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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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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If you participated in Dry January, congratulations, you’ve made it through, and you’re a healthier person for it. But along the way you missed a number of tasty craft brews that were released into the wild across Western New York over these past 30 days. And if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you might want to find one or two of these beers in your glass sometime soon. So, in my never ending quest to try and do everything I can to make the best and brightest local craft brews easier to find for all of you, here is a list of January releases you might have missed.

Wayland Brewing – Foray Czech Pale Lager & Ember Czech Amber Lager

In case you missed it, Orchard Park’s Wayland Brewing have added a pair of side pull beer faucets to their tap system and have introduced two new lagers, Foray Czech Pale Lager and Ember Czech Amber Lager. The former was light, sweet, and crisp, with big crackery malt notes, while the latter was easy drinking with notes of spice, caramel, malt, and toffee. Both Foray and Ember are available on side pull and in 12oz. 6-pack cans to go now. If you’re going to hit up Wayland, I would also suggest grabbing a pour of their Old Growth Oak Aged Brown Ale.

Froth Brewing – House Black Lager

Froth Brewing has added to their collection of house lagers with the release of House Czech Black Lager, a 4.8% dark lager that features a fluffy, pillow-like head with notes of caramel, coffee and chocolate. This is the third beer the brewery is featuring on their Lukr side pull taps, joining their House Amber Lager and their House Pale Lager. (Availability: Draft, cans)

Big Ditch Brewing – Stop Counting Carbs IPA

If you’ve already abandoned your New Year’s Resolutions, then Big Ditch has a new IPA tailor made just for you. Stop Counting Carbs is a 7% hazy IPA brewed with Nelson Sauvin, El Dorado, and Trident hops, featuring notes of citrus, melon, and white grape. (Availability: Draft, cans)

Magic Bear Beer Cellar x One-Eyed Cat Brewing Binturong

For their latest in-house collaboration, Larkin’s Magic Bear Beer Cellar is teaming up with Williamsville’s One-Eyed Cat Brewing. The result is Binturong (I’ll save you a Google search – a Binturong is a bearcat), a 3.8% English style Ordinary Bitter that’s malt forward with a touch of floral and grassy hops. (Availability: Draft)

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo – Schwarzbier

This is a dark German lager that balances roasted, yet smooth, malt flavors with moderate hop bitterness. The lighter body, dryness and lack of a heavy aftertaste helps make this beer quite drinkable. (Availability: Draft)

Old First Ward Brewing – Ten Years After

Gene McCarthy’s is celebrating ten years of Old First Ward Brewing with the release of Ten Years After, a 10.6% imperial stout brewed with a base of Floor Malted Maris Otter Malt along with specialty English crystal malts and numerous types of roasted and chocolate malts from the U.K and Netherlands. It features notes of slightly bitter dark chocolate, deep molasses, and a hint of chocolate covered raisins, ending with a touch of hop bitterness to compliment the booze. (Availability: Draft)

Smoldered Society – Illusion of Society Double IPA

Smoldered Society is back with Illusion of Society, their first ever Double IPA. This 8.5% DIPA is brewed with Citra Cyro, Azacca CGX, Rakau, Loral and Phantasm Powder. If a Double IPA isn’t your thing, Smoldered Society has also dropped Shadows on the Moon Mango Lassi Sour Ale. (Availability: Cans)

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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42 North Announces Barrel Jam IV Lineup

42 North Brewing Company has announced the brewery, cidery and distillery lineup for this year’s Barrel Jam, set to take place Saturday, January 27. The festival celebrates the art of barrel-aging beers. In addition to 42 North, the line-up includes Wild East, Eli Fish, Prison City, Meier’s Creek, Jack’s Abby, Brewery Ardennes, Community Beer Works, Buffalo Distilling, Ellicottville Brewing Company, 1911 Cider, Clarksburg Cider, K2 Brothers, and Boulevard Brewing. Tickets start at $35 and include three hours of beer tasting, live music, and a complimentary tasting glass. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Old First Ward Brewing Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Gene McCarthy’s is celebrating ten years of Old First Ward Brewing this weekend (January 6, 11am) with the release of a new limited edition beer, Ten Years After. This 10.6% imperial stout, brewed with a base of Floor Malted Maris Otter Malt along with specialty English crystal malts and numerous types of roasted and chocolate malts from the U.K and Netherlands, features notes of slightly bitter dark chocolate, deep molasses, and a hint of chocolate covered raisins, ending with a touch of hop bitterness to compliment the booze. For $10, while supplies last, the new beer will be available in a 10oz. commemorative glass that is yours to keep.

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo to Tap New Schwarzbier

Get your New Year started right with Hofbrauhaus on January 4 as they hold their first keg tapping of 2024, Schwarzbier. A parade and barrel tapping will be held at 6pm with celebrity keg tapper, Hofbrauhaus’ new Chief Operating Officer, George. This is a dark German lager that balances roasted, yet smooth, malt flavors with moderate hop bitterness. The lighter body, dryness and lack of a heavy aftertaste helps make this beer quite drinkable. All guests will receive a complimentary pour of Schwarzbier after the barrel is tapped. For reservations, call (716) 939-2337 or visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

11th Annual Niagara Wine and Beer Fest at Kenan Center

The Niagara Wine and Beer Fest, which features more than 30 wineries, cideries and breweries, returns on February 3 (6-9pm) for an 11th year at Lockport’s Kenan Center. In addition to beer, cider and wine tastings, the festival will feature live music by North End Revival, specialty food vendors, and basket raffles. The Annex will serve buffet-style catering with Western New York classics. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $65 for VIP. VIP tickets grant you preferred parking, early admission (5pm), and $5 off of food. Designated-Driver tickets are $10, or free with a $30 food ticket purchase.

Buffalo on Tap Returns January 12-13

Buffalo on Tap will return to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on January 12-13, 2024. Session 1 will take place on Friday (VIP 6-10pm, GA 7-10pm) and Session 2 will take place Saturday (VIP 12-4pm, GA 1-4pm). Participating breweries include 12 Gates, 42 North, Belt Line, Big Ditch, Community Beer Works, Pressure Drop, Resurgence, Southern Tier, Woodcock Brothers, Steelbound, and more. VIP tickets ($86.65, including taxes and fees) include 4 hours of craft beer sampling, live music, souvenir sampling glass and more, and General Admission tickets ($61.35, including taxes and fees) include 3 hours of craft beer sampling, live music and souvenir sampling glass. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $10.

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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Mardi Gras Kegs & Eggs at Resurgence Brewing

Resurgence Brewing is celebrating Mardi Gras New Orleans’ style with their next Kegs & Eggs event, which will feature specialty food, a cocktail flight and a craft beer flight. The beer flight includes Spicy Cajun Cream Ale, Chicory Coffee Stout, Hurricane Pilsner aged on Rum Soaked Oak Spirals and French 75 Champagne Beer, cocktail flight features Hurricane, Grasshopper, King Cake and Dirty Monkey and special food menu includes Shrimp po’boy sandwich, chicken gumbo over rice, Cajun shrimp and grits, Bananas foster-style French waffle and “Dirty” potato bowl topped with eggs.

Pressure Drop, Resurgence & OFW Brewing Collab More Greener Returns

More Greener, the annual collaboration between Old First Ward compatriots Resurgence Brewing, Pressure Drop and Gene McCarthy’s (Old First Ward Brewing), is back for 2023. This year’s version was brewed at Resurgence and features a new Pilsner malt base, as well as features Chinook, Columbus Cryo, El Dorado and Nectaron hops to give the beer notes of resin, pine, melon and stone fruit. More Greener can be found in cans and on draft at all participating locations.

12 Gates Brewing to Launch New Monsters & Myths Series

12 Gates are launching a new beer series, Monsters & Myths, which will consist of 6 new hazy IPAs that will be released in collectors’ art cans. The first entry is Basilisk, brewed with Styrian Cardinal, Styrian Dragon and Styrian Wolf hops to create a balanced sweetness with citrus and tropical notes. The Basilisk is a mythical creature, often depicted as a serpent or dragon, with the power to breathe fire and the ability to turn its victims into stone. Basilisk will be available in 16oz 4-packs and on draft on February 17 (12pm).

Erie County Fair Homebrew & Cider Making Competition Starts March 1

The 2023 Erie County Fair Homebrew and Cider Making Competition will officially begin accepting entries on March 1. This year, judging will be based on creativity and not necessarily by style. While all BJCP styles can be entered and will be judged, the “Best of Show” beer main criteria will be “creative relevancy” or the most fun beer 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 and a limited amount will be canned this year as well. Online entry registration begins March 1, the deadline to enter is April 28 and judging will take place May 21. For more information, click here.

New York Beer Project Drops New Double IPA

Continuing their Righteous IPA series, New York Beer Project have released Righteous Hot Mama Double IPA. The new small batch DIPA is brewed with hand-selected Citra and Cashmere hops, creating ripe tropical fruit aromas and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. Righteous Hot Mama is available on tap right now at NYBP Lockport and Victor. The brewery is also selling ‘I Love Hot Mom IPA’ shirts to go along with the beer release.

Big Ditch Brewing Taps Special New Sour for Valentine’s Day

Big Ditch are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a new small batch sour, Strawberry Vision, which can be found on draft at the taproom now. Strawberry Vision is a radiant sour ale bursting with strawberry and blueberry aroma and flavor that was brewed with oats, Mosaic hops and finished with milk sugar. Strawberry Vision is the latest in Big Ditch’s Vision sour ale series, following Berry, Citrus, Hawaiian and Cranberry, among others. This is a limited release.

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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I don’t think it’s possible to have more fun than I did at New York Beer Project’s Brewer’s Invitational this past weekend. This event reaffirmed my belief that there is truly great beer being made here in Western New York on a regular basis, and having so many of my favorite people together under one roof, all drinking that great beer, only strengthened that thought.

This event is one I have close personal ties to. I was involved in the planning of the event’s inception, back when the Buffalo Beer League were working with the Buffalo Niagara Brewer’s Association, and have attended the event every year except for one, because, well, sometimes life, and work, just happen to get in the way.

I was happy to be back this year, but didn’t know what to expect as this was the first beer event I’d ever attended alone. It was a blast to say the very least and I had a number of great beers, which you are going to read more about, right now.

Pressure Drop Brewing x Resurgence x Old First Ward Brewing More Greener IPA – This is an annual running collaboration I look forward to every year, and the newest batch might be the best More Greener has been yet. The 2022 version is massive, bursting with bright citrus and tropical fruit, accented by dank hops and a smooth finish. I need to grab cans of this immediately.

Thin Man Brewery Cherub Oud Bruin – I love that this Oud Bruin possessed such a robust depth of flavor without being a enamel stripper. It featured lovely notes of sweet cherry, plum, raisin and dark fruit. Cherub was light, tart and refreshing.

New York Beer Project Supernatural (Aged blend of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc barrels on Brett) – Another beer that was on my most anticipated list, NYBP’s barrel aged Supernatural Sour blend delivered. I’m a sucker for most anything wine barrel aged, and this one did not disappoint. Vibrant and punchy fruit notes up front, backed by notes of earthy oak and tannins. This was a home run.

West Shore Brewing Grapefruit Green Flyer IPA – I’ll admit, by the time I got around the trying West Shore’s Grapefruit Flyer, I had already had a number of pops, so thankfully I remembered to jot down some notes. All the deliciousness of Green Flyer, one of the most underrated IPAs available in our area, accentuated by light and refreshing grapefruit. I liked that the grapefruit wasn’t overpowering, and added to the overall presentation.

One-Eyed Cat Brewing Bumble Doppelbock – Not your typical doppelbock, the addition of honey in One-Eyed Cat’s Bumble is intriguing; it works to effectively hide the beers’ beefy 10.8% ABV, but it also cuts down on the roast typical of the style, which was interesting. I love roast in my doppelbocks. If a doppelbock, especially one that clocks in at 10.8%, can be an easy drinker, then Bumble is it. People were literally lining up to try this beer when I was at the OEC booth.

Lafayette Brewing Co. Millennial Falcon IPL – As I said in my preview article for the Brewer’s Invitational, I’m a sucker for IPLs and Millennial Flacon did not dissatisfy. It drank light and smooth for 6.2%, delivering the right blend of citrus and hops. I had two pours of this.

Belt Line Brewery x Bolton Landing Brewing Mountaintop Mist NEIPA – I really liked the original version of this beer, but this new batch was phenomenal. This one features massive orange flavors backed by dank hops and a smooth, balanced finish.

And while not part of the Brewer’s Invitational proper, I was lucky enough to score some pours of some off-list brews, which were excellent in their own right, including One-Eyed Cat Fika Smoked Bohemian Pilsner, Rusty Nickel Barrel Series: ImaGINation (Slice O’ Havens Orange Vanilla Cream Ale aged in Lockhouse gin barrels) and Woodcock Brothers Brewing Lost Mitten (port wine barrel aged Stiff Mitten Winter Ale) to name a few.

I cannot thank the entire team at NYBP for having me out Sunday. It was a fantastic and memorable beer experience. I can’t wait to do it again next year.

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 Our 7 Favorite Beers From the 2022 Brewer’s Invitational appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

After taking a year off due to the pandemic (like most beer events), the Brewer’s Invitational, an event focused on locally created small batch beers and one of our favorite events of the year, makes it triumphant return to New York Beer Project.

If you’ve yet to attend one of these, you’re truly missing out. NYBP provides a rather intimate setting that affords you the opportunity to discuss each brew to your hearts consent with the very people who put the ingredients in the tank

I scoured the beer list and came away with a number of beers I will be lining up for first and foremost. While I’m highlighting a few here, rest assured there are plenty of love beers I will be partaking of that did not make this list.

So, print this list out, copy it down or just remember a few of these come Sunday. Happy drinking!

Resurgence Brewing Roadside Attraction NEIPA – Barney Stinson once famously said, ‘never is always better.’ That’s the case for Resurgence’s Roadside Attraction. It’s new, I haven’t yet had it and, given Resurgence’s recent track record if hazy IPAs, which is very good if you didn’t know, it makes this list.

Lafayette Brewing Co. Millennial Falcon IPL – I’m a sucker for India Pale Lagers. Part IPA, part lager – it’s the best of both worlds. Lafayette’s new IPL is brewed with Millennium, Galaxy and Falconers Flight hops for notes of citrus. I’ll be in line for this for sure.

First Line Brewing Pilsner – Not all beers on this list are new to me. First Line’s pilsner is light and as crisp as clear beers come. This is an easy drinker and I’ll most likely be found drinking a few of these come Sunday.

Pressure Drop Brewing x Resurgence x Old First Ward Brewing More Greener IPA – This is a collab I look forward to every year and I’m glad these three breweries have kept the tradition alive. Its smooth and tropical with notes of mango, tangerine and berry. Yum.

Community Beer Works Chocolate Covered Strawberry The Whale – So, I probably don’t have to list many reasons why this beer is a must-drink. Just read the name. I mean, c’mon. Chocolate covered strawberries and The Whale. What more needs to be said?

42 North Brewing Company Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Gose – A gose with lactose, blueberry, rhubarb, graham cracker and vanilla. Sounds like a winner. I loved their Lemon Blueberry Crumble Gose and Strawberry Rhubarb Gose, so I’m looking forward to this.

New York Beer Project Supernatural (Aged blend of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc barrels on Brett) – When I attended the first ever Brewer’s Invitational, Supernatural was the best beer I drank there, and went onto be one of the best beers I had that year. I’m looking forward to this one. I’m also intrigued by this sour beer with Amarillo and Huell Melon hops aged in Pinot Noir barrels for over 2 years on two strains of Brett. That sounds tasty as well.

One-Eyed Cat Brewing Bumble – What says One-Eyed Cat more than a 10.8% doppelbock? I’m just going to have to make sure that I take it easy when I get to the OEC booth because they are also pouring a Belgian Tripel I want to try.

For more information on the Brewer’s Invitational, click here.

Beer list (subject to change):

TIL Brewing

• Fifth Sun – Mexican Chocolate Stout with Peppers & Cinnamon
• Dank Generation – West Coast IPA with Centennial and Simcoe Hops

Big Ditch Brewing

• Risqué Rosé (Sour Ale with grape juice and hibiscus)
• Bourbon Barrel Aged Towpath

Resurgence Brewing

• Roadside Attraction NEIPA
• Ward Rainbow Fruited Sour

Riverworks Brewing (Lafayette Beers)

• Ron Mexico – Mexican Lager
• Millennial Falcon – IPL

42 North Brewing

• Hopography #6 Black NEIPA
• Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Gose

Old First Ward Brewing 

• St. Patrick’s Pilsner
• Against The Grain Hefeweizen

Lilly Belle Meads

• Dirigible Plum: Bourbon Barrel Aged Mead with Plum and Spice
• Black Hole – Black Raspberry and Mosaic Hopped Mead

Eli Fish Brewing

• Limoncello (Dessert sour with Meyer Lemons, Buddha’s Hand, and Vanilla)
• Adambier

Beltline Brewing

• Mountain Top Mist NEIPA
• Double Brunch Fruited Sour w/ Pineapple and Pink Guava

Sato Brewing    

• Yuzu Samurai – Belgian IPA with Yuzu
• Hana wa sakuragi (2020) – 10.5% Belgian Imperial Stout

Rusty Nickel Brewing     

• Ohhh Fudge Chocolate Peanut Butter Fluff Imperial Porter
• Masked Defenders Series: Blue Raspberry, Cherry, and Lime Fruited Sour

Thin Man Brewing          

• Oud Bruin
• Tmavy Lezak – Czech dark lager

12 Gates Brewing

• Moonlight Fog Hazy IPA
• Ominous (American Stout)

First Line Brewing

• Yabba, Fruity Pebbles IPA
• First Line Pilsner

Community Beer Works               

• Chocolate Covered Strawberry The Whale
• Cool Runnings Winter Wheat IPA

Brickyard Brewing

• White Bronco
• Counterfeit Ruble, Bourbon and Rye BA Russian Imperial Stout with vanilla beans, cocoa powder, Oreo cookies and peanut butter

Windy Brew      

• Muddy Paws Sour
• Ford Session IPA

Santoras Brew Pub         

• The Trubbel with Dubbels
• Snow Sledding

Pressure Drop Brewing

• 2020 Blackalicous
• Sticky Icky Hazy IPA

Woodcock Brothers Brewing     

• Beautiful Game Hazy IPA
• “Dirty” Mitten

Ellicottville Brewing

• Barrel Aged Blueberry Maple Pancake
• Sankt Paulidorf IPA

Clarksburg Cider              

• Botanical Blueberry
• Double Dry Hopped Cider

Blackbird Cider Works

• White Hurricane
• Extra Dry Classic Wood Aged

West Shore Brewing      

• Grapefruit Green Flyer
• Peanut Butter Cup

Southern Tier Brewing  

• Irish Cream Stout

One Eyed Cat Brewing  

• Doppelbock
• Belgian Tripel

New York Beer Project 

• 2019 Triple Crown Imperial Stout barrel aged in Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrels
• Chevy to the Levee Barleywine
• Supernatural aged in a blend of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc barrels on Brett
• Sour beer brewed with Amarillo and Huell Melon hops that was aged in Pinot Noir barrels

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

The post Our 8 Most Anticipated Must Drink Beers at the 2022 Brewer’s Invitational appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

9 WNY Breweries Team Up on First Time Collaboration

Available January 21, Ohhh Fudge Vol. 2, an imperial chocolate fudge porter with peanut butter and fluff, is a collaboration featuring Rusty Nickel Brewing, Big Inlet Brewing, SATO Brewpub, Eli Fish Brewing, Windy Brew, Til Brewing, West Shore Brewing, Pressure Drop Brewing and Old First Ward Brewing. Ohhh Fudge Vol. 2 features notes of rich chocolate, peanut butter and sticky marshmallow on a thick, fudge-y body and taps in at 10.5% ABV. The beer will be available at all participating breweries.

Thin Man to Release New Widowmaker Brewing Collab

For their latest collaboration, Thin Man has teamed up with Braintree, Massachusetts’ Widowmaker Brewing. The result, which will be released January 21, is Cosmic Gumbo, an 8.2% Double IPA that was heavily hopped with Galaxy, Vic Secret, Citra and Mosaic hops to produce flavors of dank peach juice, green melon and lime. The beer is smooth and juicy with a pillowy soft body. Cosmic Gumbo will be available at all Thin Man taprooms.

12 Gates Brewing, Eli Fish Brewing Partner on New Collab Sour

Another collaborative brew is coming to Western New York, this one courtesy of 12 Gates Brewing and Eli Fish Brewing. Fruit Explosion, which drops January 20, is 6.5% ABV fruit smoothie sour with flavors of pineapple, raspberry, watermelon, lemon, lime, tangerine, blueberry and blackberry, with a touch of vanilla. Fruit Explosion will be available on draft and in 16oz cans.

Eli Fish will be hosting a tap takeover for the release of Fruit Explosion on January 20 (4pm) at their Batavia taproom. Cans and draft of Fruit Explosion will be available, along with three other 12 Gates beers.

The Dude’s Homebrew Competition Beer Release Party at Resurgence

After last summer’s The Dude’s Homebrew Competition, Pretty Fly for a Ry Guy NEIPA will officially see a release at Resurgence Brewing on January 22 (12pm). The beer was created by homebrewer Jon Tarasiewicz. Attendees will receive their first pint of Pretty Fly for a Ry Guy NEIPA for free, with $1 from every pint and $2 from every 4-pack sold going to The Dude Hates Cancer and blood cancer research. The beer will be on draft with a limited amount of cans available.

Thee Barleywine Classic Returns to Community Beer Works

The second annual Thee Barleywine Classic, an intimate gathering of select craft breweries coming together to celebrate and showcase the wonderful style of barleywine, returns to CBW on February 27 (12-4pm). Tickets are $45 and include 10 tastings, custom tasting glass, bowl of chili with cornbread and live music. Featured breweries include Bolton Landing Brewing, New York Beer Project, Old First Ward, Prison City Brewing, Rare Form, Resurgence Brewing and more. This intimate festival gives you the opportunity to take your time with each round, ask questions and enjoy every ounce of many delicious barleywines.

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: Collaborations Galore This Week, Thee Barleywine Classic Returns to CBW, Resurgence Dude Hates Cancer Beer Release appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Living in Buffalo and being a craft beer fan is an embarrassment of riches. Each week, seeming each day, I’m blessed with an overabundance of great options each time I open my fridge and reach for a beer. Through the Buffalo Beer League, I am always looking for new ways to promote all of the delicious liquid being created right here in Western New York, so consider this column, The Best Thing I Drank This Week, just another vehicle to help spread the word of great local craft beer.

In this column, each week I will highlight the best beer I had the pleasure of imbibing the previous week, and will ask my BBL cohorts to submit their selections as well. So, not only will you get the best thing I drank this week, you will also be presented with further options and opinions from the rest of the guys as well. That way, if you’re looking for some new stuff to stock your beer fridge with (and you always should be), then you’ll have more than one item to add to your shopping list.

The Best Thing I Drank This Week: Resurgence Brewing x Pressure Drop x Old First Ward Brewing More Greener IPA

I have come to look forward to each batch of More Greener IPA, the annual triple collab from Pressure Drop Brewing, Resurgence Brewing Company, and Gene McCarthy’s/Old First Ward Brewing. The latest iteration is firmer, danker, and bitterer, with notes of soft tropical fruit, mango, pineapple, beer and less tangerine than last year. Cans are available now. (Chosen by Mark)

• Brian – Other Half Double Dry Hopped Strata Chroma IPA
• Scott – Woodcock Brothers The Beautiful Game v2 NEIPA
• Jesse – Flying Bison Buffalo Peach White Ale

For more information, visit https://resurgencebrewing.com, https://www.pressuredropbrewers.com and https://www.genemccarthys.com.

To catch up on all of our past The Best Thing I Drank This Week beers, click here.

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

The post The Best Thing I Drank This Week: Resurgence Brewing x Pressure Drop x Old First Ward Brewing More Greener IPA appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.