In case you haven’t noticed, the non-alcoholic craft beverage sector has undergone quite the glow up as of late. No longer just a token offering for designated drivers, it’s now a fast-growing segment of the beverage industry – redefining what it means to enjoy a cold one – from NA craft beer and ciders to hop water, seltzers and mocktails. The sober curious movement is in full swing, and a number of local breweries are taking notice.

Non-alcoholic beer is brewed just like traditional beer, using water, malt, hops, and yeast and must contain less than 0.5% ABV. And while you might be sitting there reading this and scoffing at the idea of NA beer, rest assured that this new wave of NA isn’t anything like your dad’s NA beers – you can find non-alcoholic versions of stouts, IPAs, hefeweizens, and more. These aren’t flavorless fizzy lagers anymore.

While modern-day movements like Dry January and Sober October have certainly helped spur on the non-alcoholic resurgence, the reasons behind it are actually plenty. In addition to improved taste, expanded offerings and enhanced brewing techniques, drinkers are more mindful and conscious about what they consume.

The global non-alcoholic beer market is projected to exceed $40 billion by 2030, according to some forecasts. While major brands like Heineken, Budweiser, and Guinness have launched their own zero-alcohol lines and dedicated NA brands like Athletic Brewing and Go Brewing are thriving, the local non-alcoholic scene is booming, and here are a handful of options to quench your sober curiosity.

NA Trainwreck Amber and NA Sabre’s Edge Double IPA

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery – 76 Pearl St., Buffalo

Pearl Street is embracing the art of NA craft beer with Trainwreck, a German Amber Ale, and Sabre’s Edge, a Double IPA. The former is light-bodied, smooth and malty with a cereal note, while the latter is hoppy and light, so light in fact, you will not know you are actually drinking a Double IPA. Both are available on draft, while Trainwreck is available in cans.

Hella Fresh Hop Water

Riverworks Brewing – 359 Ganson St., Buffalo

Hop water is basically sparkling water flavored with hops, but unlike beer, it has no alcohol, no malt, and usually no calories or sugar. And Riverworks’ Hella Fresh is one of the best around locally. Brewed with Mosaic and Citra hops, it’s refreshing, thirst-quenching, actually flavorful and hydrating, all at the same time. Hella Fresh is available in cans.

NA Blueberry Wheat

Ellicottville Brewing – 28 Monroe St., Ellicottville

EBC’s non-alcoholic version of their flagship Blueberry Wheat Ale is everything you’d expect from this beer, just minus the alcohol. It’s light, crisp and refreshing with notes of blueberry. Like I said, this beer offers everything you’ve come to expect from the more traditional Blueberry Wheat, without the booze. NA Blueberry Wheat is available in cans.

NA Burner

Big Ditch Brewing – 55 E. Huron St., Buffalo

When it was first released in late 2024, NA Burner marked Buffalo’s first canned non-alcoholic beer in nearly a century. It’s light-bodied and closer in nature to Dayburner Session IPA with notes of citrus, orange peel and melon. This beer finishes clean. NA Burner is one of the standard bearers of local NA offerings. You can find it in cans.

Hop Falls Hop Water

Butera’s Village Brew House – 32 Main St., Hamburg

Butera’s Village Brew House non-alcoholic Hop Water is hopped with New Zealand Superdelic hops, lightly carbonated and crushable with a soft fruit note and light bitterness. According to head brewer Andrew Hardin, the use of pelletized hops, as opposed to extracts, provides a more natural and less refined flavor. He adds that the brewery may expand to use more hops in the future in their hop water. Butera’s Hop Water is available in cans.

Downshift IPA

Southern Tier Brewing – 2072 Stoneman Circle, Lakewood, 7 Scott St., Buffalo

Southern Tier Brewing’s first non-alcoholic beer, Downshift IPA, features all of the hallmarks of a traditional American IPA, just without the alcohol. This is a West Coast-style NA that’s crisp, clean and hoppy with notes of citrus and berry. Downshift IPA is on draft at all of Southern Tier’s taprooms, as well as in 6-pack 12oz. cans wherever great beer is sold.

All In IPA

Other Half Brewing Buffalo – 1 Seneca St., Buffalo

Other Half Brewing has released a new non-alcoholic IPA, All In, brewed with Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial, to drink like a real Other Half IPA. “You asked for it, we answered: All In Hazy Non-Alcoholic IPA. No shortcuts. No compromises. It’s not like any NA IPA you’ve tried before. Because it actually tastes good,” the brewery said. All In is available in 6-pack 12oz. cans at all Other Half taprooms, select retailers, and online for at-home delivery.

Tropical & Citrus Hop Waters

New York Beer Project – 6933 S. Transit Rd., Lockport, NYBP Beer Lodge, 245 Windward Rd., Orchard Park

New York Beer Project is getting in on the action with a pair of hop waters. Tropical Hop Water is brewed with Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops with passion fruit and guava. It’s fruit forward, dry, clean and crisp. Citrus Hop Water is brewed with Motueka and Citra hops with combination with lemon, Lime and grapefruit. It’s hop forward, dry, clean and crisp. In addition to no alcohol, hop water has no calories, carbs, sugar or gluten. These are both available on draft.

Betty AF & Brewers Water

Brazen Brewing – 5839 Genesee St., Lancaster

Brazen’s Betty AF is an alcohol free version of their hard seltzer Total Betty (passion fruit, peach, strawberry and orange) and Brewers Water is a hop water brewed with Citra hops. Both are on draft at the brewery.

Non-alcoholic beer is no longer just a compromise—it’s a choice. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just want to enjoy a beer without the buzz, the non-alcoholic revolution means you no longer have to sit on the sidelines. You’re drinking beer—just differently.

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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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).

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Golf Buffalo Expo 2025 Comes to Buffalo Riverworks

The Golf Buffalo Expo is coming to Buffalo Riverworks on March 15 (3-6pm) with a beer & spirits tasting, a market of local golf brands and a Players Championship Viewing Party. Tickets are $35 and include beer (BriarBrothers Brewing, Mortalis Brewing, Resurgence, Riverworks, Other Half and more) and spirits (Hartman’s, Black Button and more) tasting, commemorative tasting glass, Players Championship Watch Party, local golf vendors (Golf Buffalo, OnCore Golf, T Squared Putters, Buffalo Golfer, Diamond Hawk Golf Course, First Tee WNY, WNY PGA and more) and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

Monster Beach Taps First Beer, Surfin’ With Fred Rice Lager

Fredonia’s Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki Bar, located at the former EBC West, has tapped their first in-house brewed beer, Surfin’ With Fred. This 4.8% rice lager, brewed with Motueka and Waimea hops, is light bodied and crushable, clean and crisp with notes of toasted bread and bread crust. Surfin’ With Fred is available on draft right now and in 24oz. cans to go ($5). Monster Beach will next release a West Coast IPA. The new brewery space has 16 beers on tap and more packaged beer in their cooler, along with a full bar, selection of tiki cocktails and food.

Big Ditch Brewing Drops New Hayburner Pack, Stovepipe

Big Ditch Brewing has dropped a brand new mixed pack, Box of Burners IPA Pack, which features 4 cans each of Dayburner Session IPA and Hayburner IPA, and the brand new Rocket Mule, a 9% dank Imperial IPA with big punchy notes of hops and citrus and Idaho 7, Falconer’s Flight, Zeus and Cascade hops. You can find the Box of Burners at Big Ditch’s taproom now, as well as wherever great craft beer is sold. In addition to the Box of Burners, Rocket Mule is also available in 19.2oz. stovepipe cans, which can be found at the brewery and wherever great beer is sold.

Steel Leaf Brewing’s St. Paddy’s Day Bash

Steel Leaf Brewing is going green for their first ever St. Paddy’s Day Bash on Hertel, which takes place Saturday, March 15 (12pm). They will have exclusive St. Paddy’s Day Brews, including Lucky Irish Red Ale and Shamrock Stout, Irish music, Irish games and contests for prizes, including a Leprechaun Lookalike Contest and Pot o’ Gold Challenge, and Irish-inspired food. All guests are encouraged to wear Irish-themed costumes and anything green. This is a free event.

Beer Kind Brewing Beer Exchange, Queen BrewHer Release

Beer Kind Brewing is once again running their Luck of the Irish Beer Exchange. Pay $3 to participate and pick a chip to reveal a 16oz. beer prize. You can also pay $1 more to draw again and choose your favorite. Draw a shamrock chip and pick any beer. The Luck of the Irish Beer Exchange is on now.

Beer Kind will also release Queen BrewHer, brewed by members of Buffalo’s Chapter of the Pink Boots Society as a part of Collaboration Brew Day, a crisp and refreshing Honey Kolsch made with locally sourced honey, on March 23 (12pm). Tickets are $10 and include a 16oz. can. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to support educational opportunities for members of the Buffalo Chapter of Pink Boots Society. You can purchase tickets here.

Hop Madness Begins at Other Half Buffalo

Other Half Buffalo is celebrating March Madness by doing what they do best – putting lots of hops into beer. Hop Madness features 6 new basketball-themed brews (March 13), including Buzzer Beater (Hazy IPA with Citra, Strata, Cashmere and Cashmere Cryo hops), HDHC Nothing But Net (High Density Hop Charged Imperial IPA with hand-selected Nectaron, Nectaron Cryo, Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo and Nelson Sauvin hops), Waxed Parquet Floors (West Coast IPA version of Parquet Floors with Citra, HBC1019 and Talus hops), TDH Full Court Press (Short Throw collaboration, triple dry hopped Imperial IPA with Citra, Citra Cryo, Citra Incognito, Motueka and El Dorado hops), Double Dunk Juice (hazy Imperial IPA with Citra, Citra Incognito, Riwaka and Cashmere hops) and Layups Only (hazy IPA with Motueka, Wai-iti and Galaxy hops). Submit your name, email, and select your predicted champion from the bracket (pictured) to win a Hop Madness Prize Pack.

Shea’s, Resurgence Announce “Shea’s Buffalo Centennial IPA”

Resurgence Brewing and Shea’s Performing Arts Center have teamed up on a new beer, Shea’s Buffalo Centennial IPA. The beer, which features Shea’s iconic blade sign on the label, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the theatre. Shea’s Buffalo Centennial IPA is available on tap at Resurgence now and will be available at Shea’s this season during events and performances. Throughout March, a portion of sales of 6-packs and drafts sold at Resurgence will go to benefit Shea’s.

On March 20, Resurgence will host a March Madness-themed happy hour fundraising event for Shea’s from 5:30-7:30pm. Tickets to the event, hosted by Shea’s Young Professionals, are $30 and include light appetizers and two drink tickets. There will also be a 50/50 and basket raffles. Tickets can be purchased at www.sheas.org/performances/yp-happy-hour.

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).

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Ring in the New Year Twice At Hofbrauhaus Buffalo

Hofbrauhaus is celebrating a pair of New Year’s, both the German and American. Die Haus Band takes the stage early at 4pm to begin the family-friendly German celebration. There will be German beer, German food, live music and ball drop at 6pm. Children can create their own noise-makers for the event, which is free to attend. There are a limited number of VIP tables available, which include premium seating and VIP food menu.

Then at 9pm, Hofbrauhaus sets their sights on the American New Year’s with a party that includes live music from Flipside and DJ Scafetta, New Year’s Eve Grab Bag, premium buffet and carving station, open bar featuring beer, wine, liquor and more. You can also attend for $20, which includes one half-liter of beer (or wine), plus a grab bag. Tickets can be purchased here.

Travel Through Time This New Year’s at Rusty Nickel

Rusty Nickel Brewing is traveling through time to ring in the New Year. At the Time Traveler’s Ball, you can choose your era (Roaring Twenties, the future, etc.) and come dressed in proper period attire. Tickets include a 3.5 hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, live DJ, themed signature drink menu, festive favors, photo booth, sparkling champagne toast at midnight, keg drop, fireworks and more. Guests can also take part in the Time Capsule Project (bring a small item to include in the time capsule). Tickets are $99 ($180 for couples) and can be purchased here.

Experience Las Vegas This New Year’s at Johnson’s Landing 

Experience all of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas while in Hamburg at Johnson’s Landing come this New Year’s Eve. Dress to impress – sparkly sequins, classy cocktail dresses, and stylish suits and enjoy craft beer, casino games such as blackjack, roulette and craps, dinner, drinks, prizes for best dressed, countdown to midnight with champagne toast, live DJ, photo booth and more. Tickets include open bar, buffet, prime rib carving station, appetizers, champagne toast, balloon drop, live DJ, photo booth, gaming tables and more. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased here.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Resurgence Brewing

Raise a toast to the New Year at Resurgence Brewing for a night of food, music, open bar, midnight keg lift, champagne toast and more – everything’s included in the admission price. Food options include General Tso’s Chicken, vegetable egg rolls, charcuterie skewers, meatballs, Buffalo chicken wing bites, cheesecake, assorted desserts and more. The party starts at 9pm and tickets are $90. You can purchase tickets here.

NYBP Beer Lodge Brings Times Square to Orchard Park

Come this New Year’s Eve, New York Beer Project is transforming their Orchard Park Beer Lodge into Times Square. The Lodge will become a two story New York City nightclub complete with a live DJ spinning hit jams and throwback hits, an exciting NYE light show, cash bar, noisemakers, party hats, complimentary NYBP NYE bubbly champagne toast at midnight and more. The Times Square Ball Drop will also be real-time live streamed during the event. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

Buffalo Brewing End of the Year Beer Sale

Buffalo Brewing Company is blowing out their beer stock now through the end of year with deals on most of their 4- and 6-pack cans for $9.99. Among the beers included in the sale are Simon Pure Beer, Manru Lager, Old Abbey Ale, Bellweiser, 1910 Czech Pilsner, Pineapple Cream Ale, 1842 Vienna Lager, 1976 Gordziskie, Paisano Italian Pilsner, Blanc, 1826 Oktoberfest, 1856 Cran Raz wheat, 1980 Loganberry Ale, 1813 Porter1963 Altbier and more. This sale is available at Buffalo Brewing’s Myrtle Street taproom through the end of the year.

Best New Year’s Eve Party Ever at Buffalo Riverworks

Buffalo Riverworks are throwing the “Best New Year’s Eve Party Ever” down on the waterfront this year with live music from XOXO Pop Band and DJ Sike Adisa, 4-hour open bar, food options including hors d’oeuvres, pasta, and carving stations, illuminated dance floor, photo booth, champagne bottle specials and more, which is all included in the price of admission. Tickets are $75 and the party starts at 8pm. You can 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).

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Buffalo Riverworks and Pearl Street Brewery have launched the “ŌM” (organically made) series, a new beer line brewed with fresh organic ingredients from farms and suppliers who keep insecticides, weed killers, and other modified foods out of beer.

The new beer line features Silo Light (light beer brewed with corn and barley), Trainwreck (German Amber Ale with rich malt and toasted nut notes), Wheeler Wheat (Hefeweizen with notes of banana, clove and spice) and Kolsch, a collaboration with Peak Organic Brewing.

“We have three of the core beers at Riverworks and switched them to organic,” head brewer Jason Dunshie says. “[We] found a place called Valley Malt, which brokers a network of organic farms in the northeast. You can then select which farm/region you want to source grain from.”

“So we use regenerative organic pilsner malt and malted corn in our Silo Lager and New York state hops from the NY Hop Guild. Same pilsner malt in OM Wheeler Wheat and organic wheat OM Trainwreck needed a few organic malts like chocolate malt that had to be sourced elsewhere. The new OM Trainwreck has a slightly lighter profile in malt presence, but even more crushable. It has a similar character of a [New Belgium] Fat Tire, but a more depth in color and flavor.”

When it comes to introducing organic beers, Dunshie admits that he was skeptical, but that cynicism was short-lived because he quickly became a fan of what these ingredients became.

“When we get delivery of the organic malt, the smell is incredible!” he said. “At first I was skeptical that it would be worthwhile, but I was more than happy with the finished product. The pilsner malt is very robust and earthy, yet smooth. It was also my first time using malted corn and I absolutely love it – light sweetness and yet complimentary in a lager profile.”

The malt is grown using regenerative agriculture, which is the process of restoring degraded soils using practices (e.g., adaptive grazing, no-till planting, no or limited use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizer, etc.) based on ecological principles.

“The regenerative process is incredible,” Dunshie continues. “They will leave the fields fallow or plant crops after harvest that will naturally regenerate nutrients for future barley crops. I’m amazed at their reasonable price point and availability of product considering how lengthy the process is.”

The OM Series beers are available at Buffalo Riverworks and Pearl Street.

“We are stoked to be the first brewery in Buffalo to have organic beer,” Dunshie said.

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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Beer Kind Brewing Launches New Charity Beer Tap

Beer Kind Brewing has launched a special new charity tap at their Tonawanda taproom to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, in efforts to support their mission to help fight Alzheimer’s disease. From now through Sept. 28, leading up to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Outer Harbor, a portion of proceeds from every ounce poured of American Beam will go directly to the brewery’s fundraising efforts for the walk. Beer Kind says that they hope to continue the charity beer tap moving forward after the walk with other causes to help raise money.

Prost!Fest 2024 at New York Beer Project

On Sept. 1, New York Beer Project in Lockport will host Prost!Fest, a celebration of all things Oktoberfest that features the annual release of their Prost! Oktoberfest. The day will feature a NYC Brunch in the Biergarten (10am-2pm) followed by the tapping of Prost! There will also be German food specials, including NYBP’s Biergarten Bavarian Pretzel, as well as exclusive Prost! merch, and live music from 3-6pm. Prost! is a copper colored marzen with notes of toasted bread and caramel.

Buffalo Brewing to Release New Batch of Simon Pure Beer

Buffalo Brewing Company will release a new batch of their resurrected Simon Pure Beer at the William Simon Brewery, located at the corner of Clinton and Emslie, on Aug. 31 (11am-3pm). In addition, Buffalo Brewing will release Old Abbey Ale and Original Recipe Manru Lager. Buffalo Brewing’s take on Simon Pure is light and easy drinking with notes of sweet malt and toasted bread. The beer will be available in 12oz. 6-pack cans, cases and on draft for the release. William Simon Brewery originally produced Simon Pure and Old Abbey Ale until the brewery closed in 1972.

Magic Bear Beer Cellar Collaborates with Noble Shephard

The collaboration series at Magic Bear Beer Cellar continues on Aug. 29 (5pm) with Noble Shepard Craft Brewery and the release of StrawBEARy Basil Sour. In addition to the collaboration draft release, cans of Noble Shepard’s Spanish Announce Table Pineapple Churro Sour will be available, along with a selection of the brewery’s other beers. Food will be available from Brisket Love BBQ. Trivia will follow immediately after the tasting at 7pm.

Buffalo Riverworks Rolls Out New Lines of Organic Beers

Buffalo Riverworks and Pearl Street Brewery have launched the “ŌM” (organically made) series, a new beer line brewed with fresh organic ingredients from farms and suppliers who keep insecticides, weed killers, and other modified foods out of beer. The malt is grown using regenerative agriculture. The new beer line features Silo Light (light beer brewed with corn and barley), Trainwreck (German Amber Ale with rich malt and toasted nut notes), Wheeler Wheat (Hefeweizen with notes of banana, clove and spice) and Kolsch, a collaboration with Peak Organic Brewing. The OM Series beers are available at Buffalo Riverworks and Pearl Street.

Hofbrauhaus Munich Oktoberfest Keg Tapping

Hofbrauhaus is getting an early start to the Oktoberfest season with a  keg tapping of Munich Oktoberfest on Sept. 5. The ceremonial tapping will take place at 6pm with live music from Die Haus Band. This full bodied beer is brewed with Bavarian hops and malt to create notes of toasted malt, fruity hops and spice. 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.

Tickets Available for Wingfest VIP Craft Beer Fundraiser

Tickets are still available to the Wingfest VIP Craft Beer Fundraiser on Saturday, August 31 at Highmark Stadium. Tickets include all day admission to the Wingfest (12-9pm), access to the Buffalo Bills field, $15 in wing/food tickets, craft beer tastings, souvenir plate and tasting cup, free bottle Dan-O’s Spicy Seasoning, TUMS Wingfest Survival Kit and a charitable donation to Mafia Babes Charities and Hope Rises which supports pediatric cancer initiatives. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here. Parking for the Wingfest is free.

Genesee Country Village & Museum’s Hop Harvest Festival

Genesee Country Village & Museum will host the Hop Harvest Festival on Aug. 31, an event that allows guests to experience the journey of hops from field to foam. Festival goers will be able to join costumed historical interpreters for hands-on hop harvesting in the Hop Yard, tour the only working 19th-century brewery in the U.S., sip on historical craft beers and more. The event is free for museum members. Tickets are $23 and can be purchased here. Tickets can also be purchased day-of for an additional $2.

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: Beer Kind Charity Tap, Wingfest, ProstFest, Buffalo Brewing Simon Pure, Magic Bear x Noble Shepard, Riverworks OM Series, Hop Harvest Fest, Hofbrauhaus Munich Oktoberfest appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Buffalo’s Pour Taproom Eyes Ellicottville Location

Pour Taproom, a self-pour beer, cider and wine bar, has announced plans to expand to Ellicottville. Pour Taproom Ellicottville tentatively plans to open this fall in the former Slopeside Restaurant at the Telemark Hotel. According to co-owner Matt Prime, the new space will feature seating for up to 150, 30 taps offering craft beverages from New York state and beyond and a full menu serving traditional pub fare. While it will be a self-pour and self-service bar, a portion of the bar at Pour Taproom Ellicottville will remain staffed, Prime says. Pour Taproom Buffalo opened in 2021.

Tickets Remain for NYS Craft Brewers Festival Buffalo

A limited amount of tickets still remain for Western New York’s premier summer craft beer festival, New York State Craft Brewers Festival: Buffalo, which returns to Canalside on June 22 (2-6pm). This year will feature craft beer from over 50 breweries from across the state, live music from Mayday, a food truck rodeo, vendors, and live wrestling by Grapple Pro. New this year are GA+ tickets, which include 1-hour early access, souvenir tasting glass, and $5 merch voucher. You can purchase tickets here. You can also purchase hard copy tickets at Resurgence Brewing, Big Ditch, Wayland Brewing, and Britesmith. $1 per ticket benefits P.U.N.T Pediatric Cancer Collaborative.

Where Hops Meet History Beer Dinner at Buffalo Riverworks

Buffalo Riverworks are holding a special beer pairing dinner outside on their waterfront patio on June 26 (6:30pm).Titled “Where Hops Meet History,” the beer dinner will feature a four-course meal paired with four craft beers from RiverWorks Brewing, along with a guided tasting from their staff. The pairing includes Organic Silo Light with beef on weck and pretzel crostini, Flirty Sour paired with fruit salad, Wonder Irish Coffee Stout paired with coffee crusted pan seared strip steak and Double Decker DIPA paired with Mathilde orange liqueur crepe suzette. Tickets are $55 per person (gratuity included) and can be purchased here.

BriarBrothers Brewing Second Anniversary Party

BriarBrothers Brewing are celebrating their cotton, aka their second, anniversary, on June 22 with new beers, live music, exclusive merchandise and more. The Vinyl Cocktails will take to their outdoor silo stage at 5pm, the brewery will debut a number of anniversary beers, including How’s Your Snapper, a 7.5% double dry hopped New England IPA brewed with Citra, Simcoe and El Dorado hops, Bubli: Cotton Candy hard seltzer and Always Next Year, a 13.0% Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine aged one year in Black Button bourbon barrels, there will be free cotton candy all day, special edition apparel and glassware and more.

Clarksburg Cider Taps Special Pride Cider for June

In honor of Pride Month, Clarksburg Cider has tapped a special Pride-themed cider. Pride ’24 Hard Cider is a 6% bold cider featuring tart cherry and vibrant pineapple that falls on the drier side of the cider spectrum. “Pride means being able to show the world who you really are. So, we crafted our exclusive Pride Month hard cider to be bold with tart cherry and vibrant pineapple,” Clarksburg said of the new release. You can find Pride ’24 Hard Cider on tap at Clarksburg’s taproom right now. It is also available to go in 32oz. crowlers.

Dunkirk Hotel to Rebrand as Steelbound Hotel and Conference Center

The Clarion Hotel Conference Center in Dunkirk, currently the home of a Steelbound Brewery taproom, has revealed plans to rebrand as the Steelbound Hotel and Conference Center in 2025. Plans call for the renovation of all 120 guest rooms, with additional work in the conference area, dining room and lobby, as well as new pickleball courts and collaboration spaces. The company expects to begin construction in late fall with completion expected in mid to late 2025. The project received $1 million to fund its renovation as part of a $10 million allocation for the city of Dunkirk from the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward.

The Lock Tender to Open July 12 in Lockport

The Lock Tender Bottle Shop & Tap Room has announced plans to open in Lockport at 4 Lock St. on July 12. The space will feature indoor seating for around 100 patrons, as well as outdoor space for games and live music. The Lock Tender plans to offer 10 taps of New York state craft beer, wine, cider and mead, both on tap and bottles and cans to go. They will also have a limited food menu featuring local produce and vendors, in partnership with Lockport’s Terroir General Store. The grand opening will feature live music, Save Me A Slice Pizza pop-up and more. For more information, 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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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).

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Tickets Remain for CollaBEERation IV at The Powerhouse

Limited general admission tickets are still available for the fourth annual CollaBEERation Festival at the Powerhouse, April 13 (1-5pm). The unique event brings together members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with 48 Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies to brew never-before-made libations. There will also be vendors, food trucks, and more. Attendees can vote on their top 3 collabs, with the winner taking home the BBG Championship Belt. This year features a pro wrestling theme. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite wrestler and step into the ring for a photo with the belt. GA tickets ($70) can be purchased here. DD tickets are also available.

Pressure Drop to Release New Super Silver Haze IPA

Pressure Drop Brewing is adding another arrow to their quiver of IPAs on April 13 with the release of Super Silver Haze, an easy-drinking hazy IPA featuring a bright bouquet of orange blossom and mandarin orange. This 6% IPA is easy drinking and soft bodied, brewed to be enjoyed on 4/20, Pressure Drop’s most cherished day on the calendar.  Super Silver Haze will be available on draft and in 16oz. 4-pack cans to go.

Breweries, Cideries to Participate in Buffalo Restaurant Week

A number of local breweries, beer bars, bottle shops and cideries will take part in the spring edition of Buffalo Restaurant Week, which runs April 15-21. The weeklong event will feature signature lunch and dinner dishes from many of Buffalo’s best restaurants, all with special deals and offerings during this week only. Big Ditch Brewing, 42 North Brewing, Clarksburg Cider, Magic Bear Beer Cellar, New York Beer Project, RationAles and Wayland Brewing will all take part. Buffalo Restaurant Week is presented in partnership with the Western New York Chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association.

Resurgence, OnCore Golf, PGA Hope WNY Collab Returns

Resurgence Brewing has once again teamed up with OnCore Golf and PGA Hope WNY on Smash Factor, a sessionable 5.5% IPA that is light, soft, and easy drinking. The beer returns to Resurgence on April 13 (12pm) and the release party will feature putting and chipping games, giveaways (earn tickets with each beer purchased), and more. $1 per pint and $2 per 4-pack of Smash Factor sold will go towards WNY PGA Hope, a golf charity for veterans. Smash Factor will be available on draft and 4-pack cans all summer.

Steel Leaf Brewing to Open New Location on Hertel

Steel Leaf Brewing has announced plans to open a brewery and taproom on Hertel Avenue, located at 1488 Hertel Ave. The taproom will feature seating for 75 guests and will feature a large bar, main dining area, outdoor patio, and small event space, as well as a small production brewery for making R&D experimental beers. It is anticipated that the new Steel Leaf taproom will open by mid-2024. Steel Leaf will shortly begin hiring staff for the new space. Visit www.steelleafbrewing.com for job listings and application instructions.

Participating Breweries Announced for Thawfest at Riverworks

Buffalo Riverworks’ annual celebration of all things spring, Thawfest, which takes place April 26 (6pm), has announced their list of participating breweries, meaderies, and cideries, including 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.

Free Resurgence Brewing Glasses at Consumers Beverages

While supplies last, all participating Consumers Beverages are giving away a free Resurgence Brewing 391 IPA Ryan Miller pint glass with the purchase of (2) 4-pks of Resurgence’s 391 IPA. A portion of all proceeds from the release of 391 IPA will be donated to raise support for Ryan’s Fund; The Ryan Miller Legacy Fund in conjunction with the Courage of Carly Fund at Roswell Park. 391 IPA, a hazy IPA that celebrates Miller’s record 391 wins, and part of Resurgence’s Buffalo Legend Series, is a light bodied with notes of citrus and melon.

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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Genesee Ruby Red Kolsch is Back, New in 24oz. Cans

Genesee Brewing’s annual summer staple Rudy Red Kolsch is back for 2024 and new this year, the iconic brew will be available in 24oz. single cans. You’ll still be able to find the grapefruit kolsch in traditional 12oz. can 12 packs, but now you’ll be able to find the beer in bigger cans as well. Ruby Red Kolsch is a bright-golden ale boasting tart grapefruit flavors with a bready malt body and mild hop bitterness. Genesee Brew House Brewmaster Dean Jones created this summer brew for its German heritage and fun taste profile. Look for Ruby Red Kolsch wherever great craft beer is sold soon.

The Golf Buffalo Expo at Resurgence Brewing

On Mar. 17, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Golf Buffalo Expo at Resurgence Brewing with a beer and bourbon tasting, outdoor cigar lounge, the Links Golf Mobile Simulator, a market of local golf brands and the final round of the Players Championship. Tickets are $30 (Designated Driver tickets are $10) and include unlimited beer tasting, bourbon/spirits tasting with Three Chord Bourbon and Hartman’s Distilling, commemorative tasting glass, Players Championship Watch Party, 10% off Resurgence food orders, opportunity to shop with local golf brands and vendors, access to a special outdoor Bandwagon Cigars Mobile Lounge, access to Links Golf Simulator, memorabilia auction and more. Purchase tickets at www.golf-buffalo.com.

Homebrew Sessions No. 1 at Woodcock Brothers Brewing

Woodcock Brothers Brewing in Wilson is hosting a homebrew day demonstration on Mar. 16 (9am), featuring samples of beers, Q&A with the brewers, and more. At 9am, they will begin their first small batch brew (5 gallons) and then, at 1pm, they will be featuring a second demonstration of another brew (5 gallons). They will be brewing an American Wheat Ale with tangerine and also a California Common (steam beer). The beer brewed will be available for sampling at the next brew session. Stay tuned for more dates to come. The event is free and open to the public.

Thawfest 2024 Coming to Buffalo Riverworks

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 26. Over 50 local breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries will be on hand to samples their newest and most popular brews. Participating vendors will be announced closer to the show. There will also be live music, craft vendors and more. A wider selection of rare and limited beers, as well as finger foods, will be available in the VIP section. Stay tuned to http://thawfest.com/ for more information.

97 Rock Home Show Happy Hour at Buffalo Home Show

This is the final weekend for the Buffalo Home Show at  the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center (Mar. 15-17), which means it’s the final chance to attend the 97 Rock Home Show Happy Hour. The event, hosted by Tom Ragan from Shredd & Ragan In The Morning, features craft beer from Big Ditch Brewing (Hayburner, No Punts Intended) and Hamburg Brewing (Irish Red, Blueberry Peach Cider), cider, wine, games, trivia and a special building contest, each Friday night (5-7pm), free for all attendees 21 and over. There will be craft beer tastings from local breweries, as well as Clarksburg Cider and Merritt Winery, Cabot Cheese samples and more. Use our special code BLEAGUE to get 50% your tickets. Go to BuffaloHomeShow.com, drop that code into the Promotional Code field and you’ll get tickets for $6.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at a Local Brewery

Our craft breweries take St. Patrick’s Day seriously and this year, anyone can be Irish for a day! On Mar. 16, all pints are $6 at BriarBrothers Brewing, including Molly’s Gate Irish Red and their green beer, Charmed, Sad Boys Brewing is hosting the Sad Lads St. Patrick’s Day Party, featuring two limited beers, trivia, discount for kilts ($1 off all drinks), games and more, the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Steel Leaf Brewing will feature a vendor fair, traditional Irish food and drink, and the Luck Wheel, and Old Neighborhood Parade After Party at Resurgence Brewing ($25 ticket includes first drink and a buffet). On Mar. 17, Windy Brew will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music from Dave Hurlburt.

Big Ditch x Strangebird to Release Strangeburner IPA

Big Ditch Brewing and Rochester’s Strangebird have teamed up on Strangeburner IPA, a new blend version of Big Ditch’s flagship Hayburner IPA and Strangebird’s Gouden Boom Belgian Strong Ale, which will be released Mar. 15 at Big Ditch. The end result is a beer that is Belgian golden, elegantly tart, moderately bitter, and gently sweet, with a lingering sour. Strangeburner will be available in 4-packs to go and on draft.

Southern Tier Brewing, Perry’s Ice Cream Team on New Beer

Southern Tier Brewing Company has once again collaborated with Perry’s Ice Cream on Orange Twist, an 8.6% ABV Imperial Ale that features notes of orange sherbet swirled with Perry’s signature vanilla ice cream flavor. In addition to being on tap at Southern Tier’s five Taproom locations, the new craft brand will be arriving on shelves wherever great craft beer is sold. Orange Twist will be available at Southern Tier Buffalo on Mar. 15 with $5 pours.

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: Golf Buffalo Expo, Woodcock Homebrew Session, Buffalo Home Show, Thawfest, St. Patrick’s Day, New Beers from Genesee, Big Ditch, Strangebird, Southern Tier appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.