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Buffalo Beer Buzz, April 10th, 2025
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Hamburg Brewing Launches Summer Lager & Orchard Apricot Cider
Just in time for warmer weather, Hamburg Brewing has released Summer Lager, a crisp 4.2% American lager with a refreshing “kiss of lime.” It's perfect for cookouts, beach days, or relaxing with a good book. They’ve also dropped Orchard Apricot, a seasonal cider. Both are now on tap and available in 12oz. 6-pack cans at Hamburg’s taproom.
Smash Factor IPA Returns to Resurgence on April 12
Smash Factor, the light and sessionable 5.5% IPA brewed in collaboration with OnCore Golf and PGA Hope WNY, makes its return to Resurgence Brewing on April 12 (12pm). The release party features putting and chipping games, giveaways, and Masters coverage in the taproom. $1 per pint and $2 per 4-pack benefit PGA Hope, supporting local veterans.
Sour Power Sour Beer Fest Comes Back to Pizza Plant Transit
Sour lovers rejoice! Sour Power returns April 13 (12pm) at Pizza Plant’s Transit Road location. Expect a stacked lineup including Cantillon Kriek (2024), Mortalis Hydra: Sangria, Cascade Sang Royal (2017), Thin Man Minkey Starburst, and many more. Enjoy flight specials, 20% off sour bottles, and complimentary Tums for the brave. Free and open to the public.
CBW, Thin Man & Smoldered Society Tap Takeover at The Caz – April 11
Celebrate New York Craft Beer Day at The Caz with a triple tap takeover featuring Community Beer Works, Thin Man Brewery, and Smoldered Society (6:30pm). DJ Cochise will be spinning funky vibes while the taps pour highlights like CBW’s Pineapple Princess, Thin Man’s Bliss DIPA, and Smoldered Society’s Simulated Reality. Tickets are $5 GA or $20 VIP (includes mezzanine access + 2 drink tickets).
April 11 is Now Officially New York Craft Beer Day
Governor Kathy Hochul has proclaimed April 11 as the inaugural New York Craft Beer Day, recognizing over 500 independent breweries across the state that contribute $4.8 billion to the economy and support 22,000 jobs. It's the perfect excuse to support your local brewery. Learn more at ThinkNYDrinkNY.com.
Innovation Thursdays Return to Big Ditch + New Bar Bill Collab
Innovation Thursdays are back at Big Ditch Brewing! Each first Thursday of the month brings a new beer and wing flavor to their taproom, alongside happy hour deals from 3-6pm ($5 drafts, $10 apps). April’s release included Molten Cheeto Madness Wings and Wai-iti IPA.
Big Ditch also teamed up with Bar Bill Clarence to brew Bar-Bill Secret Sauce IPA, a crushable 6% hazy IPA designed to pair perfectly with wings. It's currently available on draft at Bar Bill Clarence (8326 Main Street).
Stay tuned for more updates and craft beer news at BuffaloBeerLeague.com
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Buffalo Beer Buzz, February 20th, 2026
31:27|Scott and Brian are back together after Brian’s excursion to the "Happiest Place on Earth." This week, the conversation spans from the excitement of the upcoming high-holy season of Irish music to the sobering reality of recent brewery closures in Western New York.Important Update: The Buffalo Beer Buzz is officially moving to its own podcast feed! To make sure you don't miss a single weekly update come April or May, search for "Buffalo Beer Buzz" in your favorite podcatcher and hit follow.On Tap This Week:Team Disney Recap: Brian is back and sipping on a Buffalo Brewing Simon Pure, while Scott enjoys a classic Hamburg Brewing Irish Red (with a roasty twist).YouTube Bound: We’re moving toward video! Watch Scott solve a Rubik's cube in record time while discussing the nuances of dark copper lagers.Keenan Wine & Beer Bash: Happening Feb 21st at the Keenan Center Arena. Wine gardens, live music, and "Blaster Ball"—whatever that is!Brewski at Knox Farm: 42 North's legendary event is officially SOLD OUT. If you have tickets, get ready for a two-mile trek through the park with five beer samples.Autism Acceptance Month: First Line Brewing and the Summit Center are teaming up for "Foundations," a dry-hopped American Lager with Strata hops. Pre-orders are open now!Sabreshood Bar Network: Johnson’s Landing is now a Sabres destination—games with the volume ON and watch parties with alumni.The Bitter News:We discuss the closing of two local staples: One-Eyed Cat Craft House and Steel Leaf Brewing. Brian and Scott reflect on their history with these spaces and the shifting climate of the local craft beer scene.The Road to St. Paddy's:The Brewers Invitational: Feb 28th at NYBP Beer Lodge in Orchard Park. Stay tuned to our socials for a potential ticket giveaway!The Great Guinness Toast: Catch Scott and his band, Almost Seamus, at the Buffalo Irish Center tomorrow night (Feb 20th).The Buffalo Beer League Hotline:Did you drink something world-class this week? Tell us about it and you might hear yourself on a future episode! 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)Connect With Us:Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.comEmail Brian: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comInstagram/Threads/Untappd: @BuffaloBeerLeagueX (Twitter): @BuffBeerLeagueFacebook: facebook.com/thebuffalobeerleagueScott’s Band: AlmostSeamus.com
Buffalo Beer Buzz, February 13th, 2026
12:14|It’s Friday, February 13th, and Scott is flying solo! With Brian Campbell currently exploring the "happiest place on earth," Scott braves the 30-degree Buffalo chill with a Hayburner in hand to bring you the latest from the Buffalo Beer Buzz.In this episode, we talk about some major changes coming to the podcast feed, celebrate a few upcoming anniversaries, and look ahead to the return of golf (and baseball) season.Inside This Episode:The Big Split: We are officially moving the Buffalo Beer Buzz to its own dedicated podcast feed! Keep an eye on your podcast catcher for the new channel so you don't miss the weekly news updates. WNY Brews will remain your home for deep-dive interviews with brewers and industry pros.Wildflower Meadery turns 1! Celebrate their first anniversary on February 28th (4–10 PM) at the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal. New taproom exclusives and the launch of the "Buzz Club" are on the horizon.Peppers Nightclub: News on the former Froth Brewing taproom at 700 Military Road. Everest Brewery owner Shamsher Singh is planning a spring opening for "Peppers," featuring live bands, DJs, and a full dinner menu.Bisons & Brews: The Southern Tier Craft Beer Pack is back! Get two undated tickets and four craft beer vouchers for $64. Season kicks off March 27th.Golf Buffalo Expo: Mark your calendars for March 14th at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (3rd & 4th floors). $35 gets you a tasting glass and samples from 10+ craft brands.NYS Craft Beer Day: April 11th (4/11) is the day to celebrate. Look out for the limited-edition commemorative pint glass designed by Pints and Panels.Support the Show:Amazon Affiliate Link: Heading to Amazon? Start your journey at BuffaloBeerLeague.com/amazon and help support the podcast at no extra cost to you.Rate & Review: If you're digging the solo Scott vibes (or just want to welcome Brian back), leave us a review!The Buffalo Beer League Hotline:Did you drink something better than a Hayburner this week? (Unlikely, but possible!) Tell us about it: 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)Upcoming Gigs:Catch Scott’s band, Almost Seamus (formerly Almost Shameless), throughout the First Ward this March!Next Up: The Great Guinness Toast at the Buffalo Irish Center on February 20th.Web: almostseamus.com
Buffalo Beer Buzz, February 6th, 2025
33:09|The Buffalo Beer Buzz: Buffalo On Tap & Summer Brew DreamsWelcome back to WNY Brews! This week, Scott and Brian dive into the latest edition of the Buffalo Beer Buzz. We’re breaking down everything happening in the Western New York craft scene for the weekend of February 6th and beyond.From massive festivals at the convention center to "never-before-seen" flavors hitting North Buffalo, we’ve got your weekend plans covered.On Tap This Week:Buffalo On Tap: Everything you need to know about the two sessions happening this Saturday, February 7th. We talk ticket prices, VIP perks, and the massive brewery list.The Hayburner Walk: Scott discusses his local "gas station staple," while Brian counters with a $9.99 throwback find from Buffalo Brewing Company.Erie County Fair Homebrew Competition: It’s time to start brewing! We discuss the 2026 entry dates (April 1st – May 4th) and the "gentle" nudge toward summertime refreshers.Hofbräuhaus Release: Tonight’s the night for the Doppelbock tapping to benefit Hunter’s Hope.Epic "Never" Flavors: What is Steel Leaf Brewing up to with their new small-batch series? We speculate on taco beers and soy sauce stouts.Pearl Street News: A new West Coast IPA (Resin Runner) and a Neapolitan pizza upgrade in the basement.Support the Show:Amazon Affiliate Link: Doing some shopping? Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/amazon to help us pay those pesky hosting fees!Rate & Review: If you enjoy the show, leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app.The Buffalo Beer League Hotline:We want to hear from you! What is the best beer YOU drank this week? Leave us a voicemail and get featured on the show. 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)Follow Us:WNY Brews (Scott):Web: BuffaloBeerLeague.comX: @WNYBrewsInstagram: @WNYBrewsYouTube/Facebook: WNYBrewsThe Buffalo Beer League (Brian):Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.comX: @BuffBeerLeagueInstagram/Threads/Untappd: @BuffaloBeerLeagueFacebook: BuffBeerLeague
Buffalo Beer Buzz, January 30th, 2026
22:17|This week's Buffalo Beer Buzz has stories on this year's 4 The Ward collab from Resurgence Brewing, BriarBrothers Brewing, Frequentem Brewing Buffalo and Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing Co., Froth Brewing taproom to close this weekend, this year's Cabin Fever Beer & Wine Festival at Buffalo Ski Center, the return of Another Caucasian, Gary at Resurgence and grand opening of 42 North at the Vault in East Aurora.
Buffalo Beer Buzz - January 23rd, 2026
30:37|Scott & Brian Together Again!Remember us? After a post-holiday hiatus, Scott and Brian are back together on Western New York Brews to catch up on beer, life, and what’s happening around the Buffalo beer scene for the weekend of January 23–25 (yes, the really cold one).The guys kick things off with what they’re drinking, including Ellicottville Mow Master IPA and a Walmart-sourced Neon Rainbows, before diving into the latest Buffalo Beer Buzz highlights.This week’s episode covers:42 North’s 6th Annual Barrel Jam (indoors this year due to the cold), featuring barrel-aged beers, VIP options, and why it’s still one of the best winter beer events aroundBrickyard Brewing’s Maelstrom, a new 11.6% barrel-aged blend available in limited 500ml bottlesHabitat for Humanity 2026 Craft Brew Tour Cards, offering free drinks at 28 WNY breweries while supporting a great causeBuffalo On Tap returning February 7 with VIP and GA sessions at the Buffalo Convention CenterThe Brewers Invitational at New York Beer Project’s Beer Lodge on February 28Updates on recent local beer news, including Froth Brewing’s taproom closure and the return of the For the Ward collaboration among Old First Ward breweriesBrian also teases upcoming ticket giveaways for Buffalo On Tap and the Brewers Invitational, so now’s a good time to follow along online.Read the full Buffalo Beer Buzz every Wednesday at BuffaloBeerLeague.com.Follow Buffalo Beer League:Instagram, Threads & Untappd: @buffalobeerleagueX: @buffbeerleagueFacebook: facebook.com/buffbeerleagueCheers!
Buffalo Beer Buzz - January 9th, 2026
10:08|This week on Western New York Brews, we’re talking about what’s happening around the Buffalo beer scene as we head deeper into January, including tastings, beer dinners, new releases, and some great local options for Dry January.Tonawanda Winterfest is hosting a special Beer, Bourbon & Wine Tasting on January 16 (7–9:30 pm) at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome. Tickets include 10 tastings featuring craft beer and spirits from Resurgence Brewing and Hartman’s Distilling, finger foods from the Grill at the Dome, mini golf, and live music from Miller & the Other Sinners. This 21+ event runs during Winterfest (Jan. 15–18) and tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.Brazen Brewing teams up with Tap & Trap on January 14 (6 pm) for a Wild Game & Beer Pairing Dinner. The five-course, ticketed event features wild boar, venison, elk, and other game, each paired with a Brazen beer. Seats are limited, tickets are $80, and it’s a unique chance to explore some seriously thoughtful beer pairings.Southern Tier Brewing is already thinking warm thoughts with the release of Daybreak Citrus Burst IPA, a 6.5% IPA featuring citrus and yuzu. The brewery calls it a bright, refreshing start to the year, and it’s available now at Wegmans and select retailers around Western New York.If you’re participating in Dry January, there are more local non-alcoholic options than ever. New York Beer Project has released Tropical and Citrus Hop Waters, both alcohol-free with no calories, sugar, or carbs. Other local NA options include Pearl Street NA Trainwreck Amber and Sabres Edge Double IPA, Riverworks Hella Fresh Hop Water, Ellicottville Brewing NA Blueberry Wheat, Big Ditch NA Burner, Butera’s Hop Falls Hop Water, and Southern Tier Downshift IPA.Find the full Buffalo Beer Buzz each week at BuffaloBeerLeague.com.Follow @BuffBeerLeague on X, Instagram, Threads, Untappd, and Facebook.Questions or tips? Email brian@buffalobeerleague.com or scott@WNYbrews.com.
Buffalo Beer Buzz, December 12th, 2025
24:00|This week's Buffalo Beer Buzz is here with stories on the annual Deck the Halls fundrasier at Pizza Plant, 2026 Kenan Wine & Beer Bash, new Buffalo Bills themed beer and special Mafia Packs at First Line Brewing, new owners for WINDY BREW-Strykersville, WanderingGypsy Brewing 5th anniversary weekend and Pink Boots Society Buffalo Holiday Dinner.
Buffalo Beer Buzz, December 05, 2025
12:06|This week on Western New York Brews, Scott is flying solo and walking you through everything happening across the Buffalo beer scene for the weekend of December 5, 6, and 7. We start with the newly released 2026 Habitat for Humanity Craft Brew Tour Cards, which get you a free drink at 28 breweries, distilleries, and bars around Western New York, all while supporting Habitat Buffalo. We also talk about Cask Fest at Mr. Goodbar (even though it just happened, it's one to mark down for next year), and the official ticket release for CollaBEERation VI coming up April 25, 2026. Beer Kind Brewing is opening for one last taproom day of 2025 with some excellent mix-and-match four-pack deals, and Steel Leaf Brewing has kicked off their “Five Golden Rings” holiday punch-card challenge with prizes waiting at the end. Santora’s 1927 Brewhouse dropped two new small-batch holiday stouts, and Buffalo Olde Brewery tapped Triple Accord, a barrel-aged Belgian triple that sounds perfect for this time of year. Other Half Buffalo is celebrating its one-year anniversary with an all-day holiday party (including free hot dogs if you have a hot dog tattoo), and for Quentin is lighting their annual keg tree with contests, movies, and draft specials.Find the full Buffalo Beer Buzz every week at BuffaloBeerLeague.com. Follow Brian at @BuffBeerLeague (X, Instagram, Threads, Untappd) Follow Scott or get in touch at WestNewYorkBrew.com
Buffalo Beer Buzz, November 28th, 2025
17:27|This week's Buffalo Beer Buzz has stories on the importance of Shop Small Weekend - Small Business Saturday and Small Brewery Sunday, a new indoor golf simulator coming to East Aurora featuring a bar run by 42 North Brewing, beer advent calendars at Aurora Brew Works, The Lock Tender and Downtown Brew, and the annual Santas of Swig fundraiser.