The Best Beer I Drank This Week

We're hitting a major milestone with Episode 80, and what better way to celebrate than by looking back at an absolute cornerstone of the Buffalo craft scene? This week, Brian is grabbing a pint of a beer that is deeply personal to his craft beer journey: Rusty Chain Vienna Lager, now carrying on under the care of Hamburg Brewing Company.The Featured PourBrewery: Hamburg Brewing Company / Flying Bison Brewing Company (Hamburg, NY)Beer: Rusty ChainStyle: Vienna LagerABV: 5.0%Brian’s Verdict: A super-solid, highly drinkable pour. Sitting at an easy 5.0% ABV, it features sweet malt, smooth caramel, and rich toffee notes, all backed by a clean, crisp finish. Compared to the original version, Hamburg's iteration drinks slightly lighter in body, making it an exceptionally smooth and refreshing fall crusher.Originally crafted to support GObike Buffalo, Rusty Chain is an international award-winning flagship that sits firmly on the Mount Rushmore of Western New York craft classics. When the local beer landscape shifted, Hamburg Brewing owner John Russo and the team stepped up to honor Flying Bison's legacy with reverence.While local craft drinkers often debate the differences between the original recipe and the newer brew, Brian loves what Hamburg has done with it. It’s a nostalgic staple that belongs in every local beer lover's fridge as the September weather cools down.You can find cans wherever great local beer is sold, or grab it fresh on draft right at the Hamburg Brewing taproom!Connect With the Buffalo Beer LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.com — Drop your email in the box on the right rail to catch our upcoming weekly newsletter!Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in, leave a voicemail with what you're drinking, and we'll mail you out some stickers!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek

Summer might be winding down and the pool cover might be coming out soon, but Brian isn’t letting patio season go without a fight. This week, he’s cracking into a beer that completely flipped his expectations on its head: Pills Mafia Light Lime from Thin Man Brewery. Brian isn't usually a fan of lime-forward beers, but this light, crisp crusher hits all the right notes.The Featured PourBrewery: Thin Man Brewery (Buffalo, NY)Beer: Pills Mafia Light LimeStyle: Low-Cal / American Light Lime LagerABV: 3.5%Brian’s Verdict: A super-crushable, 12oz poolside banger. Coming in at a lean 3.5% ABV and low calories, it gives you subtle malt with just a tasteful kiss of lime citrus and a bone-dry finish. Unlike heavy-handed lime beers that taste like artificial syrup, the lime here acts as a clean accent that lets the crisp pilsner base do the talking.Spinning off from Thin Man’s flagship gameday classic Pills Mafia (and its sessionable cousin Mafia Light), this lime-accented version proves you don't need a heavy ABV to get great flavor. It’s built specifically for warm days by the water and early 1:00 PM Bills kickoffs where you want to enjoy a few cold ones without getting weighed down.You can find 12oz cans everywhere local craft is sold—including Wegmans, Tops, and Consumers Beverage. Grab a pack before your next cookout or tailgate!Connect With the Buffalo Beer LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.com — Drop your email in the box on the right rail to catch our upcoming weekly newsletter!Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in, leave a voicemail with what you're drinking, and we'll mail you out some stickers!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweekDid you grab a pack of Mafia Light Lime for Labor Day weekend or the Bills opener? Call the hotline at 716-486-BEER and let Brian know what you think!

We're staying right in our lager era this week, and honestly, with football season back in full swing, is there anything better than a crispy local pilsner made for game day? Brian stopped into the New York Beer Project Beer Lodge in Orchard Park on his way home from work, caught up with Head Brewer John Hyman, and grabbed a pour of a brand-new brew created to celebrate the Bills: Buffalo Billzner.This Week's Featured BeerBrewery: New York Beer Project (Orchard Park & Lockport, NY)Beer: Buffalo BillznerStyle: Buffalo-Style PilsnerABV: 4.6%Brian’s Verdict: An absolute beauty in the glass. Sitting at a supremely crushable 4.6% ABV, it lands right at the crossroads of a German and an Italian-style pilsner. You get bright floral hops, big citrus and orange notes, a hint of spicy hop kick, and a clean, snappy finish that leaves zero crumbs behind. Easily one of the best beers NYBP has put out to date.Call "Buffalo-Style Pilsner" whatever you want, but mashing up the crisp precision of a German pilsner with the expressive, aromatic dry-hopping of an Italian pilsner is a match made in heaven. Brewed to celebrate the Bills kicking off in their new digs, this one is tailor-made for tailgates and game days—flavorful enough to savor, but light enough to drink through four quarters.Just remember: it’s not in general distro. If you want cans or draft for the next game, you'll need to swing by the taprooms in Orchard Park or Lockport to grab it fresh!Connect With the Buffalo Beer LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.com — Drop your email in the box on the right rail to catch our upcoming weekly newsletter!Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in, leave a voicemail with what you're drinking, and we'll mail you out some stickers!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweekAre you grabbing a 4-pack of Buffalo Billszner for the next kickoff? Call the hotline at 716-486-BEER and let Brian know!

This week, Brian heads back down to Orchard Park to spotlight a powerhouse local collaboration. When First Line Brewing links up with the lager specialists at Britesmith Brewing, you know you're getting something clean, technical, and hop-forward. Enter Southern Drift, a dry-hopped New Zealand lager that brings big Southern Hemisphere flavor to a crushable 4.8% ABV profile.The Featured PourBrewery: First Line Brewing (Orchard Park, NY) & Britesmith Brewing (Williamsville/Buffalo, NY)Beer: Southern DriftStyle: New Zealand Lager (Dry-Hopped)ABV: 4.8%Brian’s Verdict: A bright, crisp, and beautifully expressive lager. Driven by a standout dry-hop charge of Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron, it delivers bold, punchy aromatics of white wine grape, passion fruit, and stone fruit without sacrificing any lager drinkability. Sitting at a lean 4.8%, it finishes clean, snappy, and endlessly refreshing.New Zealand-hopped lagers continue to be one of the most exciting intersections in modern craft brewing—marrying the crisp, clean discipline of traditional lager fermentation with the vibrant, tropical complexity of Southern Hemisphere hops.First Line and Britesmith dialed in this recipe to let the hops shine while keeping the malt backbone lean and unobtrusive. With Nelson Sauvin providing its signature gooseberry and vinous notes and Nectaron layering in luscious peach and citrus, Southern Drift is an essential summer pour for both hop heads and lager purists alike.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and tell us the best beer you drank this week!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we catalog the archives and look for upcoming video episodes on the WNY Brews YouTube channel!

This week, Brian heads back out to Orchard Park to spotlight a triumphant return from Wayland Brewing Company. While craft beer fans are constantly looking for the next big release, Brian details why a look back at one of the very first beers Wayland ever put out reminded him exactly why he fell in love with their liquid in the first place: House Lager.The Featured PourBrewery: Wayland Brewing Company (Orchard Park, NY)Beer: House LagerStyle: American Light LagerABV: 4.2%Brian’s Verdict: A completely delightful and delectable American lager that Brian has refallen in love with. It is crisp, bright, and clean, featuring a great citrus hit up front alongside uniquely satisfying underlying notes of red berry. Balanced by a sturdy bread crust malt note and an ever-so-slight dryness on the finish, it is a masterfully constructed, well-rounded "crispy boy".Why It MattersBefore Wayland Brewing officially opened their doors, they brewed a series of about 12 canned beers—including this House Lager—and distributed them to local bottle shops like Aurora Brew Works. Brian bought them all back then, and tasting this new draft release brought all that nostalgia flooding back. The beer has received a phenomenal "glow up" since those early days, standing out as one of the absolute best lagers Wayland has produced to date.The only minor critique? Brian was slightly bummed it wasn't pouring from a side-pull tap. Even though a side-pull presentation would elevate it even further, the sheer quality of the liquid in the glass more than makes up for it. It's a refreshing, sturdy option that's perfect for warm weather, whether you're playing bocce or sitting at a picnic table in Wayland’s stellar beer garden.Taproom Tips & The League NewsletterHouse Lager is currently a draft-exclusive release at the Orchard Park taproom. While you're visiting to grab a pint, be sure to head over to BuffaloBeerLeague.com and drop your email in the subscription box on the right rail. The League is launching a weekly newsletter to consolidate all of Brian’s articles and the various podcasts under the WNY Brews umbrella so you never miss a beat.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and leave a voicemail with your favorite local lager!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we approach Episode 80 and look out for new audio/video content on the WNY Brews YouTube channel!

This week, Brian heads back down to the Old First Ward to spotlight an absolute heavy-hitter from Resurgence Brewing Company. While local taplists are routinely packed with rotating releases, Brian pauses to champion a returning champion that deserves a permanent spot on your local radar: Head in the Clouds.The Featured PourBrewery: Resurgence Brewing Company (Buffalo, NY) Beer: Head in the Clouds Style: Double IPA ABV: 8.4% Brian’s Verdict: Hands down, the best Double IPA Resurgence has ever produced. When fresh, this is easily one of the most underrated, slept-on DIPAs in Western New York. It blasts out of the glass with massive aromas of white peach, citrus orange, and sweet pineapple. On the palate, it’s a full-bodied, juicy explosion of grapefruit and papaya. It finishes deceptively light and clean for an 8.4% beer, anchored by a sticky, dank hop resin that lingers beautifully.Why It MattersIt doesn't hurt to drink the same world-class beer twice. In the relentless craft beer race to chase down what's brand new, exceptional flagships and occasional legacy releases get overlooked. Head in the Clouds recently received a fresh batch drop, and it proves exactly why it sits on Brian's personal Mount Rushmore of local IPAs.A special shout-out goes to Jeff Ware at Resurgence for passing along a fresh four-pack to the League. This beer handles its massive 8.4% backbone with absolute grace—delivering big, aggressive hop notes that easily cut right through the signature haze without being harsh. If you've been waiting for a refreshing, tropical, yet deeply resinous local double, the time is now.Taproom Shopping & Summer PoursIf you're hitting up the Chicago Street brewery soon, Brian recommends picking up their special America 250 Sitmo cans just in time for the 4th of July festivities. While you're there, grab Head in the Clouds on draft to compare it to the incredibly fresh 16oz cans currently making waves at local retailers.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.com — Check out the WNY Brews tab on the right rail to hear our exclusive full-length interview with Matt and Corey! Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Did you pick up the new batch of Head in the Clouds? Call in and leave a review! Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we unpack past episodes from our 75+ episode archive.

This week, Brian stands inside Other Half Buffalo at Seneca One Tower, looks at a tap list dominated by 20 hazy IPAs and three fruited sours, and orders... a milk stout. Reaching past the hops, Brian treats himself to Egg Cream Milk Stout that trades the tropical fruit notes for a nostalgic trip down a New York City soda fountain lane.The Featured PourBrewery: Other Half Brewing Co. (Buffalo, NY)Beer: Egg Cream Milk StoutStyle: Milk StoutABV: 6.0%Brian’s Verdict: An absolute breakout hit amidst a sea of haze. Pours with big, decadent aromas of milk chocolate, sugar, and vanilla. Despite the rich scent, it remains incredibly light-bodied and smooth rather than cloyingly sugary. It lands right up front with massive notes of chocolate syrup, vanilla, and coffee with cream, finishing with a delicate hint of roasted malt in the background. Highly approachable and dangerously drinkable.Diner Lore & Taproom ConfusionWhen Brian asked the bartender at Seneca One Tower what exactly an "egg cream" was, the bartender guessed it tasted like a Cadbury Cream Egg. Close, but no cigar! As Brian cleared up after doing some homework, a classic New York City egg cream is a historic soda fountain staple popularized in Jewish immigrant communities in the late 19th century. Made from seltzer, milk, and chocolate syrup, the drink famously contains neither eggs nor cream. Other Half and Junior's captured that frothy, nostalgic magic perfectly by infusing this 6.0% stout with real cocoa nibs and vanilla bean.Where to Find ItWhile the taproom board is heavily stacked with IPAs (including a stellar recent collaboration with Prison City), this sweet lone soldier is a must-try. It should still be flowing on draft at the Buffalo taproom, and Brian notes that you can likely still order cans shipped directly to your door through Other Half's website.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.com — Look for the email sign-up on the right rail to join our forthcoming weekly newsletter!Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Have you ever had a real NYC egg cream? Call the line and tell us how the beer compares!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Podcast IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — We are marching toward 100 episodes! Follow along as we upload the archives.

After another small hiatus where real life got in the way, Brian is back inside the shadow of the historic Buffalo silos to shake off the rust. This week, he is returning to BriarBrothers Brewing Company at 50 Elk Street to spotlight a brand-new release that has the local lager crowd talking: Crazy Child Vienna Lager.The Featured PourBrewery: BriarBrothers Brewing Company (The Silos at Elk Street)Beer: Crazy ChildStyle: Vienna LagerABV: 5.2%Brian’s Verdict: A brilliant execution of a classic style. Right in the 5.2% ABV wheelhouse, it pours a vibrant copper with a bright, billowy foam head. It is light-bodied, crisp, and exceptionally refreshing, delivering clean notes of toasted bread, chocolate malt, and a subtle kiss of vanilla, caramel, and molasses. It is a true "one-more-sip" kind of pint.Why It MattersBriarBrothers continues to prove that they are absolute masters of the "clear beer" movement. Following up on the massive success of their Reflections rice lager, Crazy Child was brought to life because the crew wanted a traditional style they could just sit back and slowly enjoy.The Story Behind the Mix-Pack: Brian actually stumbled onto this beer by accident. While at the taproom building a custom mix-pack, the staff let him know that pushing his order to an even eight cans unlocked a sweet discount. Looking to round things out alongside some Warpath Lager, he grabbed a single can of Crazy Child on a whim because his buddy Jesse—the ultimate BriarBrothers disciple—had been raving about it. Brian's only regret? He didn't buy a whole case.Oh, and if the Untapped description sounds like a lyrical riddle ("Where's the fire? What's the hurry about... you can get exactly what you want..."), Brian confesses he missed the reference at first, but it's a clever nod to Billy Joel’s classic track, "Vienna." ---Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and leave us your review of Crazy Child!Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comMain Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)NEW Podcast Instagram: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Give the new page a follow as Brian back-catalogs the first 75+ episodes!