{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/64c555b0c501f600111763a8/69aa4a117036d73902d8b85d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"62 The Brewers Invitational Recap","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/64c555b0c501f600111763a8/1772767733955-f28c2661-a599-4b5f-a410-1f1e0fff8135.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>After a short hiatus, Brian is back to recap one of the premier events on the Western New York craft calendar: the <strong>2026 Brewer’s Invitational</strong>. Hosted at the stunning <strong>New York Beer Project Beer Lodge</strong> in Orchard Park, this year’s festival spread across three themed rooms, offering a masterclass in local brewing talent. Brian walks us through the standout pours, the award winners, and why the Beer Lodge is the perfect gauntlet for a world-class beer fest.</p><h3><strong>The Featured Pours</strong></h3><p>While Brian sampled his way through the entire venue, these were the absolute standouts from the Invitational:</p><ul><li><strong>Brewery:</strong> New York Beer Project (Orchard Park/Lockport)</li><li><strong>Beer:</strong> Neverland Pills</li><li><strong>Style:</strong> New Zealand Pilsner</li><li><strong>Verdict:</strong> Phenomenal. Bready and toasted with that signature tropical/citrus hop note from the NZ hops. A \"super secret\" side-pull pour in the brewhouse solidified this as a top-tier choice.</li><li><strong>Brewery:</strong> Brickyard Brewing Company (Lewiston)</li><li><strong>Beer:</strong> Adamant</li><li><strong>Style:</strong> Barrel-Aged Adambier</li><li><strong>Verdict:</strong> A rare, historical treat. Complex and expertly executed by Rudy Watkins; a must-try for fans of deep, traditional styles.</li><li><strong>Brewery:</strong> New York Beer Project</li><li><strong>Beer:</strong> Spawn 2024</li><li><strong>Style:</strong> Coolship Wild Ale (Peach)</li><li><strong>Verdict:</strong> The most anticipated pour of the day. Delicate, tart, and effervescent with a light peach finish. Worth the year-and-a-half wait since brew day.</li><li><strong>Brewery:</strong> First Line Brewing (Orchard Park)</li><li><strong>Beer:</strong> Goose Juice</li><li><strong>Style:</strong> New England IPA</li><li><strong>Verdict:</strong> One of the best hazies from First Line to date, featuring the latest Veterans Blend hops.</li></ul><h3><strong>Why It Matters</strong></h3><p>The Brewer’s Invitational isn't just another festival; it’s a showcase of technical skill. This year highlighted the rise of <strong>Cannon’s Backwoods Brew</strong> from Little Valley, who took home the <strong>Winners Cup</strong> for their blueberry Mexican Lager, <em>Caught the Blues</em>. Additionally, <strong>Briar Brothers Brewing</strong> earned the <strong>Spirit of Imagination Award</strong> for their vibrant and inventive <em>Punch Bowl Charmed</em>.</p><p>The move to the Beer Lodge has proven successful, providing a professional, spacious, and \"built-for-beer\" atmosphere that captures the best of the Buffalo scene. If you're tracking the growth of Southtowns brewing, this event is the definitive pulse check. <strong>Don't Panic</strong> if you missed it—Brian has the full breakdown of what you need to hunt down in cans and at the taprooms this spring.</p><h3><strong>Connect With The League</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Website:</strong> <a href=\"https://buffalobeerleague.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BuffaloBeerLeague.com</a></li><li><strong>Hotline:</strong> 716-486-BEER (2337) — <em>Call in and tell us the best beer you drank this week!</em></li><li><strong>Email:</strong> Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com</li><li><strong>Socials:</strong> @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)</li></ul><p><strong>Support the Show:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.google.com/search?q=https://BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon</a></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Buffalo Beer League and WNY Brews"}