Western New York golfers will have the perfect opportunity to kick off the 2026 season at the Golf Buffalo Expo: Cheers to the 2026 Season, taking place Saturday, March 14 from 3–6 pm at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (76 Pearl Street, Buffalo).

Hosted by Golf Buffalo in partnership with Tap & Craft, the Golf Buffalo Expo is a lively, community-focused event that brings together golfers, local brands, and craft beverage producers under one roof. The event will take place across the third and fourth floors of the iconic downtown venue.

The expo will feature 20+ golf-related brands and vendors, showcasing everything from apparel and accessories to instruction, equipment, and golf experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local golf businesses, discover new products, and connect with the region’s passionate golf community ahead of the upcoming season.

Guests can also enjoy tastings from more than 10 craft beer and spirits brands, with each attendee receiving a commemorative tasting glass as part of the experience. The event will also host a Players Championship viewing party on Pearl Street’s large-screen TVs, creating the perfect backdrop for fans to enjoy one of golf’s most exciting tournaments while mingling with fellow enthusiasts.

“Golf Buffalo’s mantra is simple: Golf Local,” said Brian Smith, co-owner of Golf Buffalo. “We believe in supporting authentic local and small businesses through the sport we love. In an industry dominated by global companies, the Golf Buffalo Expo brings people together in the heart of Buffalo to celebrate craft, community, and the spirit of the game.”

The Golf Buffalo Expo is designed to be family-friendly, with free admission for children under 16.

Tickets

• $35 – All Access Craft Tasting Ticket (includes beverage tastings and commemorative glass)
• $15 – Designated Driver / Under 21 Ticket (does not include tastings)
• Children under 16 – Free

Tickets and additional event details are available at www.golf-buffalo.com.

Participating vendors include:

• Golf Buffalo
• The Lady Links of Buffalo
• I’m Just A Golfer
• Beau Fleuve
• Broadway Driving Range
• Kendall Performance
• Buffalo Golfer
• OnCore Golf
• WNYPGA
• Barty’s Golf Shop
• Niagara UA Junior Golf Tour
• Albatross Leather Goods
• Cyberdine Golf
• D Nice Customs
• 716 Golf Apparel
• Boaring Threads
• T Squared Putters
• Alison Rose Foundation
• Mustache Fitness
• Destroyer Park Golf
• Buffalogo Co.
• Byrncliff Golf Resort
• Aerial Roofing and Exterior
• Guidestone Financial Insights
• Golf Dojo
• Foxhole Alliance
• Willowbrook Golf Course

The Golf Buffalo Expo is expected to welcome hundreds of golfers, fans, and supporters of the local golf community for an afternoon celebrating the sport and the businesses that support it.

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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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Tickets Remain for This Weekend’s Brewer’s Invitational

Tickets are still available for the seventh annual Brewer’s Invitational, which returns to the New York Beer Project Beer Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 28 (2-5 pm). Some beers that will be poured at the event include Mortalis Brewing’s Beholder | Yogurt Parfait Fruited Smoothie Sour, Oldmanbearma | Nectaron Double IPA and BA Eos (Metallis Purple Wax) Imperial Stout, as well as Other Half’s Dankest Dad Imperial IPA, Big Ditch’s Boysenberry White Water and Ellicottville Brewing’s Barrel Aged Chocolate Cherry Stout, to name a few. Tickets are $50 and include a commemorative tasting glass, a $5 food voucher, and access to over 50 brews from 30 local breweries, cideries and meaderies. Designated driver tickets are also available. You can purchase tickets here.

Big Ditch Brewing, The Ridge West Seneca Giveaways

Step Out Buffalo is teaming up with Big Ditch Brewing and The Ridge West Seneca for a pair of giveaways – Big Ditch Taps & Apps Experience, which includes a $100 gift card to Big Ditch, and The Ridge Beers & Bites Experience, which includes a $100 gift card to The Ridge West Seneca. To enter for Big Ditch, click here and enter your name and email, and to enter for The Ridge, click here. The deadline for the Big Ditch Taps & Apps Experience is Thursday, Feb. 26 and the deadline for The Ridge Beers & Bites Experience is Monday, March 2.

Resurgence Brewing Another Caucasian, Gary Release Party

Resurgence Brewing is throwing a release party for Another Caucasian, Gary, a White Russian-inspired stout created by homebrewer Scott McMillan that won the 2019 Dude Hates Cancer Homebrew Contest and a silver medal at the 2025 NYS Craft Beer Competition. Drop by the taproom on Feb. 26 at 6 pm to sample the beer, meet Scott and more. “The Big Lebowski” will be playing in the taproom, there will be Wii bowling contests for prizes, White Russian drink specials and special cask versions of the beer – Maple and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. “Yeah, well. The Dude abides.” The event is free and open to the public.

Steel Leaf Brewing Liquidation Sale, Drain The Bar Party

Steel Leaf Brewing Company will close this weekend on Saturday, Feb. 28 and need your help to drain the bar before they turn the lights off. The event will feature live music from DJ Looney Tunes and more. “Cheers to the good years and help us drain the bar one last time,” the brewery says. “We’re raising our glasses to every memory, every pint, and every one of you who made Steel Leaf what it is.” Steel Leaf Brewing will host a Liquidation Sale on Feb. 27 (10 am – 7 pm) and will be selling select furniture, fixtures, décor, and brewing-related items as we wind things down. According to the brewery, everything must go.

Ellicottville Brewing Announces New Line of Hard Teas

Ellicottville Brewing has introduced a new line of flavored hard teas, EVL Tea House, brewed with real tea. These 4% hard teas include flavors such as Half & Half, Raspberry, Original, Blueberry and Chai Tea Lemonade. “Introducing a new family of hand crafted hard teas – EVL Tea House,” Ellicottville Brewing says. “Four distinct flavors, brewed amongst the scenic rolling hills of Ellicottville, NY – often colloquially referred to as “EVL”. Brewed to transport you to wherever your “happy place” may be. Take the scenic route. Try EVL Tea House today.” Cans of EVL Tea House can be found in all EBC pubs as well as select local beer retailers soon.

Ticket Giveaway for Golf Expo at Pearl Street Brewing

Golf Buffalo and Tap & Craft are teaming up to give away two free tickets ($70 value) to the Golf Buffalo Expo at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery on March 14 (3-6 pm) with a beer and spirits tasting, a market of local golf brands and a Players Championship Viewing Party. To enter the giveaway, click here. Tickets are $35 and include beer and spirits tastings from 10 craft brands, commemorative tasting glass, local golf market and more, and can be purchased here.

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

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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.

New York Craft Beer Day Returns on April 11

The second annual New York Craft Beer Day will take place April 11, a day to celebrate and honor New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries that support 22,000 jobs and generate a $4.8 billion economic impact. It is the perfect opportunity to head to your local brewery or visit a new spot on your bucket list and grab a pint and food and take home some beer. The New York State Brewers Association will release a limited edition commemorate pint glass in honor of the event, available at participating breweries, which will be announced soon. Visit https://thinknydrinkny.com/ for more information.

Buffalo Bisons Offering New Craft Beer Game Ticket Pack

The Buffalo Bisons and Southern Tier Brewing are once again teaming up for the Southern Tier Craft Beer Pack. This ticket pack features two undated game tickets (excludes specially-priced games) and four craft beer vouchers for $64. Sahlen’s Field regularly features a number of local craft beer options from the likes of Resurgence Brewing, Southern Tier Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Big Ditch Brewing and more throughout the ballpark. You can purchase your STBC Craft Beer Pack here. The Bisons will kick off their 2026 season on March 27 against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders.

Wildflower Meadery Celebrates First Anniversary

Wildflower Meadery, located inside the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal (1500 Clinton Street, Unit 167), will celebrate their first anniversary on Feb. 28 (4 – 10 pm). The anniversary party will features two new taproom exclusive meads on tap and will serve as the launch of their all new Buzz Club. The taproom features a full selection of meads on tap, as well as in cans and bottles, non-alcoholic offerings like NA meads and mocktails, a limited food menu and packaged mead to go.

Brewery Owner To Open New Venture at Former Froth Taproom

Shamsher “Elvis” Singh, who also owns Everest Brewery in Niagara Falls, is planning to open a new nightclub, Peppers, at the former Froth Brewing taproom, located at 700 Military Road. Singh says that he envisions a bar with live bands, a DJ, dancing, full bar and dinner service, including American and continental cuisine during dinner hours, and drinks, dancing and other food options in the later hours, according to Buffalo Business First. A tentative spring opening is planned. Froth Brewing closed their taproom on Feb. 1 after 7 years.

Pizza Plant’s Belgian Beer & Chocolate Event Is Back

Pizza Plant’s annual Belgian Beer and Chocolate Festival returns on Feb. 11 (6 pm) to their Transit Road location. The event will feature a fine selection of Belgian beers, including Scaldis Noel, Ommegang Nitro Three Philosophers and Manhattan Shine, Brewery Ardennes Single and Oak Aged Triple, Delirium Tremens and more. Representatives from Ommegang will be on hand as well for the event with sweets and swag to giveaway. All flights will include samples of Belgian chocolates and there will be Valentine’s Day chocolates from Sweets by Em available to take home. The event is free and open to the public.

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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Buffalo On Tap Returns This Weekend

The 2026 edition of Buffalo on Tap will return to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center this Saturday, Feb. 7. A participating brewery list is available here. The event will also feature live music, craft vendors and food. VIP tickets (12-4 pm, $63, including taxes and fees) include 4 hours of craft beer sampling, access to VIP area with exclusive beer, souvenir sampling glass and more, and General Admission tickets (1 – 4 pm, 5:30 – 8:30 pm, $43, including taxes and fees) include 3 hours of craft beer sampling and souvenir sampling glass. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Erie County Fair Homebrew & Cider Making Competition Returns

The 2026 Erie County Fair Homebrew and Cider Making Competition will begin accepting entries on April 1, with a deadline of May 4. The 2026 Erie County Fair Home Brew Competition winner will be based on “creativity of a quintessential summertime brew” and the Cider Making Competition winner will be based on “creativity of a summertime refresher.” The winning 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 are $25 entries can be dropped off at Hamburg Brewing, Erie County Fairgrounds Main Offices or Resurgence Brewing.

NYS Craft Brewers Fest Nominated For National Award

The New York State Craft Brewers Festival at Canalside has been nominated for USA TODAY‘s Top 10 Beer Festivals. “Since 2013, the New York State Craft Brewers Festival in Buffalo has been dedicated to showcasing the diverse range of breweries that operate all across the Empire State,” the event listing reads. “In recent years, this summer event has provided attendees with access to more than 45 different New York businesses and award-winning beer, each one relying on brewery employees and representatives to pour rather than just volunteers. The festival travels throughout the state during the year, visiting four other locations.” You can vote daily through Feb. 23. The event is currently in fourth place.

Hofbrauhaus to Tap Doppelbock for Hunter’s Hope

Hofbrauhaus is tapping their Doppelbock on Feb. 5 (6 pm), brewed with Hallertau Magnum and Perle hops, along with Pilsner, Munich II, Caramunich III and Aromatic malts, to create a bready, toasted malt-forward body with subtle notes of cherry, plum, raisin and toasted bread. The release will benefit Hunter’s Hope, with Steven from Hunter’s Hope serving as the honorary Burgermeister. From Feb. 5 – 9, guests can round up their checks to support Hunter’s Hope. All guests in attendance will receive a complimentary pour of Doppelbock. For reservations, call (716) 939-BEER (2337) or visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

Pearl Street Drops New West Coast IPA

There is a new West Coast IPA on tap at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery – Resin Runner. This 6% West Coast IPA is brewed with Simcoe and Centennial hops, with resinous notes, grapefruit, light malt, hoppy profile and vibrant red color. Resin Runner is available on tap right now at Pearl Street. Additionally, Old City Pizza is moving into the former Brawler’s Deli in the basement on Pearl Street. Old City Pizza will feature a massive brick oven, specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza, as well as a homemade pasta machine, and a new glass door entrance on Seneca Street.

Win VIP Tickets to Kenan Wine & Beer Bash

The Lock Tender is giving away a pair of VIP tickets to the Kenan Wine & Beer Bash, Feb. 21 at the Kenan Center Arena. The prize includes two VIP admission tickets and two commemorative tasting glasses. To enter, follow the Kenan Center and The Lock Tender on Instagram and then add a comment to the contest post. The giveaway ends Feb. 10 at 6 pm and the winner will be messaged directly.

The event will feature samplings from local craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries and restaurants, along with live music from The Uptown Groove, food and more. This year’s event is being held in partnership with the Tap & Craft Festival, with a wine garden presented by The Lock Tender. General admission tickets are $45 and VIP is $65, and includes premier parking, an extra hour of tasting, exclusive wine and beer samples, free Blaster Ball and more. You can purchase tickets here.

Steel Leaf to Launch New “Epic” Small Batch Beer Series

Steel Leaf Brewing is set to introduce a new small-batch beer series at its Hertel Avenue taproom. The brewery plans to release a new beer every Tuesday in limited quantities – one weekly keg tapping featuring a unique beer flavor and style, or a “never flavor,” as brewery and owner Jeff Pitts puts it. “An epic story is about to unfold,” the brewery posted to social media. “We’ve traveled the world looking for legendary flavors. New epic never flavors. Super limited drops. Every. Single. Week. One keg at a time.” According to Pitts, each release will feature a unique fantasy-driven story. “I’m pretty excited about it,” Pitts said. “We are throwing tradition on its head. It’s kinda fun, fresh, and interesting.” Stay tuned to Steel Leaf’s social channels for release details.

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: Buffalo on Tap, New Beer at Steel Leaf, Hofbrauhaus & Pearl Street, NYS Craft Brewers Fest, Erie County Fair Homebrew Competition, Kenan Wine & Beer Bash Giveaway appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

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

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

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

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

NA Trainwreck Amber and NA Sabre’s Edge Double IPA

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

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

Hella Fresh Hop Water

Riverworks Brewing – 359 Ganson St., Buffalo

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

NA Blueberry Wheat

Ellicottville Brewing – 28 Monroe St., Ellicottville

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

NA Burner

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

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

Hop Falls Hop Water

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

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

Downshift IPA

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

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

All In IPA

Other Half Brewing Buffalo – 1 Seneca St., Buffalo

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

Tropical & Citrus Hop Waters

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

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

Betty AF & Brewers Water

Brazen Brewing – 5839 Genesee St., Lancaster

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

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

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

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Hofbrauhaus to Tap Hopfenweizen for June

June’s barrel tapping at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo will feature the return of their Hopfenweizen on June 5. If you’re new to this style, this is a 6.5% hazy beer with a thick white head, fruity and tropical aromas, and notes of pithy orange and pineapple juice with a clean bitterness on the end. The hops used are all new-world (Citra, El Dorado and Simcoe) and the yeast is Hofbrauhaus’ hefeweizen yeast, which has been manipulated to mute the bubblegum, banana and clove character. The Buffalo Beer League will be on hand to help lead the parade and participate in the barrel tapping of the beer. For reservations, visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

Big Ditch Throwing Block Party for 10^th Anniversary

Big Ditch Brewing is turning 10 and they are throwing a block party on May 31 (1 pm) to celebrate a decade of slinging great beers. They are shutting down East Huron Street with live music from Steven Babcock and XOXO Pop Band, 4 throwback beers (Excavator Brown Ale, Citraburner IPA, FC Session Wheat Ale, Shipshape Pilsner), raffles and giveaways, an outdoor stage and massive tent, 10th anniversary commemorative koozie and BOGO beer coupon. GA tickets are $20 and VIP ((1-4:30 pm, $60, 5:30-9 pm, $75) features access to the upstairs Brewers Lounge including an open bar, pizza and wings buffet, and private bathrooms. You can purchase tickets here.

Registration Now Open for The Dude’s Homebrew Competition

Registration is now open for the 11th annual The Dude’s Homebrew Competition, which raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This year’s event will take place on September 21 (12-3 pm) at Resurgence Brewing, where homebrewers will serve samples of dozens of homebrews to attendees, who will then vote for their favorite beer, which will be judged by a panel of local brewers. The winning beer will be brewed at Resurgence Brewing. For more information, click here. Tickets are on sale right now for $30 and include homebrew samplings and tasting glass.

The Caz to Host Hamburg Brewing Tap Takeover, DJ Dance Party

The Caz is back with another tap takeover, this time with Hamburg Brewing, on May 30 (doors at 7:30 pm, show at 8 pm). The event will feature $5 Hamburg drafts all night, including Irish Red, Summer Lager and Blueberry Peach Hard Cider, while DJ Cochise takes to the stage to spin a mix of funk, rock, 90s rap, and 2000s dance hits, plus your requests. Tickets for the event are $5, but Buffalo Beer Buzz readers can use the special code BEERME by clicking here to get free tickets. This is a 21-and-over event. Food will be available 7:30 – 9:30 pm. The Caz is a cashless venue.

Rusty Nickel Brewing’s 10^th Anniversary Party

Join Rusty Nickel Brewing on June 7 (12 – 11 pm) as they celebrate their first decade in business in West Seneca. The 10th Anniversary Party will feature live music, local vendors, exclusive beer releases (featuring returning favorites from the past 10 years), a special bourbon release, tastings, food specials and themed drinks. The live music lineup includes performances from Chelsea Healy, Porcelain Train, Save Tonight, Wacko Fest, UnderCover and XOXO Pop Band. The event is open to the public. Reservations are not required as plenty of seating will be available, but they are recommended for bigger parties. Those can be made by calling (716) 608-6155.

Pearl Street Brewery Drop Second Non-Alcoholic Beer

Pearl Street has released another non-alcoholic beer, this time an NA version of their award-winning Sabre’s Edge Double IPA, which won a gold medal at this year’s New York State Craft Beer Competition. NA Sabre’s Edge is a light, hoppy and refreshing take on the Pearl Street flagship and can be found on tap right now at the brewery. In addition, Pearl Street has also canned its first NA beer, NA Trainwreck Amber Ale. Cans can be found right now at Pearl Street and at Buffalo Riverworks.

May 29 is Kolsch Release Day at Gene McCarthy’s

Gene McCarthy’s and Old First Ward Brewing are celebrating all things kolsch on May 29 as their Crikrat Kolsch will return to taps. Crikrat is a light and mildly hoppy German-style ale that is lagered for a minimum of four weeks. Gene’s serves the beer in a traditional 8.5oz. Stange glass, the traditional kolsch glassware most commonly found in Germany. There will also be a special cask of Crikrat starting at 5 p.m., which will be available for the evening or until the cask runs out, whichever comes first.

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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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Beer Kind Brewing Launches New Charity Beer Tap

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

Prost!Fest 2024 at New York Beer Project

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

Buffalo Brewing to Release New Batch of Simon Pure Beer

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

Magic Bear Beer Cellar Collaborates with Noble Shephard

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

Buffalo Riverworks Rolls Out New Lines of Organic Beers

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

Hofbrauhaus Munich Oktoberfest Keg Tapping

Hofbrauhaus is getting an early start to the Oktoberfest season with a  keg tapping of Munich Oktoberfest on Sept. 5. The ceremonial tapping will take place at 6pm with live music from Die Haus Band. This full bodied beer is brewed with Bavarian hops and malt to create notes of toasted malt, fruity hops and spice. All those in attendance will receive a complimentary beer after the barrel is tapped. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com or by calling 716-939-BEER.

Tickets Available for Wingfest VIP Craft Beer Fundraiser

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

Genesee Country Village & Museum’s Hop Harvest Festival

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

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

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