Britesmith Brewing Opens Second Taproom on Niagara Street

Britesmith Brewing’s second taproom is now open down at 1250 Niagara Street inside the former home of Resurgence Brewing and Twin Petrels. They are currently in a soft opening phase (they will be closed on June 27) with a full food menu, including small and large plates, salads, smoked meats, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas, as well as a full slate of Britesmith beer on tap, cider, non-alcoholic options, wine, and cocktails. They will be open Tuesday through Friday (4-10 pm), Saturday   (11 am-11 pm), and Sunday (11 am-9 pm). You can find more information on the new space, as well as full food and drink menus, here.

Stuff Your Trunk Sale at Ellicottville Brewing Little Valley

Ellicottville Brewing is hosting a Stuff Your Trunk sale at their Little Valley location on June 28 (11 am – 3 pm) featuring BOGO deals on EBC beers, Pressure Drop Brewing and limited edition releases, special commemorative EBC 30th anniversary merchandise, including hats, pins and collectibles, and more. The brewery will also be offering free tours of their Little Valley production facility. The Stuff Your Trunk sale is free and open to the public. EBC Little Valley is located at 202 2^nd Street in Little Valley.

Erie County Fair Homebrew, Cider Winners Announced

The Home Brew and Hard Cider Best of Show winners of the Erie County Fair Home Brew and Cider competitions have been selected. The Best in Show Cider is Carnival Drizzle from Chuck Privitera of Eden, a modern semi-sweet cider inspired by the flavors of a caramel apple. It will be produced by Blackbird Cider Works. The Best in Show Beer is a Czech Amber Lager from Dr. Mark Zambron of Buffalo, Czech Out The Fair, which features a floral hop character, firm bitterness, and a rich malt backbone. It will be brewed and released by Hamburg Brewing. Hamburg Gaming is hosting a special sampling event for both winners on July 15 (4-7 pm) featuring samples, light snacks, and live music from Brother James.

Big Ditch Brewing To Re-Release Packet IPA

Packet, the first of Big Ditch Brewing’s vaunted Lock IPA Series, and one of their most celebrated beers ever, is set to make its return on June 28. Packet, named after the boats that transported early passengers on the Erie Canal, a 7.2% IPA brewed with Galaxy and Mosaic, features juicy and sticky hop notes with tempered bitterness and tropical and lightly floral hop flavors. Packet will be available on draft and in 16oz. 4-pack cans beginning at noon.

Brickyard Brewing To Mark 8^th Anniversary With New Hazy IPA

Brickyard Brewing is celebrating its 8th anniversary with a new hazy IPA, 8th Anniversary Hazy IPA. This 7% IPA features Galaxy, Nectaron and Riwaka hops and soft and smooth notes of tropical fruit. “Cheers to eight years! 2017 seems like an eternity ago, but wow! We made it! Eight years of ups and downs and sideways bring us to this point, our 8th Anniversary Hazy IPA,” the brewery says. “Celebrate Brickyard Brewing Company this week and grab a 4-pack of this limited edition 8th Anniversary Hazy.” 8th Anniversary Hazy IPA will be available at the brewery on tap and in cans starting June 26.

Wildflower Meadery Teams With Botanical Gardens on New Mead

Wildflower Meadery has teamed up with the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens on Botanical Breeze, a light session mead infused with lemon and lavender brewed with honey from the beehives at the Botanical Gardens. “Enjoy a crisp drink this summer while celebrating the importance of our pollinating pals,” the Botanical Gardens says. Botanical Breeze can be found at Wildflower Meadery’s taproom and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, as well as at select retailers. It can also be ordered online at https://wildflowerbeverages.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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Britesmith Brewing’s second taproom is now open down at 1250 Niagara Street inside the former home of Resurgence Brewing and Twin Petrels.

They are now open with a full food menu including small and large plates, salads, smoked meats, sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas, as well as a full slate of Britesmith beer on tap, cider, non-alcoholic options, wine and cocktails. They also plan to host brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome you to our brand-new Buffalo location at 1250 Niagara Street. Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, our house-brewed beers, craft cocktails, or brunch in our beer garden, we’ve got you covered,” the brewery said.

They will be open Tuesday – Friday (4-10pm), Saturday,  (11am-11pm) and Sunday (11am-9pm).

“Given the exciting momentum along Niagara Street, we couldn’t resist joining the party. Our new home at 1250 Niagara previously hosted some great spots like Resurgence Brewing and Twin Petrels,” Britesmith says. “We’re honored to continue the tradition of serving up quality food, drinks, and vibes in this spot. So get ready to join us for a pint in our new neighborhood!”

You can find more information on the new space, as well as full food and drink menus, 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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Britesmith Brewing to Celebrate Third Anniversary

On February 15, Williamsville’s Britesmith Brewing will raise a toast to three years with 2-for-1 crowlers, a special anniversary ale beer release, and plenty of snacks. The celebration, which runs 4-8pm, is free and open to the public. Named for a group of blacksmiths who operated out of the building in the 1800’s, Britesmith Brewing opened on Ellicott Creek in February 2020.

Steelbound Brewery Plans Massive Expansion in Ellicottville

After opening taprooms in Springville and Dunkirk (with more to come), Steelbound Brewery are expanding their Ellicottville headquarters. Tentative plans call for the addition of a 75-room, independently branded hotel, including a 35,000-square-foot, 400 person capacity conference center and banquet hall connected via an elevated skybridge. Other plans call for upgrades to their production center, the addition of a barrel storage complex and a 55,000-pound grain silo for storage. According to reports, the planned expansion could add up to 100 new jobs at Steelbound. Construction on the hotel and conference center will start in early 2024.

5 New 1927 Brew House Beers Available at All Santora’s Locations

A handful of 1927 Brew House beers are now available at all three Santora’s locations, including Bailey’s Brown Ale, a spiced brown ale with nutmeg and coriander, Cherry-Orange-Ginger Sour, a kettle sour brewed with cherries, tangerines and ginger, Union Winter Lager, a malty-smooth dark lager with flavors and aromas of caramel, toffee, dark fruit and a hint of chocolate, Ridge Road Double IPA, a smooth DIPA with flavors of resinous pine, pineapple and grapefruit, and Memorial IPA, a lite IPA that clocks in at 4.4%  with notes of fresh grapefruit, melon, lime and mango. All five beers are available on draft.

1927 Brew House will also debut Henderson Spring Bock, a smooth, but hearty 7.1% copper colored lager next week.

Thin Man Brewery to Release New Sour, Hold Can Sale

Thin Man Brewery will release Cute & Fuzzy Bunny Gang Carrot Cake Sour, a collaboration with Replay Brewing, on February 9. This new brew boasts aromas of orange, cinnamon, allspice, and baked bread, along with tart flavors of tartness up front, cream cheese, raisin, and carrot. Cute & Fuzzy Bunny Gang will be available on draft and in cans to go. In honor of the special release, there will also be a Mario Kart Tournament on The Brew Deck at Elmwood (located on third floor). Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

The brewery is also holding a special can sale ahead of their closing for renovations on February 13. Now through Sunday, February 12, all 4-packs, cases and bottles to-go will be 20% off. No mix-n-match 4-packs. This sale is only at Thin Man’s Elmwood location.

Triple Can Release This Weekend at Brickyard Brewing

Brickyard Brewing will release three beers on February 10 (4pm) – Tangerine Dream Wheat Ale, Blueberry Pilsner and Jitter Juice. Tangerine Dream is a flavorful and crushable fruited wheat ale fermented on tangerine puree, Blueberry Pils is a crispy, fruity pilsner brewed with natural blueberry and Jitter Juice is an Espresso Martini Stout brewed with Irish Ale Malt, lactose and espresso coffee from Orange Cat Coffee. These beers will be available on draft and in 4pks to go.

Pressure Drop Brewing Presents Darkest Timeline

Pressure Drop is taking the weekend to celebrate all things dark beer with Darkest Timeline, February 10-12. All weekend long, the brewery is offering 25% off bottles and cans and $1 off draft pours of all stouts and porters. There will also be a 60-minute brewer talk with head brewer Karl Kolbe on Saturday, February 11 (8pm). For $20, you will receive admission to the talk, as well as six tastings of Pressure Drop beers. Limited seats are available. Purchase tickets here.

Southern Tier Overpack’d Pack to Features 2 New Beers

The new version of Southern Tier Brewing’s Overpack’d Mixed Pack features 15 IPAs with 5 unique styles, including Nu Haze (Hazy IPA), IPA (American IPA), 2XIPA (Double IPA) and new beers, Juice Jolt (Extra Juicy IPA) and Hoptomic Rush (Tropical Rush). Juice Jolt features tropical fruit flavors at an easy drinking 6.8%, while Hoptomic Rush features notes of exotic fruit flavor and hops. Look for the new pack in stores near you soon.

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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Britesmith Brewing to Introduce New Food Truck

The Williamsville brewery has announced plans to add a food truck to its operations to service private and public events. The food truck, which is expected to debut at a Buffalo Bills game this November, will held to expand Britesmith’s catering opportunities, and will replace field kitchens and backyard tents, especially for menu items such as fried chicken sandwiches, pizza and mac and cheese, according to Schutte Hospitality Group president David Schutte.

Shalooby Loofer Brewing Coming to Clarence Hollow

Add another name to the list of future Western New York breweries – Shalooby Loofer Brewing, who have announced plans to open at 10737 Main Street in Clarence next year. Tentative plans for the brewery to convert a 3-car garage into a brewery and tasting room equipped with a Ruby Pro 1 BBL Electric Brew House. The name comes from the nicknames of the owner’s daughters, Madison (Shalooby) and Maggie (Loofer). Stay tuned to https://www.shaloobyloofer.com/ for more information. They’ve also launched the Founder Guild for those looking to help the fledgling brewery. You can get more info and join here.

Community Beer Works to Release Bill’s Berry Berry Sour Ale

Community Beer Works’ Bill’s beer series continues with Bill’s Berry Berry Sour Ale, which will be release on Sept. 23. The beer is brewed with blueberry, lemon, ginger and Philly Sour yeast. This is the third release in the series, following Bill’s Garage White IPA and Bill’s Vintage Sweater New England IPA. Bill’s Berry Berry Sour Ale will be available in cans and on draft.

Two New Malty Beers Coming to Thin Man Brewery

Fall months and colder weather call for darker, maltier beers and Thin Man got the memo. On Sept. 23 they will release two such beers – Alternative Maltster (shoutout to all Stiff Little Fingers fans), an altbier with notes of coffee and dark chocolate and roast, and Merry Go Round, a floral malty lager with notes of toasted bread, light caramel, honey and spicy and floral noble hops. Both beers will be available at both Thin Man taprooms on Friday.

One-Eyed Cat Brewing to Go Back To The Alley

While they now have a taproom on Main Street in Williamsville, One-Eyed Cat Brewing is throwing it back to their roots with a Back to the Alley Pop-Up –style event on Sept. 24 (12pm). The brewery will be pouring beer samples outside from a jockey box, including a wet hopped version of Electrum Amber Ale and a new chocolate oatmeal stout, along with craft vendors, food from Pork Bellies BBQ, including BBQ Sundaes, and more.

Hamburg Brewing, Mercy Hospital to Release Code Brew

Hamburg Brewing Company and Mercy Hospital have teamed up for the release of Code Brew Irish Red Ale, which will benefit the Mercy Hospital Helping Hands Fund, a special fund to help associates in need. Proceeds from the sale of 4-packs will go to benefit the Mercy Hospital Foundation. The foundation sponsored a Name That Brew Contest during National Hospital Week, which was won by three Mercy Hospital associates, Alex Kern (Patient Care Services), Douglas George (Spiritual Care) and Nicole Jakubik, RN (Ambulatory Surgery). Right now, Code Brew is not available to the public, but could be in the future.

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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Steelbound Brewing & Distillery to Open in West Seneca

Steelbound Brewing, who currently have locations in Ellicottville and Springville with plans to open in Hamburg and Dunkirk, will open another location in West Seneca at the former Funk Lawn Care facility, 555 Orchard Park Road, which will be renamed The Ridge. Tentative plans calls for a 150-seat restaurant and taproom, with its own brewmaster to develop beer specific to the site, according to reports, a large outdoor patio and fire pits. The Ridge is expected to open in February.

Buffalo Brewing Taproom Set to Reopen After Over a Year

After being closed for over 450 days due to the pandemic, Buffalo Brewing Company will reopen the doors to their taproom. While they have been open in some fashion, whether it be pints in the beer garden or to-go sales, the newly renovated taproom proper will reopen for indoor seating, pints and flights. They will be open 4-8pm on Thursday, 4-11pm Friday, 12-11pm Saturday and 12-8pm Sunday.

Other Half Brewing Beer Garden Opens at Seneca One

Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing, who also has a taproom in Bloomfield, NY at the former Nedloh Brewery, has opened their beer garden at Seneca One Tower. The new outdoor space will be open on Saturdays, 11a – 7p, for the time being. They are looking to have a food truck available at the spot each week and will be offering can pours for on-site consumption of a variety of Other Half beers.

Resurgence Brewing Launches Pints in the Park for 2021

Resurgence is again teaming up with Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the Erie County Parks Department for Pints in the Park, which features mobile beer gardens in parks throughout Western New York with a portion of the proceeds going back to the parks. Pints in the Park will feature draft beer, games, music and food. All are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and food. Dates and locations include Como Lake Park (6/18-6/20), Lamm VFW Fundraiser in the Grove (6/26), Chestnut Ridge (7/10, 9/17-9/19, 10/15-10/17), Delaware Park (7/23-7/25), Ellicott Creek Park (8/13-8/15), Cazenovia Park (8/20-8/22) and Spraguebrook Park (10/9-10/11) on Friday (4-8:30 pm), Saturday (12-8:30 pm) and Sunday (12-5pm).

Brickyard Brewing Commemorates First Responders With New Beer

On June 11, Brickyard Brewing will commemorate the five local fire companies and first responders who helped put out the massive blaze that ripped through the brewery last year with the release of Nozzle Nut Ember Ale, a 5.5% malt-forward red ale. The beer will be released at the brewery on Friday (4pm), then at the Artisan Market on Saturday.

Britesmith Brewing Adds a Trio of New Beers

Williamsville’s Britesmith Brewing has added a trio of new beers to their draft board, including Drinkin’ Buddies, a German-style kolsch brewed with Mandarina Bavaria and Tettnang hops (collaboration with Scale House Brewery and Solera Tap House), Pinkies Out Vol. II, a Belgian Saison brewed with Gewürztraminer grape juice (notes of grape and pear blend with subtle spice of the saison style) and Ride Sally Ride, an American IPA with hazy notes of passionfruit, peach, and pine that’s brewed with American Mosaic and Australian Galaxy hops. All three beers are on tap now.

42 North Brewing Bringing Back Pair of IPAs

42 North are digging into the archives and bringing back a pair of hoppy beers, including Movin’ to the Country IPA ($18.99 per 4pack) and White Oak Borderland IPA ($13.99 per 4-pack), on June 12 (12pm). Movin’ to the Country IPA, the fourth installment in the Pre-Emption Series, is a full-bodied milkshake IPA featuring a velvety mouthfeel with flavors like peach, vanilla and ripe fruit. White Oak Borderland IPA boasts a heavy use of Amarillo, Citra, and Simcoe hops to provide the tropical fruit aromas of pineapple, stone fruit, peach, citrus, and mango.

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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New York Beer Project Plans Inaugural Can Release

New York Beer Project will hold perhaps their most important beer release yet on March 1 (5pm) – their first ever can release, one more than five years in the making. Irish Coffee Stout, a 7% stout brewed with Irish coffee and lactose for rich coffee and cream flavors, was part of the Buffalo Beer Geeks’ CollaBEERation 1.5 event. $14.99 per 4-pack (limit 2).

Four Can Releases at Thin Man This Weekend

Thin Man is looking to make sure beer fridges across Western New York are fully stocked with four beer releases on February 26 (Elmwood, 3pm, Chandler, 4pm, Transit, 4pm). Diplomatic Immunity New England IPA (flavors and aromas of peach, melon and strawberry) is returning, alongside the next entry into the Laminar Flow family (Peach Blueberry Strawberry Sour), Pacific Sun NEIPA (flavors of orange and lemon with light herbal notes and a crisp, dry finish), and Across the Fields of Morning Citra Heavy West Coast IPA (notes of tropical fruit & resin with some orange peel). Stock up!

Southern Tier Continues Shake Shop Series With Strawberry Dream

Following Vanilla Whipp and Orange Creamsicle, Southern Tier is expanding their Shake Shop series with Strawberry Dream Milkshake IPA. Barley, oats, and milk sugar join fruity, tropical hops and more hops. It’s then conditioned on strawberry and vanilla for a bursting aroma, creamy mouthfeel and rich notes of citrus and strawberry. Strawberry Dream MIPA is available now in 4-pack 16oz. cans and on draft.

Eli Fish, Britesmith Team on New Beer, Tap Takeover

Anochronistic, a 6.2% IPA with El Dorado and Mosaic hops, the first ever collab between Eli Fish Brewing and Britesmith Brewing, will be released on February 25 (4pm) at Eli Fish. In addition to the new collab, Britesmith is taking over taps at Eli Fish that day with Cinn-Full Stout (dessert stout with cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and lactose), Billie Haze (DDH NEIPA with Lactose & Pineapple), Hefeweizen, and Irish Red Ale.

Community Beer Works Plans Duel Releases

On February 26 (3pm), Community Beer Works are releasing not one, but two new beers in Keep Sailing, Bob Hoppy Pilsner and The Beer That Sank Atlantis Dark IPA. Keep Sailing is a collaboration with the Buffalo Beer Geeks; a lightly bittered pilsner with a bright, hoppy aroma and a balance of grass, wildflower and lemon zest, and The Beer That Sank is the latest in CBW’s Employee Concept Beer series from Dave “Geech” Giczkowski. Available in 16oz. 4-packs. Pre-order at communitybeerworks.com/deliveries.

Five & 20 Drops New Entry in Shape Shifter IPA Series 

Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing are releasing the latest member of their Shape Shifter IPA family, Ruby Moon Red IPA. Brewed with NY Chinook, NY Michigan Copper, NY Cluster, and Azacca hops, Ruby Moon features tropical fruit, lemongrass, peach and subtle pine flavors. Ruby Moon will be available in cans (16oz. 4-packs, $14) and limited draft. The brewery has also welcomed back Flame Cranium Red Ale for the season.

BriarBrothers Brewing Launches New Kickstarter

BriarBrothers Brewing, the brainchild of local brothers Joel and Dylan Betti, has launched a new Kickstarter campaign to help fund their goal of opening a brick-and-mortar brewery. The campaign runs through April 20 with a goal of $12,500. Monies raised will go towards designing, renovating, and developing the brewery, and perks include mug club membership, glassware, hoodies, and shirts. For more information and to donate, 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).

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If you’ve read my work in the past, you know I’ve often talked about the power of craft beer, especially local craft beer. Not only is craft beer a market mover in Western New York, its integral to community. In essence, craft beer is more than just beer. The liquid itself is great, but it also allows many to make a living, puts money back into the local economy, brings joy to many, and supports the very community that, in turn, supports it.

That leads me to the crux of this very article you are reading. A number of local breweries are using their beer and the month of October to give back to local charities. So, case in point, if you want to experience to true power of craft beer (and yes, I know it tastes great), just simply read these words, drink these beers and let the fresh, cold pint in your hands make a difference in our community.

First Line Brewing is giving a percentage of sales this month to Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY, who “empower veterans to achieve economic success, housing stability, and emotional health and well-being by offering a wide holistic range of social and health services needed to complete the transition from military to civilian life.”

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause incredibly near and dear to my heart, New York Beer Project is donating $1 from every pint sold of their Walter’s Jelly Donut to The American Cancer Society. NYBP Victor will also be donating a portion of beer sales to the Rochester ACS chapter.

“This will be the third year for this campaign in Lockport,” NYBP Owner Kelly Krupski says. “The month usually includes fundraising events which assist the American Cancer Society, such as celebrity bartending events, auctions, raffles, and trivia events, and even though we are confident these can be done maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, we unfortunately can’t hold them given Governor Cuomo’s state mandates. I really love being there for our community, and being able to help charities that are there for our people. And donating is fun when you can contribute by enjoying a delicious pink beer, such as Walter’s Jelly Donut.”

A number of breweries, Big Ditch Brewing (October 19-25, $1 from every pint of Cinnamon Apple Amber, Fall Black and German food specials), Britesmith Brewing (Through October 25, $1 from Oktoberfest pints and $2 from Oktoberfest crowlers), Ellicottville Brewing, Hamburg Brewing (Through October 25, $1 from Oktoberfest pints, 6-packs and growlers), NYBP ($1 from Grasshopper Pie Porter) and Flying Bison Brewing (Through October 23, 100% of cash purchases of cask beer each Friday) are all donating a portion of proceeds to Oishei Children’s Hospital.

“We were approached by some folks from the Children’s Hospital Foundation looking for creative ways to help do some fundraising for the hospital. They had a fall theme in mind, so we landed on using some fall beer to help out,” Hamburg Owner John Russo says. “The reality is that Children’s Hospital runs on really thin margins and relies heavily on donations to balance their budget. After a lengthy time of minimal income with the loss of things like elective surgery, the hospital needs all the help it can get. The good news is that we are one of several local breweries in the area participating in this and hopefully we can generate enough together to move the needle for the hospital. We all know someone who has benefitted from the existence of the hospital, let’s hope this can help out the ones we don’t know.”

“In the 4 years since New York Beer Project has been open, they are so pleased to have been able to donate over $20,000 to Oishei Children’s Hospital,” Krupski adds of NYBP.

Russo explains the brewery chose their Oktoberfest as their charity beer because, quite frankly, its his favorite beer the brewery makes.

We are proud to support John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital with the Fall Fest FOR Children’s campaign!

🍂September 28 – October 25

🍻$1.00 of every pint, 6-pack and growler of Hamburg Oktoberfest sold at the brewery will be donated to John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital pic.twitter.com/3vvUdeq32Y

— Hamburg Brewing (@HamburgBrewing) September 30, 2020

“This year I think it’s the best one we ever produced,” Hamburg Taproom Manager Matt Piazza says of their Oktoberfest. “And we have been making for the past seven years and I think we have it dialed in right where it needs to be. And we have been hearing the same thing from our guests this year as well. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t really let it shine at our anniversary party this year. But we know that it will just be bigger and better than ever next year.”

Please help us collect cleaning supplies for donation to Response to Love Center in the city’s East Side. Stop in during business hours the next few weeks & drop your donation off at the bar.

All donations get you FREE beer…just how much depends on how generous you are! pic.twitter.com/lE4UUIWs2y

— Flying Bison (@flyingbison) October 1, 2020

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 buffalobeerleague@aol.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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42 North Goes Virtual for Fifth Anniversary, Plans Special Beers

To commemorate this milestone, 42 North are releasing a series of barrel aged and sour beers under the theme “Five With Friends.” The first was bourbon barrel-aged Ben Nevis Scotch Ale, then, on October 17, two sour beers will be released: “There Goes Five Years,” a blackberry and blueberry gose, and “Fit the Fifth,” a peach and passion fruit sour IPA brewed with cashew milk from Elmhurst 1925. Then, on October 24, 42 North will release a series of barrel-aged Baltic Porters aged in rum and wine barrels. Also on October 17, Leroy Townes Band will perform, which will be livestreamed at 42N’s Facebook.

Breweries Giving Back to Charity During October

A number of local breweries are using their beer and the month of October to give back. First Line is giving a percentage of sales this month to Veterans One-stop Center of WNY, New York Beer Project is donating $1 from every pint sold of Walter’s Jelly Donut to The American Cancer Society, and Big Ditch ($1 from every pint of Cinnamon Apple Amber, Fall Black), Britesmith ($1 from Oktoberfest pints, $2 from Oktoberfest crowlers), Ellicottville Brewing, Hamburg ($1 from Oktoberfest pints, 6-packs and growlers), NYBP ($1 from Grasshopper Pie Porter) and Flying Bison (100% of cash purchases of cask beer on Fridays) are all donating a portion of proceeds to Oishei Children’s Hospital.

Flying Bison Wants to Send You a Liquid Christmas Card

Even though it’s not even Halloween, Flying Bison are already in the Christmas spirit with the announcement of their new Liquid Christmas Card Variety Pack, which features 3 16oz. cans each of Paula’s Red Velvet Ale (8% ABV), Spot Coffee Stout (8% ABV), Hazy Holiday! IPA (6.8% ABV), and Spiced Christmas Ale (7.2% ABV). These 12 packs are expected to go on sale at the brewery in early November and wherever great beer is sold thereafter.

Big Ditch Plans Triple Can Release This Weekend

Big Ditch is making sure your beer fridges remain stocked with not one, not two, but three can releases on October 16 (11am). Set to drop are Tropic Vision Fruited Sour, featuring mango and passion fruit aromas and flavors and brewed with oats, Galaxy hops, and lactose ($19.99 / 4-pack), Lock IPA #10: 40 Foot Prism ($14.99 / 4-pack), a hazy and creamy IPA brewed with wheat, oats, handpicked Mosaic hops, and blended with El Dorado and Belma hops, and the second batch of Space Donkey (Hayburner with Galaxy hops). All are available for presale at 8pm on October 15.

Brickyard Brewing Plans Barrel Aged Belgian Quad Can Release

Lewiston’s Brickyard Brewing has a big release planned for October 17 (11am) as they will release their Stained Glass Vol. One, the barrel aged variant of Stained Glass No. 1 Belgan Quadruple. This version was aged in a blend of bourbon and rum barrels, some for exactly 12 months, some as long as 18 months. Draft will be available soon at Brickyard Pub & BBQ and 12oz. cans will be available this weekend.

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 buffalobeerleague@aol.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now for the Fifth Annual Thawfest

Believe it or not, it will soon be time to raise a toast to the end of yet another long Buffalo winter and what better place to do so than at Thawfest at Buffalo Riverworks on April 3 (6:30-9:30pm). Over 50 local breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries will be on hand, while Vin DeRosa and Vitamin D provide live music. A wider selection of rare and limited beers, as well as finger foods, will be available in the VIP section (5:30-9:30pm). Early bird tickets can be purchased right now here (General admission: $39, VIP: $59, VIP + Brewery Tour: $80).

Gordon Biersch Brewery at the Walden Galleria Closes Its Doors

After nearly a decade of serving traditional German-style beers such as their Maibock, Festbier and Marzen, Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant at the Walden Galleria Mall has closed its doors for good. An email was sent to customers announcing the closing as of February 9 with no official reason given. “Thank you Buffalo for 9 years of food & beer,” the email read. “We regret to inform you that the Buffalo location has been permanently closed.” Syracuse is now the only New York location listed for Gordon Biersch, a national chain brewery that originated in San Jose, California in 1997.

Britesmith Brewery Co. in Williamsville Is Now Open for Business

Add yet another name to the ever-growing list of Western New York breweries – Britesmith Brewing. Located at 5611 Main Street in Williamsville, Britesmith is a two-story facility with space for up to 120 customers and another 25 at the bar. Beer, which is brewed on a 10-barrel system and piped to the restaurant in underground pipes, includes Billie Haze New England IPA, Wills Pils German Pilsner, Walk the Dog Irish Dry Stout and Dream Island Gose, among others. The restaurant will be open seven days a week. Hours will be 4-10pm Monday-Thursday, 4-11pm Friday, and 11am-to 11pm Saturday and Sunday.

Indulge in the Finer Things at Pizza Plant’s Belgian Beer and Chocolate Fest

Pair chocolate and Belgian beer during Pizza Plant’s Belgian Beer and Chocolate Fest on February 12 (7pm) at their Transit Road location. The event will feature beers like Ommegang Bourbon Barrel Aged Adoration Dark Ale, Rare Vos, Witte, Pale Sour, Dubbel Merlau, a Belgian Dubbel with Merlot grape juice, as well as Boulevard Brandy Land, a cinnamon-infused imperial stout aged in apple brandy casks and bourbon barrels, Framboise Boon Raspberry Lambic and more. Chocolates will be courtesy of Chow Chocolat, including an Ommegang Rosetta-infused chocolate. Free chocolate and glassware with any flight purchase. Chocolate gift boxes will also be available.

Flying Bison to Debut New Lager, IPA This Week

A big week is in store for Flying Bison Brewing, who will debut a new lager and new IPA. First, on February 13 (6pm), Lift Line Lager will hit the taps during their Classic Ski Film Night; a crisp, hoppy and balanced 5% Keller Lager with ample amounts of Mandarina Bavaria hops. Limited draft and crowlers available. Then, on February 14 (12pm), Buffalust IPA will make its debut. Buffalust is brewed with Hibiscus and Mandarina Bavaria hops for floral notes of fresh tangerines and tart berry. Bottles and draft available exclusively at the brewery before it hits stores next week.

Beer List Announced for First Ever Cask Fest at Brickyard Brewing

Cask Festival 2020 at Brickyard Brewing Company, a first time cask festival that will play host to nothing but the finest cask beer, will take place at the Lewiston brewery on February 15 (3pm). The beer list has been announced and includes Brickyard CTC Churro Milk Stout with Vanilla, Hamburg Brewing Double Fruited Blackberry/Blueberry Sour, Pressure Drop DDH Citra Sticky Trees and Woodcock Brothers Blueberry/Coconut Sour to name a few. Tickets are $25 and include a festival sampling glass, access to over 20 cask beers, special curated draft sampling upstairs and more. Tickets can be purchased right now at BBCcaskfest.brownpapertickets.com.

Brian Campbell is a co-founder/Brand Manager of the BNBA’s enthusiast arm, 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 buffalobeerleague@aol.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague) and www.buffalobeerleague.com.

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Thawfest 5 Tickets, Britesmith Brewing Opens, Gordon Biersch Closes, New Beers at Flying Bison, Brickyard Cask Fest Beer List appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

While you will have to wait a little bit longer to visit Britesmith Brewing’s brewery and taproom in Williamsville, you do not have to wait any longer to try their beer. The brewery, which will be located in a former 1800’s blacksmith shop, will debut their first ever beer tonight at Moor Pat (4pm). Village Livin’, a collaboration with Belt Line Brewery, is a 6.1% SoCal-style IPA brewed with Simcoe, Centennial and Columbus hops. Village Livin’ will also be tapped at Creekview Restaurant.

Britesmith and Belt Line had been engaged in discussions about a potential collaboration for some time, and, according to Belt Line Head Brewer Erik Greiner, he knows what it is like to hurry up and wait when it comes to trying to get a new brewery project off of the ground. And, after having gone through the experience himself, he wanted to offer his help the best way he knows how – by brewing beer.

“We were talking about doing a collab with Britesmith for a bit and as they get closer to opening it will help get their name out there with the beer being on draft at bars around town,” Greiner says. “Being in limbo while building out a brewery and wanting to just get brewing is tough because it is a lot of hurry up and wait. We were happy to help out and are looking forward to everyone trying the beer! It should be a fun time.”

For Britesmith, working with Belt Line was a no brainer. Director of Operations Nate Root says that the Britesmith team have been a big fan of the beer that Belt Line has been producing, so when it came time to find a willing collab partner, teaming with them was an easy decision.

“We had the idea of doing a collaboration with a smaller non-distributed brewery, much like ourselves,” he says. “Greg Baker and I have been friends for awhile and I really liked a lot of the beers that Erik was making for Belt Line. So, I had asked Greg if he was interested in doing a collaboration. He thought it was a great idea, especially with the owners of our breweries having restaurants across the street from each other (The Creekview and The Moor Pat), and our brewery being located in the Village of Williamsville. Once our partners signed off on it we were good to go.”

With the leg work in the rear view, it was time to decide on exactly what style of beer they were going to brew, and they mutually settled on a West Coast IPA, a sort of breath of fresh air according to the breweries.

“Erik and our head brewer, Devin Erdmann, got together and came up with the idea of doing a West Coast IPA. A style that we all loved and that you don’t really see too many of any more with the rise of New England IPAs and Fruited Sours. Together, they came up with the recipe for Village Livin’ IPA,” Root adds. “The name came later from the Belt Line team. Village Livin’ is an homage to going out and having a good time in the village, opposed to the city. We loved the name, we love the beer, and we can’t wait for Buffalo to get a taste.”

Greiner adds that “we decided to brew this style because it peaked our interest, kind of like the NE Style IPA has taken over and its just nice to brew a classic every once in a while.”

You can grab a pint of Village Livin’ tonight at either the Moor Pat or the neighboring Creekview Restaurant. For more information on either brewery, please visit https://www.facebook.com/britesmithbrewing/ and https://www.facebook.com/Belt-Line-Brewery-Kitchen-567693100271154/.

Brian Campbell is a co-founder/Brand Manager of the BNBA’s enthusiast arm, Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column for Step Out Buffalo. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at buffalobeerleague@aol.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague) and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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