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Buffalo Beer Buzz - May 24th, 2024
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Welcome to WNY Brews! On this week’s episode, Scott and Brian talk about some exciting events and news in the Western New York beer scene.
First up, 42 North Brewing presents the Fourth Annual HillTAP Festival at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville on July 27. The event kicks off with a chair lift ride to Spruce Lake and features a day filled with music, craft beer from 42 North, and a variety of outdoor activities. Enjoy live music from Smilo & the Ghost (1-4 pm, Spruce Lake Cabin Stage), Miller & The Other Sinners (4-5:30 pm, Tannenbaum Stage), and Workingmans’ Dead (6-8:30 pm, Tannenbaum Stage). Tickets are available now, with early bird pricing at $35, advance tickets at $45, and day-of tickets at $50.
In other news, BTR Brews in the Village of Angola has announced it will be closing its doors on July 31. In a heartfelt Facebook post, owner Brandy Lombardo expressed gratitude for the support over the past 2.5 years, explaining the closure as a necessary decision for her family’s well-being.
Buffalo is set to welcome Iron Cedar Brewery & Meadery at 4345 Genesee Street, near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The brewery plans to offer a variety of meads, including unique flavors like Dragons Breath and Maiden Voyage, as well as honey-infused beers. They aim to open later this summer and will also provide food options.
The Genesee Country Village & Museum is hosting History on Tap on June 7, featuring local craft beers, wines, and ciders, including the museum’s own historical brews. The event will include live music, food, magic lantern shows, and more. Participants include OSB Ciderworks, Eli Fish Brewing, and Rohrbach Brewing with their historical beers. Tickets are $30, with a discount for members.
Big Ditch Brewing is set to re-release two beers on Friday, May 24. Stark White Dad Shoes IPA, featuring Riwaka and Galaxy hops, and West Coast Burner, a variant of Hayburner IPA with added grapefruit and pine bitterness, will be available on tap and in 4-pack cans at Big Ditch’s taproom.
Maifest at Spring Garden Park in East Aurora will feature a specially brewed Maibock from Buffalo Brewing Company. The event, taking place on May 25, includes a keg tapping ceremony, performances by The Caledonian Pipe Band and SGTV Edelweiss Dancers, and live music from The Polka Boys. The park opens at noon with food available starting at 1 pm. Admission is $6.
Mortalis Brewing is releasing nearly half a dozen new beers this week. On May 23, look out for Hydra: Sangria Fruited Smoothie Sour, Depths of Hydra (a collaboration with Homes Brewery), Happy Learned How To Putt IPA (a collab with Frequentem Brewing), Pomona: Banana & Peanuts Imperial Stout, and Barrel Aged Pomona. These releases will be available in various formats, including cans and bottles.
For more details on these stories, visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com. You can reach us at (716) 486-BEER or email us at Scott@WNYBrews.com or Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com. Cheers!
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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
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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
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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.