The Best Beer I Drank This Week

This week, Brian visited a downtown Buffalo favorite for a milestone celebration and walked away with a new appreciation for a often-divisive style. We’re talking about Billy’s Smoking Jacket, a collaboration between Spotted Octopus Brewing and Brazen Brewing.The Featured PourBrewery: Spotted Octopus Brewing (Buffalo, NY) & Brazen Brewing (Lancaster, NY)Beer: Billy’s Smoking JacketStyle: Smoked Spring Bock (Maibock)ABV: 6.2%Brian’s Verdict: This beer is proof that "sessionable smoke" isn't a myth. It’s light, smooth, and incredibly approachable. While many smoked beers (Rauchbiers) can feel like drinking liquid campfire, this one uses smoked malt as a subtle undertone that props up the doughy, crisp notes of the Maibock base. It’s the perfect "patio furniture" beer for a Buffalo spring.Happy 4th Anniversary, Spotted Octopus!Brian stopped in during the 4th Anniversary bash for Dom, Ken, and the crew. If you haven't been to their spot on Edward Street (right near the corner of Franklin and Allen), you’re missing out on one of the most creative taplists in the city.Pro Tip: Brian heard from the staff that Billy’s Smoking Jacket is moving fast. If you want to try this unique collab, get down to the Spotted Octopus taproom sooner rather than later. While you're there, Brian also recommends:Call the Kraken: Their flagship 6.9% Hazy IPA.Creations: A crisp, 4.8% Czech-style Amber Lager.The Smoke DebateSmoked beers are notoriously polarizing—brewers like Rudy Watkins (now at Brickyard) have often noted they’d brew more if the public bought them more consistently! Brian challenges you to give this one a shot even if you’re a "smoke skeptic."Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and tell us: Are you Team Smoke or does it taste like a campfire?Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Recap: Check out our other special episode this week recapping the CollaBEERation 6 festival!

This week, Brian isn't just picking one beer—he’s recapping the entire CollaBEERation 6 experience. This past Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Buffalo beer community descended upon The Powerhouse in Larkinville for the ultimate showcase of Western New York’s creative brewing spirit. The Champions & Fan FavoritesThe competition was fierce this year, with nearly 40 collaborative brews vying for the coveted Buffalo Beer Geeks Championship Belt.1st Place (The Winner): Eli Fish Brewing – Diddy Kong: The ReckoningStyle: Banana Root Beer SeltzerBrian’s Take: This blew the roof off the place. It’s root beer forward with a smooth banana finish that tastes exactly like those old-school root beer barrel hard candies. A rare win for a non-beer/non-sour!2nd Place: Quentin (Collaboration beer)3rd Place (Tie):BriarBrothers Brewing – Bananas Among Us (Banana Maple Nut Brown Ale) Mountain Roads Brewing – Double Jump Juice (Double Dry Hopped IPA)Brian’s Highlight ReelThe "Throwback" Play: Pod City Beer Labs (Pizza Plant) set up a full water-pong table for their Beer Pong Pils. In a sea of wild adjuncts, this "beer that tastes like beer" was the perfect refreshing palate cleanser. Brian admits to going back 7 or 8 times before the keg finally kicked!The Sabres Spark: BriarBrothers tapped Warpath Lager, their new Sabres-themed brew. Brian credits this beer for the Sabres' massive 6-1 win over the Bruins in Game 4 of the playoffs the very next day.Most Visually Stunning: New York Beer Project brought back the "glitter beer" with Rainbow Road Gummy Glitter, a pineapple blonde ale that looked incredible under the Powerhouse’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The Cask Comeback: Hamburg Brewing & Flying Bison teamed up for a re-brew of the legendary Brindle Porter. Seeing a cask at a festival always warms Brian's heart, and the version aged on rum chips and coconut was a standout.Special Shout-outsA huge thank you to the organizers: Paul Marco, Joe Yeager, and Eric Coleman (Beer by Coleman). The VIP section was the best it’s ever been, featuring incredible guest pours like Human Robot’s 666 (a West Coast Pilsner collab with Widowmaker).Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call us with your favorite collab from the fest!Watch: Look for full video recaps and interviews on the WNY Brews YouTube channel soon.Bonus Episode: Don't miss this week's other episode featuring Spotted Octopus – Billy’s Smoking Jacket (Smoked Maibock).

This week, Brian digs into the back of the fridge and pulls out a "banger" from our friends at Smoldered Society Beer Company. If you’ve been following the Buffalo Beer League, you know Brian is a massive advocate for the "clear beer" movement, but this week, he’s embracing the shadows with Strike Anywhere: Into the Dark.The Featured PourBrewery: Smoldered Society Beer Co. (Brewed at Chandler Street Breweries)Beer: Strike Anywhere: Into the DarkStyle: Czech Dark Lager (Tmavé Pivo)ABV: 4.2%Brian’s Verdict: Quite possibly Brian's favorite beer style right now. This is the "dark side" version of their flagship Czech Pilsner. Despite its deep color, it is incredibly light, smooth, and sessionable. Expect a beautifully balanced profile of de-bittered roasted malt, subtle cocoa, and light coffee notes—all without the "heavy" feeling people often associate with dark beer.Why It MattersCzech Dark Lagers are having a major moment in the Buffalo craft scene, and Smoldered Society is leading the charge. This beer is brewed with a signature Czech yeast blend from Omega Yeast Labs and a hop bill of Saaz, Triumph, Magnum, and Kazbek. The result is a beer that bridges the gap between a crisp pilsner and a rich malt forward ale. As Brian noted, it’s a "misnomer" that dark color equals heavy body. This beer drinks as easy as its golden counterpart, but with a complex roasted depth that makes it perfect for a "side-by-side" comparison.Where to Find ItGood news for the Smoldered Society faithful: the days of hunting for these cans are over. You can now get a steady supply of Smoldered Society at the newly renovated Chandler Street Breweries in Black Rock. The Full Experience: Head down to Chandler Street for a side-pull pour served in a traditional dimpled mug.To-Go: Grab 4-packs of Into the Dark (and the original Strike Anywhere) directly from the retail program at the taproom.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call us and let us know what you're drinking this week!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to support the pod!

This week, Brian keeps it classic with a trip to the New York Beer Project (NYBP) Beer Lodge in Orchard Park. While the craft world often chases the next big trend, sometimes the "best beer" is the one that reminds you why the basics matter. Brian caught up with Head Brewer John Hyman to sample the return of a fan favorite: Goddess Kolsch.The Featured PourBrewery: New York Beer Project (The Beer Lodge - Orchard Park)Beer: Goddess KolschStyle: KolschABV: 5.0%Brian’s Verdict: Supremely drinkable and "dry as a bone." It pours a beautiful pale straw yellow and hits you with clean notes of doughy malt and biscuit. Brian noted a distinct bread crust/toasted bread character that makes it incredibly refreshing. At 5%, it’s the ultimate thirst-quencher for those who appreciate a technically sound, light-bodied ale.The "Gateway" BeerBrian’s visit was perfectly timed—he was killing time at Quaker Crossing before heading to the Regal to catch the newly released The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with the family.While at the bar, Brian pointed out that Goddess Kolsch is the perfect "gateway beer" for macro-lager drinkers. If you’re someone who usually reaches for a Beer Project Light, the Goddess Kolsch offers a slightly more complex, biscuity profile without being overwhelming. It’s a rare style to find executed this well locally, proving that NYBP can handle delicate traditional styles just as well as their heavy hitters.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and tell us: Kolsch or Lager, what's your go-to "crispy boy"?Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to keep the podcast train rolling!

Welcome to another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week. I’m your host, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League, and let’s be honest—I’m basically floating on air right now. Not just because of the beer, but because the Buffalo Sabres are officially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 14 years. It’s finally happened.Naturally, I had to celebrate with a trip to Other Half Buffalo at Seneca One Tower to snag their latest Sabres-themed masterpiece.The Featured PourBrewery: Other Half Brewing Co. (Buffalo, NY)Beer: Swords on SwordsStyle: Hazy IPA (New England Style)ABV: 6.5%Brian’s Verdict: This is "scary good"—literally. A "fabulous haze" that is pillowy soft and creamy. It perfectly balances sweet citrus juice and watermelon candy with a sophisticated hint of orange pith and bitter rind on the finish. At 6.5%, it’s dangerously drinkable and hits that perfect ABV wheelhouse.Why It MattersOther Half has outdone themselves with the hop bill on this one. It features Citra, Motueka, Krush® Cryo, Enigma, and the elusive Anchovy hops. The result is a profile that ranges from tropical lychee to tart red berries.But the real story here is the timing. As the Sabres clinch the Atlantic Division and prepare to face the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference First Round, this is the beer of the postseason. Whether you're lucky enough to have tickets to Game 1 at KeyBank Center or you're watching from your couch, Swords on Swords is the mandatory pairing for the return of playoff hockey to Buffalo.On the DocketDon't miss out on upcoming local events as we head into peak beer season:Collaboration 6: April 25thRhythm and Brews: May 8th at Kleinhans Music HallConnect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and tell me your Sabres playoff predictions!Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to help us keep the podcast running.

This week, Brian takes us on a deep dive into what might be the most technically ambitious beer ever produced in the Southtowns. We’re talking about Peche Spon 2024, the inaugural release from the New York Beer Project (NYBP) Beer Lodge coolship program in Orchard Park. This isn't just a beer; it’s a time-intensive labor of love that brings Belgian tradition to Western New York.The Featured PourBrewery: New York Beer Project (The Beer Lodge - Orchard Park)Beer: Peche Spon 2024Style: Spontaneous American Wild Ale (Lambic-style)ABV: 6.45%Brian’s Verdict: Absolute standout of the recent Brewers Invitational. It is delicate yet incredibly complex. The locally grown peaches provide a bright, popping fruit character that balances a playful, approachable tartness. Unlike some aggressive sours, this is smooth, refreshing, and remarkably drinkable.Why It MattersThe production of this beer is a masterclass in "slow beer." Head Brewer John Hyman and the team utilized a coolship—a shallow, open-top vessel—to let the hot wort cool naturally overnight, inoculating the liquid with wild yeast and bacteria from the Orchard Park air.The Journey of Peche Spon 2024:Brewed: October/November 2024 (via the Beer Lodge coolship).Aging: Spontaneously fermented and aged in Red Zinfandel wine barrels for 12 months.Blending: Selected barrels were blended and conditioned on 600 lbs of fresh whole peaches from Singer Orchards in Niagara County for an additional 6 months.Because "Lambic" is a protected designation for beers brewed in the Pajottenland region of Belgium, this is technically a Spontaneous American Wild Ale, but the soul of the beer is purely Old World.Release InfoIf you missed the preview at the Brewers Invitational, don't panic. While a firm date hasn't been set, the beer is currently bottle-conditioning and the team is targeting an April 2026 release. This will be a limited-run bottle project—perfect for your beer cellar—and will also make a highly anticipated return to the draft lines at the Lodge.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Did you try Peshpon at the festival? Call and leave a review!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Watch: Catch the video version of the Buffalo Beer Buzz on the WNY Brews YouTube channel!

This week, Brian travels to Orchard Park to visit our patriotic friends at First Line Brewing. While First Line is known for their support of first responders and the military, their latest taproom hero, I Got Your Six, stands out for both its mission and its unique hop profile.The Featured PourBrewery: First Line Brewing (Orchard Park, NY)Beer: I Got Your SixStyle: West Coast IPA / American Pale AleABV: 6.0%Brian’s Verdict: A standout West Coast IPA (though listed as a Pale Ale on Untappd) that has evolved beautifully. Even with a little age on the current batch, it remains incredibly drinkable. The "Veterans Hop Blend" delivers bright berry and citrus notes—Brian specifically noted a strawberry-like berry flavor—finishing with a satisfying, dank hop presence on the back end.Brewing for a CauseThis beer is centered around the 2025 Veterans Hop Blend from Yakima Chief Hops. This annual project is curated by veteran brewers to support military causes. The 2025 edition features a powerhouse lineup:Krush® (HBC 586)Citra®Idaho 7®HBC 1134While Yakima Chief donates $3 per pound of hops sold to Soldiers' Angels, First Line Brewing is doubling down on the impact by donating proceeds from their version to the local Veterans One-stop Center of WNY. It’s the definition of "craft beer for a good cause."What Else is Tapping?If you're heading to Orchard Park, Brian also highly recommends the Everyday Lager. It’s a brand-new house lager designed to be a "crushable" staple for the hardworking Western New Yorker. It’s sitting at a clean 4.2% ABV and is the perfect palate cleanser after a hoppy IPA.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and let us know what you think of the new Everyday Lager!Email: Ryan@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to keep the lights on at the pod.

This week, Brian heads to the Silos at Elk Street to discuss a beer that stopped him in his tracks. Typically known for their experimental sours and heavy-hitting hazies, BriarBrothers Brewing Company has quieted the noise with Reflections, a rice lager that might just be the pinnacle of their lager program to date.The Featured PourBrewery: BriarBrothers Brewing Company (The Silos at Elk Street)Beer: ReflectionsStyle: Rice LagerABV: 4.5%Brian’s Verdict: Quite possibly the best lager Dylan and Joel have ever produced. It is bright, translucent, and ultra-clean. At 4.5%, it’s dangerously drinkable—the kind of "page-turner" beer where the glass is empty before you even realize you’ve finished your first sip. Light, airy, and crisp, it’s a masterclass in the "clear beer" movement.Why It MattersRice lagers can be tricky; they often lack character or lean too far into being "just a light beer." Reflections, however, keeps a snappy, refreshing edge that makes it stand out in a city currently obsessed with technical lagers.The context makes this one even better. Brian paired his pint with a pie from Buffalo Deep Dish, the legendary Detroit/Chicago-style pizzeria now operating right inside the Silos. The crisp, dry finish of the rice lager is the perfect structural foil to a thick, buttery deep-dish crust. If you’re a "Briar Buddy" pass holder or just a local looking for the ultimate weekend pairing, this is the current gold standard in the Old First Ward. Don't Panic if you're a die-hard IPA fan—this lager has enough character to win over even the most skeptical palates.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Tell us about the best beer you drank this week!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to help us cover those rising hosting fees!

This week, Brian heads down to the Old First Ward to visit the Frequentem Brewing Co. Buffalo taproom for a masterclass in lager traditionalism. While the hazy IPAs at their Louisiana Street spot are always a draw, it was the gleam of a side-pull tap and a dimple mug that stole the show this time. If you’re a fan of "clear beer" and meticulous technique, this is the pour you’ve been waiting for.The Featured PourBrewery: Frequentem Brewing Co. (Buffalo Taproom - Old First Ward)Beer: German Pilsner (Mandarina Bavaria Edition)Style: German PilsnerBrian’s Verdict: Utterly approachable and visually stunning. Poured via a traditional European Lukr side-pull tap into a dimple mug, this beer delivers a beautiful head and exceptional clarity. It’s light, featuring standout notes of bread crust and soft malt without being overly dry. A true "must-try" for lager enthusiasts.Why It MattersFrequentem (originally out of Canandaigua) has made a massive splash in the Buffalo scene since opening in the Barcalo Building. They are leaning hard into their horizontal lager tank program, and the results are crisp, clean, and technically sound.This specific iteration uses Mandarina Bavaria hops, which provide a delicate citrus backbone to the traditional bready pilsner profile. Beyond the recipe, the presentation matters. The side-pull pour creates a denser, creamier head and a smoother mouthfeel that changes the entire drinking experience. As Brian notes, the Renaissance of the side-pull in the Old First Ward is in full swing—Don't Panic if you're used to standard taps; one sip of this "wet foam" finish and you'll be a convert.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Tell us about the best beer you drank this week!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Watch: Check out our new video content on the WNY Brews YouTube channel!