The Best Beer I Drank This Week

Autumn is in full swing, and Brian is leaning all the way into his favorite beer season of the year. After picking up a mix-and-match six-pack of local autumn offerings from Wegmans, one seasonal completely stood out from the pack: Fall Festival from Ellicottville Brewing Company. It’s a recurring classic that Brian has enjoyed for years, but tasting it fresh side-by-side with other local fall beers reminded him just how exceptional this brew really is. The Featured BeerBrewery: Ellicottville Brewing Company (Ellicottville, NY) Beer: Fall Festival Style: Märzen / Oktoberfest Lager ABV: 5.6% Brian’s Verdict: Incredibly balanced, smooth, and crisp. Brewed with imported German Hallertauer hops and Munich malts, it hits the sweet spot with a rich, well-rounded malt bill featuring toasted bread crust, biscuit, and cracker notes, finished with just a touch of residual sweetness. At 5.6%, it’s dangerously drinkable and arguably EBC’s best all-around annual release. Every year, Ellicottville brews this "royal brew" to celebrate the local village Fall Festival, and it remains a masterclass in classic German lagering. While flavored pumpkin ales like Pumpkinville have their fans, Fall Festival is the superior, approachable autumn crusher that lets the quality of traditional malts and noble hops do the talking. The best part? You don't have to hunt far for it. It’s widely available across Western New York in cans wherever great local craft is sold, as well as on draft at Ellicottville Brewing taproom locations. 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.com Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we approach Episode 100!

It’s a double-drop week on the feed! Alongside our regular seasonal episode, Brian jumps on the mic for a special bonus recap of the Fall Beer Fest held at Rusty Nickel Brewing Co. in West Seneca. Serving as the headlining festival for Western New York Beer Week (organized by the Western New York Brewers Guild), this tight two-hour session brought together over a dozen local breweries, live music, and incredible autumn weather. The Featured BeersFirst Line Brewing – Yellow Jacket American Lager & FestbierStyle: American Lager / Festbier Verdict: The beers Brian drank the most of during the afternoon. Yellow Jacket is super light, crisp, and clean with a pleasant bready malt kick, making it (along with their Everyday Lager) a top-two favorite from the Orchard Park crew. Rusty Nickel Brewing – Garden of EdenStyle: Pumpkin Ale Verdict: Light in color but loaded with flavor. Brewed with fresh pumpkins from Zittel’s, it throws a massive bouquet of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a silky touch of vanilla on the finish. 1927 Brew House – Orange Cream AleStyle: Cream Ale Verdict: Bright, citrusy, and ridiculously refreshing. A standout palate cleanser that broke up the sea of rich fall malts. Brickyard Brewing Company – Center Street Oatmeal StoutStyle: Oatmeal Stout Verdict: A rare dark beer sighting at the fest. Clocking in around the mid-5% range, it’s light-bodied, highly approachable, and easy-drinking. Britesmith Brewing & Brazen Brewing – Oktoberfest / EdelbräuStyle: Märzen / Festbier Verdict: Both avoided the heavy residual sweetness that Brian has noticed creeping into some local fall lagers this season, delivering dry, toasty bread notes and exceptional drinkability. Western New York Beer Week wrapped up in style, and Jason and Katie Havens deserve huge credit for transforming Rusty Nickel's outdoor grounds. Tucked into a private wooded grove just off the main beer garden behind Ebenezer Alehouse, the setup was seamless, intimate, and packed with great local energy. With $20 tickets, live music floating across the patio, and a lineup of fresh wet-hop IPAs, barrel-aged Oktoberfests, and session lagers, it was the perfect blueprint for a community-focused fall festival. 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 drank this week, and we'll mail you out some stickers! Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Check out the three video reels from the fest and follow along as we approach Episode 100!

Brian is officially back from a two-week sabbatical (including a quick reset in Disney) just in time for his absolute favorite beer season of the year: fall. To kick off the cooler weather, Brian stopped into the brand-new Spotted Octopus Brewing taproom at 500 Seneca to grab the very first pour off their new draft lines: Oktobeerfest. The Featured PourBrewery: Spotted Octopus Brewing (Buffalo, NY) Beer: Oktobeerfest Style: Märzen / Festbier Hybrid ABV: 5.8% Brian’s Verdict: An absolute standout and easily one of the best beers Brian has ever had from Spotted Octopus. Falling gracefully between a traditional malty Märzen and an easy-drinking Festbier, it drinks light and crisp with a distinct crackery, bread crust malt backbone. Smooth notes of caramel, toffee, and a whisper of vanilla round out the profile without weighing it down, making it dangerously drinkable for a ~6% fall seasonal. Head Brewer Evan Flurry considers this annual fall release his personal "white whale". Every year, he tweaks the recipe aiming for more elegance and drinkability, and this batch nails the mark. Oktobeerfest is built using 100% New York State ingredients, featuring malt from Batavia’s Murmuration Malting Co. and Glacier hops from Upstate Hops. Plus, it marks an exciting new era for Spotted Octopus. Moving from their quaint, homey original space on Edward Street, the new spot at 500 Seneca offers a massive upgrade: two long bars, tons of parking, an outdoor patio overlooking the courtyard, and upcoming food service from Rochester’s Flow Food (bring on the garbage plates!). 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.com Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek

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 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.