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Buffalo Beer Buzz, February 28th, 2025
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There’s a lot going on in the local beer scene, but unfortunately, we also have some sad news. Two beloved spots in Buffalo’s craft community are closing their doors.
- Illumination Meadery Closing: Operating out of Mortalis Brewing’s Niagara Street taproom, Illumination Meadery has announced their closure due to rising costs, shifting demand, and life changes for the owners. They’ll have a final sendoff at CollaBEERation Fest on April 5, and until then, you can still grab some of their meads on tap or in bottles.
- 12 Gates Brewing Closing: After nine years, 12 Gates Brewing in Williamsville has also closed. Their announcement reflects on the incredible memories made with their loyal customers. Their sister location in Ellicottville closed last summer, making this an especially tough goodbye for the local beer scene.
On a brighter note, here’s what’s happening in the beer world:
- Brickyard Brewing’s Stained Glass Vol. 1 Returns: This 8.8% Belgian Quad, aged in rum and bourbon barrels, is now available in 375ml corked and caged bottles. Limited to just eight cases, it’s available at Brickyard’s Lewiston taproom and select retailers.
- 4 The Ward Collab from Old First Ward Breweries: Resurgence, Briarbrothers, Old First Ward, and Frequentem Brewing have teamed up for 4 The Ward, a collab supporting the Old First Ward Community Center. Visit each brewery, grab a pint, complete a punch card, and each completed card means a donation to the center. Running now through St. Patrick’s weekend!
- Hofbrauhaus March Märzen Tapping: On March 6, Hofbrauhaus is teaming up with Witches of the Moonlight for their March Märzen release. Expect live music, a parade, a dance performance, and a rich, malty Märzen on tap. 10% of designated meals go to the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier.
- CollaBEERation Festival First Collab Beers Announced: The Powerhouse hosts CollaBEERation Fest on April 5, and the first round of collab beers has been revealed. Highlights include a tequila barrel-aged dark lager, a pink lemonade gose, and an Italian pilsner. More details to come.
- Buffalo Home Show Returns With Happy Hours: The Buffalo Home Show is back March 7-9 and 14-16 with over 300 exhibitors at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Each Friday night features a different happy hour with beer samplings from Labatt and food from Cabot Cheese. Use code BEER for $4 off tickets.
All of this is brought to you by Scott while Brian’s on vacation. As always, check out BuffaloBeerLeague.com for the latest news on Buffalo’s craft beer scene.
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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.
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Buffalo Beer Buzz, November 21st, 2025
08:22|This week on West New York Brew, Scott is flying solo with a quick roundup of what’s happening around the Buffalo beer scene. Here’s what you’ll hear in the episode:• Iron Cedar Brewing update — Their Genesee Street taproom is now closed as they search for a new location. They’ll remain active online with retail, custom brewing, and event packages. • CollaBEERation VI ticket release — The sixth annual festival returns April 25, 2026 at the Powerhouse. VIP tickets drop Nov. 26 at 10 a.m., GA drops Nov. 28 at 10 a.m., with a 14-hour $10 discount window. • Advent Beer Boxes now on sale — Holiday beer calendars available from Magic Bear, Fattey, Consumer’s, Bottle Rocket, and the NYS Brewers Association. • Cask Fest at Mr. Goodbar — The annual event is back Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in person and include unlimited cask samples, a tasting glass, and food from Hanzlian’s Sausage.Find the full Buffalo Beer Buzz at: BuffaloBeerLeague.com Follow Brian: @BuffBeerLeague (X, Instagram, Threads, Untappd) Follow Scott: @WNYBrews (X, Instagram, Facebook)
Buffalo Beer Buzz, November 14th, 2025
11:58|In this solo episode of WNY Brews, Scott walks through everything coming up in the Buffalo beer scene as we head into late November. The big headline is Hamburg Brewing’s purchase of the Flying Bison brand family, including all beer recipes and trademarks. Scott talks through what that means, what stays local, and the bittersweet news that the Flying Bison taproom will close after November 29. He also covers the next release in the Magic Bear Beer Cellar and Brickyard Brewing collaboration series with this year’s Baral-Aged Congregation blend on November 21, New York Beer Project’s 10th Anniversary Bash in Lockport (also Nov. 21), and the Buffalo Beer Geeks’ 13th Anniversary curated tasting at Mr. Goodbar on Nov. 22. Thanksgiving Eve has a couple of big events to pick from, including Steel Leaf After Dark and the 10th annual Stoutsgiving at Big Ditch with ten barrel-aged releases across both locations. All of these stories, links, and details are in the Buffalo Beer Buzz at BuffaloBeerLeague.com, and Scott wraps up the episode by asking what you’ll be drinking for Thanksgiving and reminding listeners to check out Brian’s show, The Best Beer I Drank This Week.Follow WNY Brews & Buffalo Beer League Instagram & Facebook: @WNYBrews Buffalo Beer League: @BuffaloBeerLeague on Instagram, Threads, and Untappd X/Twitter: @BuffBeerLeague and @WNYBrews Websites: WNYBrews.com and BuffaloBeerLeague.com Email: Scott@WNYBrews.com and Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com
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