The Best Beer I Drank This Week

This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian spotlights a beautifully simple, elegant lager: Traditional, a Czech Pilsner from Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen. It’s the kind of pour that looks perfect in a dimpled mug with two fingers of foam—and tastes even better with Belt Line’s 716 Medium wings (a pairing you’ll hear more about in Brian’s upcoming taproom pairings piece).He first revisited it on a birthday brewery bus stop and has since gone back for multiple rounds. Expect a crisp, classic profile with just enough bready snap to keep you coming back.Beer DetailsTraditional – Czech/Bohemian Pilsner Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen — ABV: 4.8%Light, crisp, highly drinkableCracker malt, light bread crust/toast pointClean, slightly dry finish; elegant foam in a dimpled mugDraft at the brewery (check for current availability)Find ItOn draft at Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen. If/when cans appear, Brian’s grabbing them—so should you.Support the ShowFacebook: facebook.com/TheBuffaloBeerLeagueX: @BuffBeerLeagueInstagram/Threads/Untappd: @BuffaloBeerLeagueRead: BuffaloBeerLeague.comEmail Brian: brian@buffalobeerleague.comRate & review the show (5⭐ helps a ton)Amazon link: BuffaloBeerLeague.com/amazonCall the Hotline: 716-486-BEER — tell us your best beer this week!

In this special episode, Brian recaps Bottles & Bites at Statler Buffalo (Nov 13). He, Jesse, and Scott hit GA this year—easy entry, stellar venue, and a strong mix of food, beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Pre-game was at Southern Tier Buffalo (Mediterranean Burger + Ghost Note IPL = clutch).HighlightsBeer stops & standouts:Mystic Hills & Schulz Bräu to startHofbräuhaus Munich Oktoberfest (most-poured of the night)Big Ditch Kringle Juice IPA (keg kicked—drinking great)Resurgence Holiday Ale & Sipmo as the roaming pourFood bites (from memory… because they went fast):Chef’s stuffed shells; meatballsBeef on weck; open-face ReubensHofbräuhaus pretzels with beer cheese (until the cheese ran out)Hanson's sausageA surprise drunken pineapple upside-down cornbread that slappedVenue vibes: Statler remains an all-timer—opulent main hall, helpful mezzanine seating, live music, satellite bars. (Also wild personal note: same room as Brian’s high-school prom.)Room for ImprovementFor a 2.5-hour GA window (6–8:30pm), several food vendors began packing up 8:10–8:15; by 8:30 many were gone. That’s tough for attendees.More visible rinse/water stations would help, especially with beer → cocktails → wine hopping.Tips for Next YearConsider VIP if you want the widest food selection before lines/stock dip.Hit beer first, then food—then loop back for a dessert splash.If Statler opens the mezzanine, grab a perch early.Support the ShowFacebook: facebook.com/TheBuffaloBeerLeagueX: @BuffBeerLeagueInstagram/Threads/Untappd: @BuffaloBeerLeagueRead: BuffaloBeerLeague.comEmail Brian: brian@buffalobeerleague.comRate & review the showAmazon link: BuffaloBeerLeague.com/amazonHotline: 716-486-BEER — What was your Bottles & Bites favorite?ClosingThanks to everyone who said hi and to the folks who came because of Brian’s recs—means the world. Back next Tuesday with a beer-focused episode. Cheers!

In this week’s episode of The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League spotlights a true Western New York classic: Premium Pilsner from Resurgence Brewing Company.This 5% Czech-style pilsner has become a staple pour around Buffalo, whether in cans, on draft, or—when you're lucky—on side-pull at places like Nickel City Cigars. Brian breaks down why this lager works in every format, what makes it different from Bridge Pils, and why he keeps going back to it.He also shares a few recent places he’s enjoyed it (including a fantasy-football beer prize) and explains why this may be the most consistently crushable lager in Resurgence’s lineup.Beer DetailsPremium Pilsner – Resurgence Brewing Company Style: Czech-Style Pilsner ABV: 5%Brewed with hand-selected Saaz hops and a triple-decoction mash for fuller mouthfeel and head retention. Floral, earthy, crisp, clean, and endlessly drinkable.How to Support the Show✅ Follow the Buffalo Beer League on social: Facebook: facebook.com/TheBuffaloBeerLeague X/Twitter: @BuffBeerLeague Instagram / Threads / Untappd: @BuffaloBeerLeague✅ Read the latest articles: BuffaloBeerLeague.com ✅ Email Brian anytime: brian@buffalobeerleague.com✅ Rate & review the podcast (it truly helps!) ✅ Use the Amazon link when you shop: BuffaloBeerLeague.com/amazon✅ Call the Buffalo Beer League Hotline & leave your beer of the week: 📞 716-486-BEER (Your calls may be featured on the show!)

Hello everyone! Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week!Before we dive into this week’s feature, I want to thank many friends at Iron Tug Brewing for calling into the Buffalo Beer League Hotline — love hearing from you! If you want to join in on the fun, you can call 716-486-BEER and leave me a voicemail about the best beer you drank this week. You might just hear yourself on a future episode.This week, I’m spotlighting Citra Snaps from Other Half Brewing, the latest entry in their incredible Snap Series of lagers. Brewed specially for Citra Week, this beer shows off one of craft beer’s most iconic hops in all its glory.Citra Snaps swaps out Mosaic and Saphir for 100% Citra hops, delivering bright, soft notes of orange, lychee, and tropical fruit. It’s 4.5% ABV, crisp, and clean — the kind of beer that reminds you how refreshing a well-made lager can be.I first had this one at my nephew’s birthday party, which doubles as our family Halloween celebration. My buddy Jesse brought some cans, and it quickly became the hit of the party. Everyone loved it — myself, Scott, Jesse, even our friend Kyle. If you’ve enjoyed other Snap Series beers like Poetry Snaps, Lime Snaps, Yuzu Snaps, or the classic Snaps, you’ll absolutely love this one.Each new version somehow seems better than the last, and for me, Citra Snaps is the best yet — bursting with hop character, easy-drinking, and perfect for any occasion.You can still find Citra Snaps on draft and in cans at Other Half Buffalo (inside Seneca One Tower). Grab it while you can — it was brewed in limited quantities for Citra Week!If you try it, or if you’re brewing something cool like our friends at Iron Tug, call the Buffalo Beer League Hotline at 716-486-BEER and let me know what you think.As always:Follow @BuffaloBeerLeague on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and UntappdVisit BuffaloBeerLeague.com for news, reviews, and eventsEmail me at Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comAnd please rate and review the podcast — five stars really help!Thanks for listening and for the great call-ins from Iron Tug Brewing! I’ll be back next Tuesday with another great local beer right here on the WNY Brews Podcast Channel.Cheers! 🍻

Hello everyone, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week!This week’s beer took me (and my wife) by surprise — Espresso Martini Nitro Milk Stout from Hamburg Brewing Company. Inspired by the trendy espresso martini cocktail, this 6.5% milk stout is brewed with espresso from Undergrounds Coffee and finished on nitro for that smooth, velvety body.Hamburg describes it as “a bold nitro milk stout with intense espresso flavor — a boozy hug that’s both indulgent and classy.” I’d say they nailed it. It opens with bold roast and coffee grounds, then layers in notes of chocolate, vanilla, and cream. The nitro gives it that soft, silky finish, making it incredibly drinkable for a dark beer. It’s rich, smooth, and surprisingly approachable — even if you’re not normally a stout drinker.This one was my standout from Hamburg’s Nitro Stout Six Mix, which also includes Nitro OMS (Oatmeal Milk Stout) and S’more Stout. The S’more was a close second, but the Espresso Martini stole the show for me. Big thanks to my friends at Hamburg Brewing and Content on Draft for having me out to celebrate the release.You can find the Nitro Stout Six Mix at the brewery or wherever great craft beer is sold — but supplies are limited, so grab it soon.If you’ve tried this beer, call the Buffalo Beer League Hotline at 716-486-BEER and let me know what you think!As always:Follow @BuffaloBeerLeague on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and UntappdVisit BuffaloBeerLeague.com for the latest articles and event coverageEmail me anytime at Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comAnd please, rate and review the show wherever you listen — five stars go a long way!Also, check out the newest stories on the site, including:Western New York Beer Trail’s 2026 Trail Pass releaseBottles & Bites returning November 13 at Statler BuffaloCollaboration 6 set for April 25, 2026And sadly, news on the upcoming closure of Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki BarThank you so much for listening — I’ll be back next week with another great local beer right here on the WNY Brews Podcast Channel.Cheers! 🍻

Hello everyone, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with a brand-new edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week!This week, I’m talking about a beer that completely surprised me — French Vanilla Brown Ale from Big Ditch Brewing Company. It wasn’t one I planned to order, but after a sample at the bar, I was blown away and had to dedicate this week’s episode to it.This 5.8% brown ale delivers exactly what the name promises — a perfectly balanced blend of toasty malt, coffee, chocolate, and creamy vanilla. It opens with a subtle roast character and smooth notes of coffee and cream, with that fresh vanilla bean flavor shining brightly all the way through. It’s medium-bodied, flavorful, and just plain easy to drink.It’s rare for a brown ale to stop me in my tracks, but this one did. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and absolutely nails the “vanilla” part of the promise. If you’re heading to Big Ditch, grab a pint of French Vanilla Brown Ale (on tap now at their downtown location and possibly in Lockport as well).If you try it, let me know what you think — call the Buffalo Beer League Hotline at 716-486-BEER and tell me about it! I’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode.As always:Follow us on all socials at @BuffaloBeerLeagueVisit BuffaloBeerLeague.com for new articles, event listings, and featuresEmail me at Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comAnd please, rate and review the show wherever you listen — five stars really help!Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you next week with another great local beer right here on the WNY Brews Podcast Channel.Cheers! 🍻