bear Meadery, Belt Line Brewery, Southern Tier, Flying Bison, 12 Gates, Big Ditch, Hamburg Brewing, Resurgence Brewing, Shalooby Loofer, Sad Boys, Buffalo Brewing, Marquee Brewing, BlackBird Cider, Clarksburg Cider, and more. Tickets are $60 and a portion of proceeds will benefit Hope Rises and The Firefighter Arno Memorial Foundation. Tickets include all tastings, finger foods, music from DJ Sike, and free parking.

5 Year Anniversary Party at Belt Line Brewery

Belt Line Brewery is celebrating their fifth anniversary all day long on April 27 (12pm) with BBQ food specials, free cupcakes for patrons while supplies last, the release of Blueberry Spring, a heavily fruited sour ale, a tapping of an exclusive Double Brunch fruited sour ale variant, and more. Blueberry Spring is tart and refreshing, with notes of blueberries, lemon, and lavender. Stay tuned to their events page for more details.

Hofbrauhaus to Tap Krystalweizen on May 2

Hofbrauhaus is tapping their new Krystalweizen, a German style filtered wheat ale, on May 2 (6pm). Similar to a traditional hefeweizen, Krystalweizen is 5.7% and features aromas of bubblegum and banana, with notes of wheat, clove and spice. Die Haus Band will provide live music for the beer tapping. For reservations, please visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com or call (716) 939-BEER (2337).

Big Ditch Brewing to Release Sport Jorts Double IPA

On April 26, Big Ditch Brewing will release Sport Jorts, a new Double IPA brewed using two experimental hops (HBC 586 & HBC 1019). This 8.3% DIPA features notes of tropical fruit, citrus, stone fruit and hops. Sport Jorts DIPA will be available on draft and 16oz. 4-pack cans at the taproom Friday, and wherever great craft beer is sold the following week. It will also be available online for shipping across New York and Pennsylvania.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Resurgence at Canalside, Southern Tier Comeback, New Beer at Big Ditch & Hofbrauhaus, Meadfest, Thawfest, Cabin Fever, Beer & Wine Fest, Belt Line Anniversary appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Let’s face it, most New Year’s resolutions are meant to be broken. Or maybe most just end up that way. You know the ones – losing weight, being a better person, a better husband or wife, going to the gym more, eating better, and so on and so forth. But what about New Year’s resolutions for the craft beer industry? Well, in order to find that out I asked 10 Buffalo beer luminaries, a group consisting brewery owners and presidents, head brewers, beer bar owners and the like, what their resolutions for the local craft beer scene in the New Year were.

Matt Kahn, president, Big Ditch Brewing – “Our resolution is to continue to innovate as much as we can, while continuing to stay true and consistent to who we are. That means we want to make all sorts of new products this year without losing sight of what we’re already doing well.”

Scott Shuler, head brewer, Hofbrauhaus Buffalo – “Let’s face it, 2023 was hard for small businesses and the craft beer industry. What used to work for having a brewery is experiencing a shift. Brewing great beer and winning awards used to bring in customers, but that appears to not be enough now. It is hard for me to pinpoint the reasons and shifts as I brew old school German beers, but I see my peers struggling or having to adapt to the shifting tides. As I’ve had time to reflect and ponder during the down time with the January snowstorms, a few patterns have emerged. One is that the focus on local is big and two, the need to be creative is huge. As I brew only German beers, the creativity part is traded for consistency and tenacity. I want to see my peers have a laser focus and seek that balance we all strive for in life. For Hofbrauhaus, I want to see us grow into the Buffalo German destination of choice. I take pride in the beers we brew and the traditions we uphold and love sharing both of those with everyone.”

BriarBrothers Brewing Company – “2023 was a crazy year for BriarBrothers. It was our first full year of operating and it was a whirlwind week in a week out. We learned a lot in 2023 and are looking forward to making our lives a little easier now that we’ve found our sea legs a bit more. That’s why we set about making our New Year’s resolution to take a breath and have fun. We don’t want to take for granted that we’re able to operate a business in an amazing industry and a fun-loving city.

We’re so fortunate that the community has embraced us as much as they have and we don’t want to miss a moment of that. Whether it’s a regular cracking a joke at the bar, a new pup visiting the taproom for the first time, or grabbing a 4-pack and hitting a round at South Park, the laughs are what make it easier to continue to grind. That’s not to say we will be slowing down at all and we have a lot of exciting things planned for 2024; but hopefully you see a big smile on the Betti boys’ faces while we’re at it.”

Dan Syracuse, owner, Pizza Plant – “The aspect that would be great for craft beer would be to regain the excitement. Not long ago I could have a tasting of five Stone [Brewing] beers and maybe only one was somewhat hard to get, and half the beer community would show up. We’ve come far with quality and varieties since (say the late 90’s), but beer is spread really thin – much going on, too many combinations to keep track of – I mean, some nice beers out there, but how many combinations can we digest?! Hard to see the excitement return, but maybe it has, just in a form that is expected, and taken for granted, a product like the old days where you go to the corner bar and just ask for…a beer.”

Jeff Pitts, owner, Steel Leaf Brewing – “I’ve always been a huge fan of exploring new styles, and experimenting with unique ingredients. As a brewer I often look for these brews at other local breweries and gravitate toward them. I love trying different styles that I haven’t experienced before and try to bring those ideas back to Steel Leaf to incorporate them into our style for others to experience too. You can almost always find something special, or unique at our brewery, but I’d like to dive into less popular brews like open fermentations, cold IPA’s and some barrel-aged stuff to broaden our horizons collectively expanding our local beer knowledge and capability.

I also see 2024 as a really great opportunity to dedicate ourselves to supporting local breweries by frequenting their taprooms, purchasing beer and participating in brewery events. I hope that the beer festivals and special events make a huge comeback after losing a little steam during COVID. These events are not only super fun but offer opportunities to taste a wide range of beers and to learn from industry experts. My resolution is to attend, support and help these types of events grow.”

Erik Greiner, head brewer, Belt Line Brewing – “My hope for craft beer in 2024 is the return of consumer craft beer education. The industry has been dominated by hazy IPAs and fruited sours for a couple of years now. I dream of a tap list that can showcase the complexity of what water, hops, barley and yeast can provide with the process to create a wonderful liquid. Variety is the spice of life and the time is now, bring back Saisons and Belgian Dubbels followed by a nice Robust Porter. Learning the history of beer is a wonderful journey and I feel like that is being lost, there are a lot of talented brewers in this town being bottlenecked by consumerism which is a double edged sword … as the lights need to stay on. It is a two way street with an attainable goal, we as brewery’s can educate the consumer on fun new brews, and the consumer could get curious and buy that bottle or can of something they have always wondered about. That is my hope for craft beer in 2024 and I hope everyone has a great time navigating the wild world of craft beer with good company.”

Jeff Ware, president, Resurgence Brewing – “In 2024, we would like to put some focus into our core packages for Resurgence and BlackBird Cider Works. Both brands have a lot to offer and we want to make sure consumers have a chance to enjoy the products that have built the company. While we all have enjoyed the variety of new beers that have been hitting the shelves since COVID, we have found many have never even had a Green Heart or Citmo IPA … which are really great beers! The addition of Blackbird to the portfolio also gives us some very well-crafted ciders to work with, something we are very excited about. Innovation will always be at the heart of Resurgence and that will certainly continue. This year we just want to do a little better job showcasing some of our best innovations!”

Adam Burnett, head brewer, Eli Fish Brewing – “I know at Eli Fish we are in a unique spot. I made a lot of shifts in 2023 based on moving trends, and 2024 will just be doubling down on them. Expensive beer is a necessary marketing showpiece, but the market on them is tanking. I’ll continue to brew some unique and creative barrel aged beers, and outside the box heavily fruited sours, but they are not the money maker for the standard brewery, nor us. Lagers and light beers are dominating, and while I used to have 3-4 at a time, I’m shifting to 4-6 at a time for 2024. I made some edits to how I make NEIPAs, and they are booming now. I never thought I’d brew so many, but I think in 2024, we’ll have 3-4 NEIPAs on all the time. The demand is still there. Most fascinating is the drive for dark, but light bodied, beer.  Dark lagers, English porters, and other easy-to-drink dark beers have been moving well, and I hope this continues to pick up.

From the outside looking in … I hope for 2024, the chase and hype continues to slow down, not that there is much left at this point. We’re still seeing new breweries open every month, but now we’re also seeing a closing about as frequently. If beer sales are the lowest we’ve seen in a generation, chasing the high from what beer looked like in 2015 isn’t going to slow down that decline. I hope all breweries can take a step back this year and focus on what makes their brands great, remembering that we have to begin with a great liquid, atmosphere, and for most of us – food. There is a reset of the industry happening, and this winter and spring could feel even bleaker.

2024 can be a great year for local breweries, who have realistic expectations, and are able to shift with the demands of a hurting industry.”

Chris Smith, owner, Community Beer Works – “Here are the top three CBW resolutions for 2024: Build a CBW taproom dedicated to the art of what we do best; brewing world-class beer, and building community, Chris Smith and Ryan Demler resolve to eat wings from a different weekly location to find the perfect wing pairing for Single Order Hazy IPA, and continue building a company that reflects our values and looks like our community.”

Matt Matuszewski, head brewer, 42 North Brewing – “My resolution for the new year is to finally sign up for Untappd and to 5 star every Buffalo beer I can manage. There’s enough negativity in the world, we don’t need that in 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 Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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Raise a Toast During Buffalo Beer Geeks Anniversary Week 

The Buffalo Beer Geeks Facebook group is celebrating their 11^th anniversary with BBG Anniversary Week, September 7-16. The special week kicks off with the official Opening Gala at the Yelling Goat. Tickets are $25 and include first beer, door prizes, raffles and appetizers. Other highlights include The Beer Keep second anniversary party on Sept. 9, Mini-Blue Monk Festival at Cole’s on Sept. 10 (ticketed event), Beer Geeks Happy Hour at Other Half Sept. 14, Eli Fish Brewing tap takeover at Magic Bear Beer Cellar on Sept. 15 and more. Throughout the week, there will be “secret word” discounts at specified Fattey Beer Co. locations.

Santora’s to Celebrate Oktoberfest with Concert, Beer Tasting

Santora’s Pizza Pub and Grill and 1927 Brew House are doing Oktoberfest up in style this year with a concert and mini-beer festival on September 9 (4-7pm). Tickets are $40 ($45 day of) and include live music from the Strictly Hip, free souvenir tasting glass, German food, beer tastings from Woodcock Brothers, Pearl Street, Lafayette Brewing, Spotted Octopus, Windy Brew, Resurgence, Pressure Drop, Thin Man, 42 North and cider from BlackBird Cider, lawn games, free liquor and wine tastings, giveaways and more. You can purchase tickets here.

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo to Tap Oktoberfestbier

Hofbrauhaus’ monthly keg tapping series continues on September 7 with their Oktoberfestbier. This full bodied beer is brewed with special Bavarian hops and malt variations to create notes of toasted malt sweetness, fruity hops and spice. Die Haus Band will lead the Barrel Tapping Parade at 6pm before a ceremonial barrel of Oktoberfestbier is tapped. All those in attendance will receive a complimentary beer after the barrel is tapped. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com or by calling 716-939-BEER.

Shalooby Loofer Brewing to Hold Grand Opening This Weekend

Western New York’s newest brewery, Shalooby Loofer Brewing, will officially open their doors at 10737 Main Street in Clarence on September 1 (6pm). The event will feature live music from Cameron Markott and food from the Cheesy Chick food truck. They will have a number of their own beers on tap, including Seriously Black Stout, Spellbrowned Brown Ale, Borloug the Bitter Hazy Pale Ale, Alchemist Ale, Apeachiate Cream Ale, Cauldron Cream Ale, Presto Pilsner, and Berries Gone Sour, a collaboration with One-Eyed Cat Brewing. Visit https://www.shaloobyloofer.com/ for more information.

Belt Line Brewery Drops New Pale Ale

Belt Line Brewery has tapped a new pale ale, Belt Line Pale (Kiwi Edition), which can be found on tap exclusively at their Swan Street taproom. The latest entry in the brewery’s rotational pale ale series features NewZilla, a new blend from New Zealand, and Mosaic Cryo hops to create tropical fruit and citrus aromas and notes of lemon, lime, stone fruit, figs, apricot, peach, gooseberry, and orange. Find Belt Line Pale (Kiwi Edition) on tap now.

Windy Brew’s Game Day Pilsner Makes a Return

Just in time for the new Buffalo Bills season, Windy Brew and Tailgate.Beers have once again partnered on Game Day Pilsner, a traditionally lagered pilsner with Motueka hops. “They wanted a beer that they could call their own; something smooth, crushable and worthy for their pre-table smashing pleasure,” Windy Brew Head Brewer Russell William said. “It came out with everything you would want in it and at a solid, easy drinking 4.2%.” Game Day Pils can be found on draft and in cans to-go at the brewery right now.

Brazen Brewing to Celebrate First Anniversary

Brazen Brewing is turning one and are taking the entire weekend to celebrate. Starting on September 1, the brewery will host Lockhouse Distilling for cocktail tastings and DJ Stone from 8-11pm. Then Saturday, Sept. 2 is 90’s night (8-11pm), with a special viewing of “Clueless” with 90’s music all night. Then, on Sunday, Brazen will host Peg’s Hardware for a Forever Banded pop up. There will be food and drink specials all weekend, along with the release of Peregrination Vol. IV, an 11% maple syrup imperial stout aged in Hartman’s bourbon barrels.

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).

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42 North Brewing’s Full Circle Festival Returns May 20

On May 20, 42 North Brewing will be joined by over 20 regional craft producers with each sampling a beverage that features New York State ingredients, at their annual Full Circle Festival at Knox Farm State Park. Tickets ($50 in advance, $55 at the door) include samplings of craft beer, mead and cider, live music from The Brothers Blue, as well as agriculture vendors, souvenir tasting glass, and pig roast. Tickets for the Full Circle Festival are now on sale at 42 North or via EventBrite. The event runs from 2 to 6 pm. This is a rain or shine event.

The event will a number of small batch beers made with all New York state ingredients, including 1927 Brew House Tropicana IPA, brewed with malts from Batavia’s NY Craft Malt, New York Beer Project NYS Hazy IPA, featuring NYS Mackinac and Cascade hops and organic Pilsner malt from Niagara Malting, Community Beer Works DDH Frank, brewed with NYS Cascade hops, 42 North Cherry Vanilla Pop Gose, brewed with NYS Pilsner malt & wheat malt from NY Craft Malt and NYS tart cherries, Brazen Brewing Try As We Might, brewed with a NY sourced trial blend of hops from NY Hop Guild and malts from Niagara Malt, and more.

Community Beer Works’ Meyer Lemon Let’s Go Pils, Pride Ale Return

Community Beer Works is bringing back their favorite warm-weather crusher, the Meyer Lemon version of their house lager, Let’s Go Pils. This beer is brewed with flaked corn, pilsner malt and German hops to create a light and clean lager with a pleasurable lemony kick. Meyer Lemon Let’s Go Pils is available in 6-pack 12oz. cans and wherever great craft beer is sold.

CBW’s Pride Ale, a juicy and haze ale for all, also makes its returns on May 19 (5pm). Pride Ale will be available in 4-pack 16oz. cans and $1 from each pint sold and $1 from each 4-pack sold in the taproom will be donated to the Pride Center of WNY.

Both are available on draft at the brewery as well.

West Shore Brewing Closes Clarence Taproom

West Shore Brewing’s taproom in Clarence, their home for the past six years, has closed. The brewery announced that their lease was coming to an end and they decided not to renew. Rest assured, they are not shutting down the business, they are just altering their business model, so West shore Brewing will continue to exist in the future. Owner Josh Dziomba says that will he announce their next steps for the brewery in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to West Shore’s social media pages for further announcements and updates.

Belt Line Brewery to Hold First Ever Loop Fest

In what they are calling a celebration of love, life and Loop, Belt Line Brewery’s inaugural Loop Fest is happening May 19 (2pm). There will be five versions of Loop IPA, including First Loop, Inverted Loop Double IPA, Tropical First Loop (Orange/Pineapple), Experimental Loop and Looper’s Wheat (wheat ale aged on sweet Valencia orange peel), food specials including a smoked brisket sandwich with First Loop BBQ sauce and charred First Loop BBQ wings, discounted Loop flights, Loop merchandise raffles, freshly canned First Loop 4-packs, and more.

Five & 20 Day, 10^th Anniversary at Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing

On May 20, Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing will celebrate their 10^th anniversary, fittingly enough, on Five & 20 Day. They will celebrate with the release of a new wave of Whiskey Expressions, Cluck Truk Food Truck will be on hand, and there will be live music from The Fractures (12-3pm ) and The Julia Hamilton Trio (4:30-7:30pm), as well as facility tours, lawn games, and spirits, beer, cocktails, and wine from Mazza Chautauqua Cellars. The event is free and open to the public, and all seating and service is first come, first serve.

Avon’s Mortalis Brewing to Open Taproom in Buffalo

Mortalis Brewing Company, a popular brewery located in Avon, NY that’s known for their fruited sours and imperial stouts, have announced plans to open a new taproom in Buffalo this summer, located at 1250 Niagara Street, next to Twin Petrels Seltzer Company. For updates, follow them on Instagram at @mortalisbuffalo. Mortalis Brewing was founded in 2016 and have gone on to garner recognition at a number of beer competitions, which has gained them a dedicated fanbase worldwide.

Resurgence Brewing’s Hops 2 Pints Event

Not only does Resurgence want you to help them make a beer, they want you to help grow the hops that get used in the brew. As part of the Hops 2 Pints event, the brewery will give out baby hop plants, which you’ll plant, and then you’ll be invited back to make a beer using those hops. Once the beer is brewed, your friends and family are invited to have a party and drink the beer. For $50, you’ll gain access to the Hop Plant Party, Beer Decision Day, Hop Harvest, and Beer Release Party. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click 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 Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Full Circle Fest, CBW Summer Beers, West Shore Taproom Closes, Resurgence Hop 2 Pints, Belt Line Loop Fest, Mortalis Brewing in Buffalo, Five & 20 10th Anniversary appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

If the 2022 NYS Craft Brewers Festival proved anything, it proved just how incredible and truly amazing this beer scene of ours is. There’s a reason this event has quickly become the marquee, must-attend, beer event of the summer in Buffalo – seeing so many friends, making new ones and having so many excellent beers (seltzers, meads and ciders as well) all within the span on a few hours on Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront is something every beer drinker and craft aficionado should experience. Hell, it’s just a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

It makes me want to work even harder to promote, support and grow this beer scene bigger than ever. But I digress. Let’s get to the beer. You’re probably already yelling at your screen for me to stop waxing poetic. I apologize.

It should come as a surprise to no one in Western New York that, at a festival with over 50 breweries from every corner of the state, local beer showed up and showed out. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t have anything great from the rest of the state – I had a lovely side pull of rice lager from Canandaigua’s Frequentem Brewing (Basmati Rice Lager), yes, a side pull on a jockey box, a pair of fantastic fruited sours from Brooklyn’s Wild East Brewing (Cosplay: Blueberry and Repeater: Blueberry), an awesome kellerbier from Long Island’s Big Alice Brewing (The Good Alice) and a tasty little hefeweizen on cask from Seneca Lake Brewing in Rock Stream. I was even recruited to tap a cask of Seneca Lake’s Irish Red, which didn’t up going well, but that’s a story for another day. We’re all here to focus on the beer, right? In short, New York is producing some of the best liquids in the world.

Belt Line Kitchen & Brewery Fruit Punch Brunch

Belt Line knows their way around a fruited sour, Double Jusey, Double Brunch or Tastes Like Brunch as prime examples, but Fruit Punch Brunch might just be the best of the lot for me. It was an utterly refreshing mix of pineapple, tangerine, cherry and lemon that wasn’t overly sweet and it was light and drinkable for 7.1%. I was a bit surprised at just how much I enjoyed this beer given that I have been off of fruited sours recently. But just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

Other Half Brewing Poetry Snaps Rice Lager

While it probably shouldn’t be all that much of a surprise that a beer from Other Half Brewing makes this best of list, what might be a surprise is that it’s a lager, not an IPA – Poetry Snaps Rice Lager to be exact. This beer is crisp and floral with citrus notes; super crushable and perfect for the warm weather that day. I found myself in line for this beer more often than not. And shout out to Other Half’s Broccoli Man, who sweated his off in his broccoli costume to take a bunch of pictures with us.

Pressure Drop Brewing Frosty Pops IPA

I ran into Head Brewer Karl Kolbe before I made my way over to the Pressure Drop booth at the fest and he told me that Frosty Pops IPA was the softest beer he has ever brewed, which is certainly saying something, coming from him. Welp, turns out he was right. Frosty Pops features soft and smooth notes of candied orange and tangerine – it was reminiscent of a hoppy orange creamsicle milkshake. I need to pick up some cans of this very soon.

New York Beer Project The One V.36

Look at that – another hazy banger makes this list. I’ve enjoyed many of the recent iterations of New York Beer Project’s rotational house New England, but V.36 was the best in recent memory. Big tropical and stone fruit notes, a light body and smooth finish. If you didn’t know, those are all things you want in a hazy IPA. I only had time for one pour of this and I wish I would have time for another. Guess I’ll just have to get my ass up to the brewery soon for more now won’t I?

Woodcock Brothers Brewing Water In The Flowers

I’ll admit, the first time I had Woodcock’s wonderful little Italian Pils was as part of a flight at their Wurlitzer location, and it wasn’t anything memorable. Fast forward to this festival, and I’m not sure what happened, but Water In The Flowers, a smooth, slightly spicy and floral pilsner, ended up as one of the better beers I had at the festival. I also wanted to use this space to highlight Thin Man Brewery’s Elettrico Eterno Italian Pilsner, which was refreshing and citrusy.

Bring on the next one.

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).

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