Golf Buffalo Expo 2026 Comes to Pearl Street

The Golf Buffalo Expo is coming to Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (third and fourth floors) on March 14 (3-6 pm) with a beer and spirits tasting, a market of local golf brands and a Players Championship Viewing Party. Tickets are $35 and include beer and spirits tastings from 10 craft brands, commemorative tasting glass, Players Championship Watch Party, local golf market featuring small and independent golf brands and more. Tickets can be purchased here. Kids under 16 get in free.

William Mattar Offers $20 Rideshare Vouchers for St. Patrick’s Day

The law offices of William Mattar are offering free $20 rideshare discount vouchers to eligible registrants to ensure everyone makes it home safe for St. Patrick’s Day. Registration runs through March 12, or until all 1,500 vouchers are claimed, and individuals who complete the online registration form and meet eligibility requirements will receive a unique rideshare voucher redeemable on March 15 from 12 am through 7 pm. To claim a voucher, visit WilliamMattar.com.

First Line to Debut Collabs With No BS Brew, Eli Fish

First Line Brewing will debut a pair of new collaborations on Friday, March 13. Southern Diesel, a collab with Batavia’s Eli Fish Brewing, is a 6% southern New England IPA brewed with Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka hops, as well as lemon diesel terpenes, and A Cascade of Mosaic, a collab with No BS Brew Company, is a 5.5% dry hopped cream ale. Both beers will be available Friday on tap at First Line in Orchard Park, as well as at Eli Fish and No BS.

Frequentem Buffalo to Introduce Lager Wednesdays

Celebrate clear beer on Wednesdays in the Old First Ward at Frequentem Brewing Buffalo at Lager Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, the brewery will host lager specials, milk pours, liters and snacks. In honor of the inaugural event, the brewery is bringing back 12º Czech Pale Lager, a 12º single decoction Czech Pale Lager brewed with Saaz and lagered in horizontal lager tanks. 12º Czech Pale Lager is drinkable, approachable, crisp and lightly bready. Half liters of the beer will be $5 and they come with a free snack. The event is free and open to the public weekly.

Other Half Brewing Launches New Beer Series, Peak Season

Other Half Brewing is looking to get back to basics with the launch of a new beer line, Peak Season, beers inspired by the year-round styles. The first two beers up in the new line is a hefeweizen and dry Irish stout. Canary Feathers is a soft and slightly hoppy hefeweizen brewed with hand selected Motueka & Zumo hops and traditional hefeweizen yeast, which features notes of lemon citrus. Bang On is a bitro-infused dry Irish stout brewed with caramel and roasted malts for a smooth roastiness and notes of coffee and caramelized sugar. Look for both of these beers at Pother Half Buffalo this week.

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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Old First Ward Breweries Announced 4 The Ward Collab

Four Old First Ward breweries – Resurgence Brewing, Briarbrothers Brewing, Old First Ward Brewing and Frequentem Brewing – have announced a new collab – 4 The Ward – which features each location brewing their own take a on a pale ale to support the Old First Ward Community Center. Start at any brewery, order a pint of 4 The Ward, and receive a punch card. Visit all of the other breweries, collect punches, complete all four, turn in your card, and at the end of the promotion, a $4 donation will be made to the Old First Ward Community Center. You will also receive a special 4 The Ward pint glass. The promotion runs from Feb. 5 – Mar. 31.

Cabin Fever, Beer & Wine Fest Returns to Buffalo Ski Center

The Cabin Fever, Beer and Wine Festival returns to the Buffalo Ski Center/Tamarack Lodge in Colden on April 25 (4-7 pm). The event features tastings from breweries such as Resurgence Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Big Ditch Brewing, 42 North Brewing, Southern Tier, New York Beer Project, Ellicottville Brewing, Pressure Drop Brewing, Rusty Nickel, Mystic Hills, First Line Brewing and more, as well as meaderies, wineries, distilleries, live music from The Young Relics, raffles, giveaways, auctions, food and more. Tickets are $40 presale and $50 day of and include a commemorative tasting glass, access to all tastings and more. They can be purchased here.

Froth Brewing Taproom To Close Feb. 1

Froth Brewing will close their taproom on Feb. 1. A selection of their beer will be contract brewed and available at select retailers moving forward. “With full hearts and endless gratitude, we want to share just how thankful we are for every person who has been part of Froth over the last 7 incredible years. What began as a small dream grew into something so much bigger, a place filled with laughter, friendship, and community,” Froth said. Gift cards must be redeemed before closure. Froth Brewing opened at 700 Military Road in Buffalo in 2019. “To our guests, neighbors, and friends, thank you for showing up, supporting us, and making Froth part of your lives,” Froth continued.

Resurgence Brewing Brings Another Caucasian, Gary

Resurgence Brewing has brought back Another Caucasian, Gary, the White Russian-style White Stout inspired by the film “The Big Lebowski.” This beer, originally a homebrew created by the Buffalo Beer League co-founder Scott McMillan that won The Dude Hates Cancer Homebrew Contest, is light bodied and sessionable at 5.5% with notes of coffee, creamy vanilla, and chocolate. You can find Another Caucasian, Gary on tap and in cans at the brewery, as well as select retailers across Western New York.

42 North at the Vault to Open Feb. 2 in East Aurora

42 North at the Vault will open inside The Bank Shot, an East Aurora indoor golf recreation facility, at (670 Main St.) on Feb. 2. 42 North Brewing will operate the bar, serving craft beer, wine and liquor made in New York. The Bank Shot will feature three Full Swing Pro 2.0 simulators, arcade games, classic table games and more. 42 at the Vault will be open Monday – Thursday (4-10 pm), Friday – Sunday (12-10 pm) and The Bank Shit will be open 10 am–10 pm Monday -Friday, and 10 am – 11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays. Click here for more information.

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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Four breweries rooted in Buffalo’s Old First Ward neighborhood have once again come together for “4 the Ward,” a collaborative project and community initiative designed to give back to the neighborhood they proudly call home.

Resurgence Brewing, Frequentem Brewing, BriarBrothers Brewing, and Old First Ward Brewing (Gene McCarthy’s) have each brewed their own unique pale ale under the shared “4 the Ward” banner. While each beer reflects the individual style of its brewery, all four are united by a common goal: supporting the Old First Ward community.

From Feb. 5 through Mar. 31, guests can visit all four participating breweries, each located in the Old First Ward. Enjoy a pint of each brewery’s 4 the Ward Pale Ale and collect a stamp at every stop. Once the stamp card is completed and turned in, $4 will be donated to the Old First Ward Community Center and participants will receive a commemorative “4 the Ward” pint glass.

Resurgence’s take on the 4 the Ward Pale Ale features an old-school approach with house Pilsner (a blend of North American and European Pilsner), along with Munich malt and a touch of biscuit malt to create a subtle toasted cracker flavor in the malt character. At 6%, it’s light and drinkable.

“For us at Resurgence, continuing this collaboration is really about neighborhood pride and showing up for the Old First Ward in a tangible way,” Madeline Mulholland, Resurgence’s community engagement manager, said. “All four breweries are deeply rooted here, and while we each have our own style and perspective, we share the same neighborhood, customers, and sense of responsibility to the community. Coming together for 4 the Ward is a reminder that collaboration over competition can have a real, positive impact, especially when it directly supports the Old First Ward.”

BriarBrothers says that, this year, they wanted to do something a little different, opting for a classic American Pale Ale. It’s clean, balanced, and hop-forward with bright citrus and subtle pine with a crisp finish.

“Bringing 4 The Ward back again this year was an easy decision for us. This collaboration has grown into something that’s much bigger than just beer – it’s about community, connection, and giving back to a neighborhood that continues to support all of us,” Joel Betti, BriarBrothers Brewing, said. “The Old First Ward has a deep sense of pride and history, and this project allows local breweries to come together, celebrate that spirit, and directly support the Old First Ward Community Center. Continuing the collaboration felt important because it reinforces that shared commitment and keeps the focus on community impact, not competition.

Frequentem Brewing says they are also trying something new this year – a dry-hopped modern West Coast Pale Ale, brewed with pilsner malt and Citra hops.

For more information on participating breweries and how to take part, visit:

Resurgence Brewing

• https://www.resurgencebrewing.com/
• Instagram: @resurgencebrewingco
• Facebook: Resurgence Brewing Company

Frequentem Brewing

• https://frequentembrewing.com/
• Instagram: @frequentembrewingco_buf
• Facebook: Frequentem Brewing Co. Buffalo

BriarBrothers Brewing

• https://briarbrothersbrewing.com/
• Instagram: @briarbrothersbrewing
• Facebook: BriarBrothers Brewing Company

Old First Ward

• https://www.genemccarthys.com/
• Instagram: @genes_ofwbrewery
• Facebook: Gene McCarthy’s/Old First Ward Brewing Co.

“At the end of the day, 4 The Ward is about people coming together—stopping into different breweries, supporting local businesses, and knowing that every pint is helping give back to a community that means a lot to us. That’s what keeps us excited to be part of it year after year,” Betti added.

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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Habitat for Humanity 2026 Craft Brew Tour Cards Now Available

For $40, you’ll get a free drink at 28 Western New York breweries, distilleries and bars, including Buffalo Olde Brewery, Resurgence, Hamburg Brewing, 42 North, Mystic Hills, Brazen Brewing, The Ridge West Seneca, Southern Tier, Butera’s, Pod City Beer Labs, Big Ditch, Hofbräuhaus, Aurora Brew Works, Steelbound, Ellicottville Brewing, Chandler Street Breweries and more. All proceeds will go to benefit Habitat Buffalo in building a home for a family in need. Craft Brew Tour Cards can be redeemed from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. You can purchase online here and at both Habitat Buffalo ReStore locations (after Dec. 9). Presale is available through Monday, Dec. 8 and cards will ship on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Beer List Announced For Mr. Goodbar’s VIP Cask Night

There will be local cask beer and cider galore at Mr. Goodbar’s annual VIP Cask Fest on Thursday, Dec. 4. Tickets include tastings of cask offerings from Blackbird Cider Works (Barrel Aged Ghost Lantern), 42 North Brewing (Coconut Ninefold Darkness Imperial Stout), Flying Bison (MacBison Scotch Ale), Old First Ward Brewing (Against the Grain Hefeweizen), Smoldered Society (Strike Anywhere Into the Darkness Lager), Big Ditch (Imperial Stout), Community Beer Works (Vanilla Blizzard Kit), Thin Man Brewery (Sponge Candy Porter), Autark Brewhouse (Cozy Dark Mild) and Brickyard Brewing (Just One Before I Die IPA). Tickets also include a tasting glass and food from Hanzlian’s sausage. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in person at Mr. Goodbar.

Tickets Now on Sale for CollaBEERation Festival VI

Tickets are now available for the sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival, which takes place at the Powerhouse on Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026. The unique event brings together members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with more than 50+ participating Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies to brew never-before-made libations. There will also be craft vendors, food trucks, and more. Attendees can vote on their top 3 collabs, with the winners taking home the Buffalo Beer Geek Championship Belt. General admission tickets ($70, including unlimited pours and a commemorative glass) can be purchased here. A limited number of VIP tickets ($90) is also still available.

Last Call For Beer In 2025 at Beer Kind Brewing

Beer Kind Brewing is calling last call for their beer and their taproom for the year on Dec. 6 (12-6 pm). Before they close the taproom for the rest of 2025 after a new addition to their family, Beer Kind is opening their doors for a special day of sales – buy two 4-packs for $15 and get a third for $5, $10 mix and match 4-packs of Brass Balls and Old Ben, $5 draft pours with the purchase of any 4-pack or merchandise, free koozie with the purchase of any 4-pack and a free pint glass with a $10+ tap wall tab. Beer Kind will resume normal operations after the New Year.

All Anniversary Everything at Other Half Buffalo

Other Half Buffalo is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 6, with an all-day holiday party. There will be food and drink specials, surprise drink wheel, music from the Gentlemen’s Record Club, All Glizzy Everything hot dog bar with over 20 different toppings (free hot dogs for anyone with a hot dog tattoo), Espresso Martinis and full drink menu from Cloud Cover Coffee (4 pm – close), holiday sweater contest, photo station with holiday backdrop, kegtree lighting at 8 pm,  “This Year’s Favorites” beer flight and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Keg Tree Lighting at Frequentem Brewing Buffalo

Frequentem Brewing’s Buffalo location in the Old First Ward is getting festive on Friday, Dec. 5, with a special keg tree lighting at 6:30 pm. There will also be local draft features, free ornaments while supplies last, best dressed Santa contest, cookie eating contest, Christmas movies playing all night long in the taproom and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Steel Leaf Brewing Launches 5 Golden Rings Challenge

From now through Dec. 21, The 5 Golden Rings Challenge is taking place down on Hertel at Steel Leaf Brewing. Order five of the brewery’s specialty drinks in the taproom to complete your punch card and earn a free drink and entry into a special contest for a number of prizes, including a $50 Steel Leaf gift card, A Day in Ellicottville package and liquor. Winners will be announced on Dec. 22. It is free to take part.

Santoras 1927 Brew House Drops Two New Holiday Stouts

Santoras 1927 Brew House has tapped a pair of festive new stouts just in time for the holiday season – Cherry Cordial Stout and Chocolate Candy Cane Stout. Cherry Cordial, a stout brewed with cherries, clocks in at 4.5% and drinks like a dark chocolate covered cherry, while Chocolate Candy Cane, 4.7%, is a chocolate-forward stout with peppermint. Both stouts are small batch and limited releases and are on tap now at Santoras Pizza Pub and Grill on Transit Road in Williamsville.

Buffalo Olde To Tap Barrel Aged Belgian Tripel

Buffalo Olde Brewery is releasing Tripel Akkoord, an 11.2% version of Coping Strategy Belgian Tripel aged for nine months in Three Chord Bourbon barrels. This beer features notes of spice and honey, complemented by vanilla, coconut, and oak. Coping Strategy is a strong golden ale with notes of malt, honey, sweet fruit, banana, spice, and clove. Tripel Akkoord will be on tap for a limited time.

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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Magic Bear Beer Cellar Introduces OktoBEARfest Offering

Magic Bear Beer Cellar has introduced a new curated Oktoberfest beer pack just in time for the upcoming fall beer season. The OktoBEARfest Offering is essentially a fall beer advent calendar, featuring a mixed 12-pack assortment of Oktoberfests, Marzens, and Festbiers to enjoy throughout the Oktoberfest season, which takes place from September 20 to October 5. Pre-sale for the OktoBEARfest Offering begins August 15 at https://www.magicbearbeer.com. Beer boxes cost $39 plus tax. There is a limited quantity available.

Thin Man Drops Mafia Light For New Football Season

Football is officially back in Western New York for another season and Thin Man Brewery is releasing a new version of their flagship Pills Mafia to welcome the Buffalo Bills back to the field. Mafia Light is an ultra-light and crushable lager that clocks in at 3.5% and 80 calories. “Whether you’re mowing the lawn, ripping a day session, or making it to 8 pm for a prime time game, this beer is made for all scenarios,” Thin Man says of the new beer. Mafia Light is available now wherever great craft beer is sold.

Kölsch Fest Returns to 42 North Brewing

Starting at noon on August 16, 42 North Brewing will be pouring their Kölsch-style ale in traditional 7oz. Stange glasses for Kolsch Fest. Each pour is $3 and they will keep coming until you tell your beertender to stop. At 5 pm, Captain Tom and the Hooligans take the stage and you can pair your Kolsch pours with German-inspired eats from the Fat Bob’s @42 North kitchen — hearty and savory foods made to complement the Kölsch. The event is free to attend. Traditional dress is encouraged.

Frequentem, Smoldered Society Takeover at Moor Pat

Moor Pat is hosting a collaborative tap takeover with Frequentem Brewing and Smoldered Society on August 15 (12 pm). In addition to their latest collab, Engineered Hysteria Zested Pilsner, a 3.9% melon zested pils brewed with Saaz and Motueka hops and cold conditioned on oak spirals, Frequentem will have their Black Lager, Peak Amplitude NEIPA (Motueka), Just Fruit (Pineapple, Coconut, Banana) and Just Fruit (Strawberry Daiquiri), and Smoldered Society will bring Strike Anywhere Czech Pils and Chud Life, a fruited sour collab with Atrium Brewing, with strawberry, cheesecake, lemon, graham cracker and lactose. There will be some cans of Engineered Hysteria available to go.

Shalooby Loofer’s 2 Years of Magical Beers

Clarence’s Shalooby Loofer Brewing is turning two and they are celebrating two years of magical beers on August 23 (1 – 10 pm). There will be live music from Eric Weinholtz (2 – 5:30 pm) and Jordan Cohen 6 – 9 pm), the Loffer Tuber’s Fry Truck will be slinging food, and there will be beer flowing from the brewery’ 13 taps, as well as their Mixer Elixer beer-based cocktails, cider, wine, soda and NA options. And if you weren’t aware, Shalooby Loofer is donating $1 from each pint sold in the taproom to help build a school in Nepal through buildOn.

Would you fancy $50 to spend at Shalooby Loofer’s second anniversary party? You’re in luck, because Step Out Buffalo has partnered with the brewery to give away a $50 gift card to the brewery. To enter, all you need to do is click here, enter your name and email, and you are all set. You can also enter via SOB’s Instagram page (just search for the giveaway post). This giveaway runs through August 17.

Giveaways From Buffalo Pedal Tours, Big Ditch, Wing Fest, Seneca Sips

There are a number of great boozy giveaways right now to enter. Buffalo Pedal Tours has partnered with Resurgence Brewing, Frequentem Brewing and Hofbrauhaus to give away $50 off a holiday pedal tour, and $50 gift cards to each brewery. You can enter here. Content runs through August 15. Big Ditch and 1911 Established have teamed up to give away a custom YETI Tundra 45 cooler. You can enter here through September 5. Consumer’s Beverages are giving away a pair of tickets to the National Wing Festival (August 30-31). You can enter here. The winner will be selected August 15. SOB is also working with Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino to give away a pair of tickets to Seneca Sips Beer & Wine Festival (September 13) and an overnight stay. You can enter here through August 18. Good luck!

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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Shuffle City Brewing Coming to Lockport This Fall

The craft beer community in Lockport will expand this fall with the opening of Shuffle City Brewing at 13 West Main Street, formerly Kendzies Bowling Alley. The new brewery will feature head brewer Colin Herzog, who is leaving Flying Bison Brewing to craft beer (and more) in Lock City. Herzog says he is also excited to dive deep into the non-alcoholic side of things. Shuffle City says that they are geared towards providing a different taproom experience for everyone who walks through their doors. Stay tuned to https://www.shufflecitybrewing.com/ for more information. You can also follow along with any and all updates on their Facebook page.

Resurgence Brewing Launches New Vodka Canned Cocktails

Resurgence Brewing is expanding their footprint with a brand new vodka soda canned cocktail line, Brightside Vibes. This new 4.8% craft beverage is brewed with real fruit juice and cane sugar and will be available in two variety packs. The standard variety pack includes Blackberry/Lime, Pineapple/Passionfruit, Raspberry/Lemon and Tangerine/Strawberry, while the Tailgate Pack includes Tailgate Crush (Peach/Clementine), Blackberry/Lime, Pineapple/Passionfruit, and Tangerine/Strawberry. You can find Brightside Vibes at Resurgence’s taproom, as well as liquor stores around Western New York, wherever great craft canned cocktails are sold.

Bills-Themed Beers Returns Ahead of Start of Preseason 

Just in time for the start of the Buffalo Bills’ preseason this Saturday against the New York Giants, a number of Bills-themed beers have returned to brewery and store shelves across Western New York. In addition to staples such as Thin Man Pills Mafia and Community Beer Works Let’s Go Pils, Resurgence Brewing Circle the Wagons Pilsner & IPA, Ellicottville Brewing The Charge American Lager and Tailgate Time IPA, Brickyard Brewing Just One Before I Die IPA, Southern Tier Brewing IPA: Limited Buffalo Edition, to name a few, are available now. Look for these beers wherever great beer is sold.

Watch Hard Knocks With the Bills at Southern Tier Buffalo

It’s no small secret that the Buffalo Bills will be featured on this season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Training Camp” and you can watch the show at Southern Tier Brewing Buffalo every Tuesday at 9 pm. On August 12, 19, 26 and September 2, you can enjoy specialty cocktails and $2 off BUF Brew’d beers during each episode. Reservations are encouraged and can be made here. The new season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Training Camp” premiered on August 5. Get in the football mindset with your crew, your favorite brews, and all the behind-the-scenes action.

Celebrate One Year With The Lock Tender

Lockport beer bar The Lock Tender is turning one and is celebrating with a massive tasting event featuring more than 25 beers, wines and ciders. On August 9 (4-7 pm), the event will feature a 3-hour tasting (15 6oz. samples) with Dancing Gnome, Other Half, Maine, Drekker, Weldwerks, Foam Brewers, Brickyard Brewing, Mortalis Brewing, Wild East, Buffalo Brewing, Resurgence Brewing, Beer Tree and more, live music, a special tasting glass, food specials for ticket holders (10% off your food bill) and 10% off any to-go and merchandise orders over $20. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the bar in-person or online at www.thelocktender.com/events.

Hofbrauhaus to Tap Sommerzwickel, Pedal Tour Giveaway

Hofbrauhaus will tap a barrel of Sommerzwickel on August 7. Sommerzwickel is a 4.9% unfiltered white lager brewed with Weyermann Malting’s “Barke” barley and Herkules and Diamant hops to create orange blossom honey aromas and flavors. Guests in attendance will receive a complimentary Sommerzwickl after the barrel is tapped. Reservations can be made at www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com or by calling (716) 939-2337.

The brewery is also giving away an Oktoberfest Pedal Tour for you and 14 friends during the month of August, featuring Buffalo Pedal Tours and Oktoberfest favorites from Hofbräuhaus ($800 value). To take part, you can only enter in person at the taproom. The prize must be redeemed during Oktoberfest (9/12–10/24) and will be based on Buffalo Pedal Tours’ availability. No purchase necessary — just show up and throw your name in the bucket. You can enter at the table set up in the bathroom hallway.

New Pils From Smoldered Society and Frequentem Brewing

Smoldered Society and Frequentem Brewing have teamed up once again on a collaborative lager, Engineered Hysteria Zested Pilsner. The 3.9% beer was brewed with Saaz and Motueka hops and fresh lemon zest in the boil, and then was cold conditioned on oak spirals. Engineered Hysteria Zested Pilsner will be available soon in 16oz. 4-pack cans wherever Smoldered Society beer is sold.

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: Shuffle City Brewing, Brightside Vibes, Buffalo Bills Beers, Hard Knocks, Smoldered Society x Frequentem Lager, Lock Tender Anniversary, Hofbrauhaus Sommerzwickel & Giveaway appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Annual Grapes & Hops Festival at Northwest Arena

This year’s Grapes & Hops Festival will take place on April 26 (2pm) at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown. The festival, which focuses on New York state craft beer, distillery, and wine, will feature Ellicottville Brewing, Southern Tier, Hamburg Brewing, Aurora Brew Works, Froth Brewing, Bee Spit Meadery and more. There will also be non-alcoholic options. VIP tickets ($50) include early entry, a VIP lounge, food and commemorative glass and General Admission tickets ($35) include a commemorative glass. Designated Driver tickets are also available. Purchase tickets here. For more information, visit https://northwestarena.com/grapes-and-hops-festival.

Cabin Fever, Beer & Wine Fest Returns to Buffalo Ski Center

The 8th annual Cabin Fever, Beer and Wine Festival returns to the Buffalo Ski Center/Tamarack Lodge in Colden on May 3. The event features tastings from breweries such as Big Ditch Brewing, 42 North Brewing, Southern Tier, New York Beer Project, Ellicottville Brewing, Rusty Nickel Brewing, Mystic Hills, First Line Brewing and more, wineries, distilleries, live music, raffles, giveaways, auctions, food and more. Tickets are $40 presale and $50 day of and include a commemorative tasting glass, access to all tastings and more. They can be purchased here. A list of participating craft vendors will be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to https://www.buffaloskicenter.com for updates.

42 North, Delaware North launch Legendary Lager 

42 North Brewing and Delaware North have teamed up to launch Legendary Lager, a beer brewed to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo named in honor of Jackie Robinson. Legendary Lager will be available at select Delaware North locations in the Buffalo area, including the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (June 1-Aug. 1), Top of the Falls Restaurant (June 30-July 27), Patina 250 (June 1-Aug. 1) and Hamburg Gaming (July 1-Aug. 31). It will also be available at 42 North’s taprooms in East Aurora and downtown Buffalo, as well as at Consumer’s Beverages, Tops, Wegmans and Sahlen Field. A portion of proceeds from each sale will support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo and its youth sports programs.

Woodcock Brothers XPA Makes A Comeback

Woodcock Brothers XPA is back, albeit in a limited capacity, in cans and on draft. This experimental IPA, which at one point was one of the most sought-after beers on the local scene, clocks in at 6.5% and features Azacca, Warrior, Mosaic, and Citra hops, as well as a dry-hop combo of Citra, Cascade, and Triumph. Expect tropical fruit, tangerine zest, and a clean, crisp and balanced bitter finish. XPA is on draft and in 4-pack cans at Woodcock’s North Tonawanda taproom.

Froth Brewing Creates New Sour Beer For Charity

Froth Brewing is utilizing one of its strongest assets – its Liquid Lollipop beer series – to give back. They have brewed a new 6.5% smoothie style fruited sour with concord grape, dark sweet cherry and vanilla ice cream in collaboration with the Western New York chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. A portion of proceeds from beer sales will go to benefit their work in the fight against Alzheimer’s. This Liquid Lollipop is available on draft and in crowlers at Froth’s taproom.

Celebrate Dyngus Day At A Brewery This Year

Several breweries are throwing Dyngus Day celebrations in honor of the special day. On April 19, Flying Bison will be serving Polonia Pils and authentic Polish food from Cousin’s Maine Lobster Food Truck, and live music by Those Idiots Polka Band. Tickets are $20. Hofbrauhaus is celebrating on April 21 with live music from The Polka Boyz (3-5 pm) and Nerds Gone Wild (6:30-9:30 pm), authentic Polish dancers, lagers, food and more. Admission is $15. Also on April 21, Buffalo Brewing is throwing a Dyngus Day Bash with Polish-style craft beers, live music by the Kaisertown Polka Band, homemade pierogi and Wardys Polish sausage. Tickets are $10 presale and $15 at the door (only available at the taproom). Na zdrowie!

Thin Man Brewery Drops New Fruited Sour

Thin Man is releasing a new fruited sour for the new baseball season – Strawberry Shortstop. This 6.2% fruited sour is brewed with strawberry and vanilla and was brewed with hundreds of pounds of strawberry and conditioned on vanilla. Strawberry Shortstop features notes of bright strawberry, rich vanilla, medium body and tartness. Look for Strawberry Shortstop wherever great craft beer is sold soon.

Go Off the Wall At Frequentem Brewing This Friday

This Friday (April 18), Frequentem Brewing is bringing back one of my favorite beers of last year, Do A Kickflip, a collaboration with Smoldered Society, a light lager with Yuzu. Smoldered Society is also taking over several taps with World Police Double IPA (fermented on over 90 lbs. of pink grapefruit), Simulated Reality Fruited Sour and Strike Anywhere Pilsner. DJ Mike West will be spinning pop punk tunes (7-10) and Half Luna Empanadas (5-9pm) will be on hand serving food. The event is free and open to the public.

Brian Campbell is the 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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Illumination Meadery to Close on Niagara Street

Illumination Meadery, who operate out of Mortalis Brewing’s taproom on Niagara Street, have announced plans to close, citing changes in the lives of the owners, rising costs and decreased consumer demand for craft beverages. “We are very thankful that Mortalis took a chance on us and accepted our partnership offer to share the space. We hope that we were able to teach people a little more about mead, and maybe we even made some new mead fans,” the meadery says. Their final sendoff will be at CollaBEERation Fest on April 5. They still have a few kegs on tap in the taproom, plus bottles and glassware to go.

Brickyard Brewing’s Stained Glass Vol. 1 Returns

Brickyard Brewing’s Stained Glass Vol. 1 Barrel Aged Belgian Quad has made a return, this time in 375ml. corked and caged bottles. The 8.8% was aged in a blend of rum and bourbon barrel and features notes of dark fruit like raisins, plums and dark cherries. Bottles of Stained Glass Vol. 1 are limited (only 8 cases), along with a few kegs for retail, and are available now at Brickyard’s Lewiston taproom, as well as select retailers around Western New York.

Old First Ward Breweries Announced 4 The Ward Collab

Four Old First Ward breweries – Resurgence Brewing, Briarbrothers Brewing, Old First Ward Brewing and Frequentem Brewing – have announced a new collab – 4 The Ward – which features each location brewing their own take on a pale ale to support the Old First Ward Community Center. Start at any brewery, order a pint of 4 The Ward, and receive a punch card. Visit the other breweries, collect punches, complete all four, turn in your card, and at the end of the promotion (now through St. Patrick’s weekend), each brewery will donate to the Old First Ward Community Center for each completed card.

Williamsville’s 12 Gates Brewing Company to Close

12 Gates Brewing Company in Williamsville has announced that they are closing their doors after 9 years. The brewery made the announcement via their social media that they are closing, effectively immediately. “From the very first brew to the countless pints shared, every moment has been special, and we couldn’t have made it this far without the incredible support of our loyal customers, staff, and the community. You’ve helped us craft more than just beer — you’ve helped us create memories that will last a lifetime,” the brewery says. 12 Gates first opened their doors in 2015. Their sister location, 12 Gates of EVL, closed last summer.

Hofbrauhaus to Hold March Marzen Tapping

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo is teaming up with the Witches of the Moonlight for their March Marzen barrel tapping on March 6 (6pm). Die Haus Band will perform, Witches of the Moonlight will host a parade and dance performance inspired by the Wolfshager Hexenbrut witches of Germany, and a barrel of Märzen will be tapped. The beer is a smooth and drinkable, amber-colored beer with a rich malty character and a hint of hops. Mention you’re dining for the witches and 10% of your pre-taxed bill will be donated to the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier. You can make reservations on OpenTable.

CollaBEERation Festival Announces First Collab Beers

CollaBEERation Festival, which takes place at the Powerhouse on Apr. 5, have announced the first round of collab beers that will be poured at the event. This includes Southern Tier Brewing Meet the Bockers Maibock, Pod City Beer Labs Bollywood Wit (Belgian-style witbier with traditional Indian spices), Eli Fish Brewing Mr. Pink’s F**k All That Gose (pink lemonade gose with pink Himalayan sea salt), Buffalo Olde I Remember Mama… Italian Pilsner and 42 North Brewing PeeWee’s Beer Adventure Dark Lager (aged in Tequila barrels). The event brings together members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with more than 50+ participating Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies. Tickets can be purchased here.

Buffalo Home Show Returns With New Happy Hours

The Buffalo Home Show returns to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on March 7-9 and 14-16 and features two floors with over 300 exhibitors. Each Friday night will play host to a different Happy Hour – WBLK Home Show Happy Hour with Ed Nice (March 7, 5-7pm), including beer samplings from Labatt, food from Cabot Cheese and contests, and the WYRK Home Show Happy Hour with Clay Moden (March 14, 5-7pm), with beer samplings from Labatt, food from Cabot Cheese and ticket giveaways for the sold-out Taste of Country concert. Tickets can be purchased here – use code BEER to receive $4 off.

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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Woodcock Brothers Brewing in Wilson Closes for Winter

Woodcock Brothers Brewery’s Wilson location has announced plans to close for the rest of the winter season. The brewery has taken a winter break at the location since the pandemic. “Woodcock Brothers in Wilson will be taking a short winter break (effective now) and will be closed for the season. We’ll be reopening in the spring,” a social media post read. “Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to welcome you back soon!” They are targeting an early April reopening. Their North Tonawanda location will remain open for business as usual.

Pearl Street Brewery Release NA Trainwreck

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery has released a non-alcoholic version of their flagship German amber ale, Trainwreck. This is the first ever non-alcoholic beer at Pearl Street. NA Trainwreck features “malty goodness with a lot of complexity for the style,” head brewer Jason Dunshie says. “[I’m] proud to be able to continue to innovate and grow as a brewer.” The beer is a medium-bodied German-style amber ale that features rich, malty flavor and aromas along with notes of toasted nuts. NA Trainwreck is on tap now at Pearl Street.

Pizza Plant’s Belgian Beer & Chocolate Event Is Back

Pizza Plant’s annual Belgian Beer and Chocolate Festival returns on Feb. 12 (5pm) to their Transit Road location. The event will feature Ommegang Three Philosophers Barrel Aged Grand Cru and Imperial Keep It Crunchy Oatmeal Stout, Strangebird Rode Vogel, Brewery Ardennes Dubbel and Winter Farm Ale and more. The beers will be available in a flight or ala carte. Each flight comes with free Chow Chocolates. Additionally, Brayton from Brewery Ardennes and Aaron from Ommegang will be on hand sampling their beers. There will also be Ommegang and Brewery Ardennes swag raffles.

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo’s Hammer & Ales at Barrel Factory

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo’s annual Hammer & Ales fundraiser returns to the Barrel Factory on March 20 (5:30pm) and will feature food & drink tastings of local craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages, silent auctions, games, and more. The event is flannel-themed, so wear your best flannel out for the night. The event is part of Habitat’s The House Beer Built campaign, a yearly fundraiser that sees the organization partner with regional breweries, distilleries, and restaurants to raise money to build or renovate a new home. Tickets for the event ($45) include admission and tastings. Tickets can be purchased here.

Magic Bear to Release New Collab With Stoneyard Brewing

Magic Bear Beer Cellar will release a new collaboration with Stoneyard Brewing, Black RaspBeary Peach Kölsch, on Jan. 31 (5-7pm). This lightly fruited kolsch features a hint of sweet black raspberries and juicy peaches to go along with a touch of dryness. The release will also feature a tasting of a number of other Stoneyard Brewing beers with brewery owner and head brewer Ozzy.

Frequentem Brewing Buffalo 1^st Anniversary Party, Stout Month Takeover

Frequentem Brewing Buffalo will celebrate their first anniversary on Feb. 8 in the Old First Ward. The party will feature free hot dogs, bottle pours from the brewery’s cellar, shotgun contests, raffles and beer pong all day, live DJ (3:30-6:30pm), slushies and cocktail specials, release of Heyyy Buffalo Light Lager with cucumber and citrus and Just Fruit Loganberry Fruited Sour, Jeweld permanent jewelry pop-up and more. There will also be a pre-party Friday night at the brewery with food from Emily’s Corner Diner (5-9pm) and live music from Chreath (7:30-10:30pm).

Frequentem is also bringing their Stout Month to Buffalo on Jan. 31 (5pm). The event will feature multiple small batch stouts on draft and to go as well as guest stouts from Strangebird and 3 Sons Brewing. There will be a pop-up bakeshop from Fat Daddy’s, giveaways, cocktail specials and more.

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: Woodcock Winter Break, Pearl Street NA Beer, Belgian Beer & Chocolate Fest, Hammer & Ales, Frequentem Anniversary & Stout Month, Magic Bear x Stoneyard Collab appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Southern Tier Brewing Drops New West Coast IPA

Southern Tier Brewing has released a new small batch West Coast IPA in in 16oz. 4-packs at Wegmans and other select craft beer retailers. The beer is a balanced 7% IPA that’s cleaner and less bitter than traditional West Coast IPAs; smooth and subtle with more pine and hop notes than berry and citrus with a malty backbone. West Coast IPA is currently available.

Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki Bar to Open Jan. 24

Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki Bar will open in Fredonia at the site of EBC West on Jan. 24. Monster Beach, a brewery and Tiki bar with a classic movie monster theme, is the creation of Robert Turley Jr., Mandi Shepp and Christoph Shepp. Beers will include Surfin’ With Fred lager and Attack of the Green Tomatoes tomato herb wheat (their brewhouse was just been installed so they will not open with their own beer on tap), in addition to traditional Tiki drinks and Modern Polynesian-style cocktails and a food inspired by ingredients from Asia, the Caribbean islands, and Polynesian region. For more information, visit https://www.monsterbeachbrewing.com.

Frequentem, Mortalis Team Up on New Lager

Frequentem Brewing and Mortalis Brewing have teamed up on a new lager, New Zealand Pilsner, brewed and dry hopped with Subzero Hop Kief Nelson Sauvin hops. SubZero Hop Kief adds a fresh hop flavor andaromas to the beer, while Nelson Sauvin hops impart notes of white grape, nectarine and pink grapefruit. New Zealand Pilsner is available on side pull draft and in 4-pack cans at Frequentem Brewing Buffalo right now.

Brickyard Brewing Drops New Bills-Themed IPA, Cask Stout at Mr. Goodbar

It’s something my father has been saying to me since the 1990’s – ‘just one before I die,’ referring to a Buffalo Bills Super Bowl title. This might be the season and Brickyard Brewing is emulating that mantra with their latest Bills-themed hazy IPA, Just One Before I Die. Brewed with El Dorado, Galaxy and Citra hops, this 6.8% double dry hopped IPA features big hop and orange juice notes and has all of the hallmarks of bigger bodied, thicker hazy IPAs. Just One Before I Die is limited to 50 cases of cans and limited draft at the taproom. You can find cans wherever great craft beer is sold.

If you’re looking for something a big bigger and a bit darker from Brickyard, Mr. Goodbar is tapping a cask of their Oatmeal Stout on Jan. 17 (3pm). This 5.6% stout is rich and roasty with a nice bittersweet and chocolate finish.

First Line Brewing Releases New Czech Lager

Orchard Park’s First Line Brewing has released a new Czech lager, Czech Please, a 5.5% light and crushable Czech-style lager. The beer features rich and bready malt notes accompanied by a soft hop bitterness with flavors of bread crust and toasted bread. It’s crisp, light and crushable. You can find Czech Please on tap right now First Line’s taproom.

Big Ditch Brewing NA Burner Beer Pong Championship

Big Ditch is capping off Dry January with the NA Burner Beer Pong Championship on Jan. 30 (6pm). The cost to enter is $20 per team and includes your first NA Burner (cash bar during the tournament with $4 NA Burners and $1 off Mocktails). Grand prize is a $200 gift card, a case of NA Burner, and a custom trophy and second place wins a $50 gift card and two 6-packs of NA Burner. The tournament will be capped at 32 teams and will feature a single elimination format (all other rules will be posted prior to the event and displayed during the event). Register now 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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