The Best Beer I Drank This Week

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!

After a short hiatus, Brian is back to recap one of the premier events on the Western New York craft calendar: the 2026 Brewer’s Invitational. Hosted at the stunning New York Beer Project Beer Lodge 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.The Featured PoursWhile Brian sampled his way through the entire venue, these were the absolute standouts from the Invitational:Brewery: New York Beer Project (Orchard Park/Lockport)Beer: Neverland PillsStyle: New Zealand PilsnerVerdict: 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.Brewery: Brickyard Brewing Company (Lewiston)Beer: AdamantStyle: Barrel-Aged AdambierVerdict: A rare, historical treat. Complex and expertly executed by Rudy Watkins; a must-try for fans of deep, traditional styles.Brewery: New York Beer ProjectBeer: Spawn 2024Style: Coolship Wild Ale (Peach)Verdict: 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.Brewery: First Line Brewing (Orchard Park)Beer: Goose JuiceStyle: New England IPAVerdict: One of the best hazies from First Line to date, featuring the latest Veterans Blend hops.Why It MattersThe Brewer’s Invitational isn't just another festival; it’s a showcase of technical skill. This year highlighted the rise of Cannon’s Backwoods Brew from Little Valley, who took home the Winners Cup for their blueberry Mexican Lager, Caught the Blues. Additionally, Briar Brothers Brewing earned the Spirit of Imagination Award for their vibrant and inventive Punch Bowl Charmed.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. Don't Panic if you missed it—Brian has the full breakdown of what you need to hunt down in cans and at the taprooms this spring.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in and tell us the best beer you drank this week!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Support the Show: BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon

This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian heads back to the silos on Elk Street to revisit a brewery that has delivered hit after hit: Briar Brothers Brewing Company. It’s been too long since a Briar beer made it onto the show, so we’re fixing that today with their New England IPA Desk Pop — a soft, creamy, citrus-loaded hazy inspired by The Other Guys (yes, “aim for the bushes” makes an appearance).Brian talks about first grabbing a mixed four-pack during a recent brewery stop, how fast this one disappeared, and why he wishes he’d bought more. If you’re a hazy IPA fan or a Briar Brothers regular, this one should be on your radar.Beer DetailsDesk Pop – New England IPA Briar Brothers Brewing Company ABV: 7.5%Hops: Simcoe, El Dorado, Mosaic, Citra Flavors:Honeydew and cantaloupeDried tangerineSoft, pillowy mouthfeelSmooth tropical fruit and citrus layered over expressive hop characterWhat Brian Thought: A standout hazy from a brewery that rarely misses. Rich, creamy, extremely smooth finish, and a balance of hop expression + fruit flavors that pops (pun fully intended).Find ItDraft + cans at Briar Brothers Brewing Company (check for current availability — it goes fast). Located at The Silos at Elk Street, Buffalo.Support the PodcastFollow, like, subscribe — it all really helps!Facebook: facebook.com/TheBuffaloBeerLeagueX: @BuffBeerLeagueInstagram / Threads / Untappd: @BuffaloBeerLeagueRead: BuffaloBeerLeague.comEmail Brian: brian@buffalobeerleague.comOther ways to support:Rate & review (5⭐ goes a long way!)Amazon link: BuffaloBeerLeague.com/amazonBuffalo Beer League Hotline: 716-486-BEER Tell Brian the best beer YOU drank this week, and get featured on the show.ClosingThanks for hanging out for another episode! New beers and new episodes drop every Tuesday on The Best Beer I Drank This Week. Next week’s beer is already on Brian’s shortlist — see you then.Cheers!

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!