The 5th annual New York State Pint Days, a statewide event where $1 per pint glass sold at participating breweries directly supports the New York State Brewers Association, returns May 8-11. Each year the NYS Pint Days Glass features a unique design that celebrates NYS craft beer.

This year’s commemorative glass will be designed by Em Sauter, an award-winning cartoonist and founder of Pints and Panels, a site dedicated to visual beer education. The design showcases a “vibrant array of New York’s state emblems, from the state mammal – the beaver – to the state seal, making this glass a quintessential celebration of New York.”

“Em Sauter is known throughout the craft beer world not only as a professional cartoonist, but she’s also an expert in all things craft beer having traveled the world as a beer judge and author. We chose New York emblems as our theme this year to celebrate the state we live in, plus, it was a lot of fun watching Em create those emblems in her very special way,” said Paul Leone, executive director of the New York State Brewers Association.

In addition to being the founder of Pints and Panels, Sauter is an Advanced Cicerone®, BJCP-certified international beer judge, host of the All About Beer podcast, and contributor to Forbes, Craft Beer and Brewing, and Vinepair. She is also the author of four books on beer.

“It’s an honor to contribute to an event that highlights the creativity and community of New York’s craft beer scene,” said Sauter. “This design is a toast to the state’s brewing heritage and its passionate beer lovers.”

You can purchase a glass this year at Big Inlet Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Resurgence Brewing, and Steel Leaf Brewing. You can find a complete list of participating breweries here.

“This year we moved Pint Days to the spring to coincide with New York Craft Beer Day, warming weather, and to help breweries bring more craft beer fans to their taprooms after the typically slower winter months,” said Leone. “There are 68 breweries selling these and only 4,000 glasses were made, so these are truly a limited edition glass. On a side note, each glass we’ve designed throughout the years has a fun little added element that only a few people will see or find, this year is no different.”

A portion of proceeds from each glass sold will go to benefit the New York State Brewers Association and its sub-guilds’ (Western New York, New York City, and Long Island Brewers Associations) mission to unify, protect, and propel the state’s more than 500 independent craft breweries through advocacy, education, and promotion.

“We are extremely excited to bring Pint Days back in 2025! Moving it to the spring allows craft beer fans to get back out to their local brewery and support them after the slower winter months,” Leone said. “The uniqueness and limited quantity of this glass featuring New York emblems, makes this year even more special, so people shouldn’t wait long to visit the participating breweries to get theirs before they are gone.”

Craft beer for a good cause – it’s as simple as that. Buy a pint glass and foster change. The beer in your glass can help to create a better community around you.

For a list and map of participating breweries and to learn more about NYS Pint Days, visit www.thinkNYdrinkNY.com/nys-pint-days. Enthusiasts are encouraged to share their Pint Days experiences on social media and tag @NYScraftbeer #thinkNYdrinkNY.

More than 40,000 glasses have been sold over the last four years. Both the 2021 & 2022 glasses (designed by NYSBA) were awarded Gold Crushies in the International Craft Beer Marketing Awards.

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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Wayland Brewing’s Spring Beer & Food Fest Returns

Wayland Brewing will hold its second annual Spring Beer & Food Festival on May 17 in Wayland Hall. In addition to Wayland, the festival will play host to tastings from numerous other breweries, including Beer Kind Brewing, Briarbrothers Brewing, Brickyard Brewing, Frequentem, Mortalis, New York Beer Project, Other Half, Fidens, Angry Chair, Threes Brewing, Swiftwater, Talea, Strangebird, Prison City and more. There will also be food available from Buffalo Burger Bros and more. Tickets, which include tastings, food and a commemorative glass, are $60 and are available to purchase now online. Designated driver tickets are also available.

Sad Boys Brewing Announces Closure

Another Buffalo brewery is closing its doors as Sad Boys Brewing has announced that they are ceasing all operations immediately, citing ‘unforeseen circumstances.‘ They announced via social media. “It’s with a heavy heart we announce our closing. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have ceased operations effectively immediately. We would like to thank all our loyal patrons for the past 2 amazing years. It’s not goodbye its ‘I’ll see you later‘.” Sad Boys, the brainchild of four homebrewers, John O’Neill, Tyler Randle, Collin Edbauer and Andrew Anderson, opened in 2023.

Tickets On Sale For New York State Craft Brewers Fest

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

Fifth Annual NYS Pint Days Returns In May

The 5th annual New York State Pint Days, a statewide event where $1 per pint glass sold at participating breweries directly supports the New York State Brewers Association, returns May 8-11. Each year the NYS Pint Days Glass features a unique design that celebrates NYS craft beer. This year’s commemorative glass will be designed by Em Sauter, an award-winning cartoonist and founder of Pints and Panels, a site dedicated to visual beer education. You can purchase a glass this year at Big Inlet Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Resurgence Brewing and Steel Leaf Brewing. You can find more information here.

Erie County Fair Homebrew & Cider Competition Deadline Extended

The 2025 Erie County Fair Homebrew and Cider Making Competition has extended the deadline for accepting entries until May 5. The judging is based on creativity and not necessarily by style, and while all BJCP styles can be entered, the main criteria will be “creative relevancy” or the most fun beer/cider to enjoy at the fair. The winning homebrew beer will be brewed at Hamburg Brewing, while the winning cider will be brewed by BlackBird Cider Works. Both will be available on tap at the fair, Hamburg Brewing and Resurgence Brewing, as well as in cans. Entries can be dropped off at Resurgence or Hamburg’s taprooms, or at the Erie County Fairgrounds Main Offices. There is a $25 entry fee.

Perry’s Ice Cream, Southern Tier Brewing Giveaway

Perry’s Ice Cream and Southern Tier are joining forces on a new giveaway inspired by their latest collaborative beer, Cherry Pie Imperial Ale. They are giving away 4 cartons of Cherry Pie ice cream, Perry’s ice cream scoop, 2 Perry’s pilsner glasses, a $50 Southern Tier gift card and Southern Tier merchandise ($100 value). To enter, make sure you’re following @perrysicecream & @stbcbeer on Instagram, like the contest post and tag a friend. The contest runs through April 28.

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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Celebrate Halloween This Year at a Brewery

There are a number of options if you’re looking to don your best Halloween costume and grab a fresh locally brewed pint this year. Happening this weekend around Western New York is Halloween Costume Contest at Buffalo Olde Brewery (Oct. 31), 12 Gates Halloween Skelebration (Oct. 28), Marquee Brewing Halloween Celebration (Oct. 28), Hamburg Brewing Halloween Party (Oct. 28), Boos & Brews at Eli Fish Brewing (Oct. 28), Halloween Costume Party at Woodcock Brothers Wilson (Oct. 28), King-O-Ween at Southern Tier Brewing (Oct. 28), Spooky Brews & BBQs at One-Eyed Cat Brewing (Oct. 27), Halloween Party at Windy Brew (Oct. 27), Halloween Dayfest and Night of Frights at Southern Tier Buffalo (Oct. 27), and more.

Fourth Annual NYS Pint Days Returns November 20

The 4th annual New York State Pint Days, a statewide event where $1 per glass sold at participating breweries directly supports the New York State Brewers Association, returns, Nov. 20 – 26. Each year the NYS Pint Days Glass features a unique design that celebrates NYS craft beer. This year’s winning design comes from Joanna Brotherton, a craft beer enthusiast from East Setauket, NY. “The design incorporates the many wonders of New York, from the mountains, evergreen woods, lakes, and rivers, to NYC and finally the beautiful Long Island Beaches,” she said. You can purchase a glass at Big Inlet Brewing, Resurgence Brewing, 12 Gates Brewing, and The Ridge West Seneca. Click here for more information.

Dunkler Bock Release Party at Hofbrauhaus

On November 2, Hofbrauhaus is rolling out the barrels for their new Dunkler Bock, which will be tapped at 6pm. Kate Glaser of Hope Rises will serve as the ceremonial barrel tapper, with Die Haus Band leading a parade through the brewery before the barrel is tapped. Dunkler Bock is a strong, rich and dark German lager that features notes of bready malt, caramel, toasted bread, and dark orchard fruit with a slightly lingering sweet finish. For a comparison, Dunkler Bock would fit in between Hofbrauhaus’ Dunkel and Doppelbock. The brewery suggests pairing the beer with their Bayerische Spezialitaeten Platte or their Jaegerschnitzel. All guests will receive a complimentary pour of Dunkler Bock after the barrel is tapped. Make reservations at www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com or by calling (716) 939-BEER. All ages are welcome.

First Line Brewing Drops New Hazy IPA

First Line Brewing has released American Muscle, an 8% New England IPA that features all Nelson Sauvin hops. This is the first beer from new assistant brewer Sean Eagen and features an entirely new water profile designed to accentuate the tropical fruit profile of the hops, along with a resinous mouthfeel and notes of grape, passionfruit, and fresh crushed gooseberries. You can find American Muscle on tap right now at First Line’s Orchard Park taproom.

Bottles & Bites: Flavors of Fall at Statler Buffalo

Combine the best of local food, craft, wine, cider and more at Bottles & Bites: Flavors of Fall, November 16 at the Staler Buffalo. Food will be available from Mulberry, Trattoria Aroma, Jack Rabbit, Lloyd Taco, Cupcaked Bakery, Babcia’s Pierogi and more, craft beer from Shalooby Loofer, 42 North, Big Ditch, Ellicottville Brewing, Southern Tier and more, cider from 1911 and wine from Ten Thousand Vines. There will also be live music from Busted Stuff – Dave/Cyn. General admission ($36.97, 6pm-8:30pm) tickets include complimentary glass and all samples, and VIP tickets ($60.23, 5:30pm) includes $25 Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant gift card, exclusive beer selections, complimentary glass and all samples. You can purchase tickets here.

Enter to Win a $250 Bites & Brews Experience at Buffalo Olde Brewery

Step Out Buffalo has teamed up with Lovejoy’s Buffalo Olde Brewery to give away a Bites & Brews experience worth $250. The grand prize includes a $250 credit to be used towards food, beverages, or merchandise at the new brewery. To enter, click here to enter your name and email. The contest runs through October 30. You can also head to @stepoutbuffalo on Instagram for more chances to enter and win.

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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The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) is excited to unveil the design of the 4th Annual New York State Pint Days, taking place over Thanksgiving Week, Nov. 20-26, 2023, while supplies last. New York State Pint Days is a statewide fundraising event in which craft beer enthusiasts visit breweries across the state to collect the annually released commemorative NYS Pint Days glassware.

$1 per glass directly supports the New York State Brewers Association and its sub-guilds’ (Western New York, New York City, and Long Island Brewers Associations) mission to unify, protect and propel the state’s more than 500 independent craft breweries through advocacy, education and promotion.

Each year, the pint glass features a new, unique design that celebrates NYS craft beer. For the second year in a row, NYSBA invited artists from across the state to submit their original designs for the 2023 glass. Entries were narrowed down by NYSBA to the top three finalists, at which point over 3,500 enthusiasts voted for the design they wished to see on the 2023 glass. The winning design was created by Joanna Brotherton, a craft beer enthusiast from East Setauket, NY.

“The design incorporates the many wonders of New York, from the mountains, evergreen woods, lakes, and rivers, to NYC and finally the beautiful Long Island Beaches. I decided to incorporate some highly recognizable features of these areas such as Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Montauk Point Lighthouse, and mountains from upstate in an attempt to incorporate the feel of all of New York and the many places one may enjoy a craft beer.” – Joanna Brotherton.

The limited edition 2023 New York State Pint Days glassware will be available statewide at 70 participating breweries. Once the collector’s glasses are sold out, the design will never be reproduced again. Enthusiasts can find an interactive map and list of participating breweries on the Think NY, Drink NY website at www.thinkNYdrinkNY.com/NYS-Pint-Days.

Enthusiasts are encouraged to share their NYS Pint Days photos and videos on social media using hashtag #NYSPintDays.

Over 38,000 Pint Days glasses have been purchased by craft beer enthusiasts over the last 3 years. Both the 2021 and 2022 glasses (designed by NYSBA) were awarded Gold Crushies in the International Craft Beer Marketing Awards.

The post NYS Brewers Association Announces Winner of NYS Pint Days Design appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

West Shore Brewing, Rusty Nickel Brewing to Merge

After closing their Clarence taproom, West Shore Brewing Company announced that they are merging with West Seneca’s Rusty Nickel Brewing Company. The new partnership will expand distribution for both breweries, according to Rusty Nickel president Jason Havens, who made the announcement at their 8^th anniversary party. West Shore owner Josh Dziomba has also joined the brewing team at Rusty Nickel. Moving forward, West Shore’s beers will continue to be produced and made available.

Drink West Shore Brewing Citrus Lager for a Good Cause

On June 10, West Shore’s Lake to Rail Citrus Lager will serve as the centerpiece for a fundraising event for the Flour-by-Rail Legacy Project at Duende Silo City. The event features tours of the grounds and boxcar, West Shore beers, live music, and more. Tickets for unlimited beer are $25 online and at the door, or you can just show up and enjoy the day a la carte. All proceeds go to the Flour-by-Rail Legacy Project, a 501c3 nonprofit community development and placemaking initiative of Buffalo, USA Foundation, on the grounds of Silo City in Buffalo’s historic Old First Ward.

12 Gates Brewing to Release New Monsters & Myths IPA

Leshen, the latest release in 12 Gates’ Monsters & Myths Hazy IPA series, will be released on June 9 (12pm). The hazy IPA is 6% and is brewed with Azacca, Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops. Taken from ancient Slavic mythology, the Leshen is depicted as a malevolent and powerful woodland spirit believed to have control over the forest and its inhabitants, including animals and lesser forest spirits. This hazy IPA will be available at the 12 Gates taproom on draft and in 16oz. 4-pack cans to-go. Look for Leshen on shelves and on tap wherever great craft beer is sold soon.

Erie County Pints in the Park Returns with Resurgence & 42 North

Resurgence Brewing and 42 North Brewing will once again take part in the Erie County Parks Department Pints in the Park Program, which features pop-up beer gardens across the Erie County Park System throughout the summer and fall. The 2023 program includes stops at Como Lake Park (July 7, 4-9pm, July 8, 12-9pm), Ellicott Creek Park (June 9, 4-9pm, June 10, 12-9pm), Chestnut Ridge Park (July 28, 4-9pm, July 29, 12-9pm, August 18, 4-9pm, August 19, 12-9pm), Emery Park (Aug. 12, 12-5pm), Wendy Beach Park (July 1-3, 12-9pm, Aug 4., 4-9pm, Aug. 5, 12-9pm).

Big Ditch, Explore Buffalo Team Up on History Buff Kolsch

Big Ditch Brewing and Explore Buffalo have teamed up on History Buff, a German-style Kolsch, to celebrate Explore Buffalo’s tenth anniversary tour season. The beer is slightly fruity, slightly bready, and refreshing. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Explore Buffalo. History Buff arrives just in time for new brewery tours at Big Ditch, which will take place every Wednesday beginning June 7. Learn the ins and outs of beer with your first Big Ditch pint included in the tour. Visit https://explorebuffalo.org/spotlight/big-ditch-brewery/ to sign up for a tour.

Submit a Design for the 2023 NYS Pint Days Glass

The New York State Brewers Association is hosting an artwork contest for the design of the 4th Annual New York State Pint Days Glass. Each year’s glass features a unique design that celebrates NYS craft beer. Entries will be accepted until June 18 before being narrowed down to the top 2-3 designs. Then, a public vote will take place to determine the winning design. The winner will receive $500 and recognition as the 2023 Pint Days Artist. Contest details, artwork specs, and submission form can be found at https://thinknydrinkny.com/pint-days-contest. Additional information about Pint Days is available at https://thinknydrinkny.com/nys-pint-days.

Inventory Clearance Sale at Brickyard Brewing

To make room for more beer, Brickyard Brewing is holding a special can inventory clearance sale at their Lewiston taproom. As part of the sale, the brewery is offering $10 4-packs of Fiji Mermaid, a guava, pineapple and coconut sour, BerryBerry NannerNanner, a berry, guava and banana smoothie sour, Under the Bridge, a dry-hopped West Coast IPA brewed with El Dorado, Amarillo, and Chinook hops, and Irish Goodbye Red Ale. You can also purchase 3 4-packs for $24 on any of these brands (must buy 3 to get additional savings).

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: West Shore, Rusty Nickel Merge, New Beer at 12 Gates, West Shore & Big Ditch, Pints in the Park, Brickyard Can Sale, NYSBA Design Contest appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

New York State Pint Days, a statewide event where $1 per beer glass sold at participating breweries directly supports the New York State Brewers Association, is back for a third year.

Each year, the NYS Pint Days Glass features a unique design that celebrates New York State craft beer. This year’s winning design comes from Sara Kelly of Argyle Brewing to ‘represent the cities, towns, waterways, and agricultural rural areas that make up the state.’ Once they’re sold-out, they are gone forever and will not be reproduced.

“The design was created with New York State’s special qualities in mind. I wanted to represent the cities, towns, waterways, and agricultural rural areas that make up the state,” Kelly said. “I wanted it to be a little playful and fun too, with the addition of Barley and Hops in the Beer-E-II. My friends at Argyle Brewing in Greenwich and Cambridge encouraged me to enter the contest because I design beer labels, posters and fliers for them. New York craft beer is fabulous; I try to sample it everywhere I go in the state.”

From November 21 – 27, you can purchase a glass at Big Inlet Brewing, Britesmith Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Pressure Drop, Resurgence Brewing, Rusty Nickel Brewing, West Shore Brewing, Windy Brew and Woodcock Brothers.

“Pint Days is a fundraiser for the New York State Brewers Association that began last year and takes place Thanksgiving week, which also includes Small Business Saturday and Small Brewery Sunday. These are specially designed glassware that changes every year and will become collectors’ items, NYS Brewers Association Executive Director Paul Leone said.

You can also grab your collector’s glass in the Finger Lakes region, at Aurora Brewing, Big aLICe FLX, Birdhouse Brewing, Brewery Ardennes, Crafty Ales & Lagers, Climbing Bines Craft Ale, Dublin Corners Farm Brewery, Garrett’s Brewing Company, Genesee Brewery, Lake Drum Brewing, Naked Dove, Nine Spot Brewing, Noble Shepherd, No BS Brew Company, Railhead Brewing Company, Reinvention Brewing, Rising Storm Brewing, Rohrbach Brewing, Scale House Brewery, Seneca Lake Brewing Company, War Horse Brewing and WeBe Brewing.

Over 28,000 Pint Days glasses have been purchased by craft beer enthusiasts over the last 2 years, according to the NYS Brewers Association.

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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