WNY Brews

This week we take a look at all the things that are happening in the Buffalo beer scene this weekend and beyond for the weekend of November 1, 2024.We have beer, releases, events, new brewery, openings, and more. For more information go to buffalobeerleague.com.

This week on *WNY Brews*, Scott is flying solo to bring you the latest news in the Western New York beer scene. As always, you can find all the stories mentioned here at BuffaloBeerLeague.com, and feel free to reach out to us at Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com or Scott@WNYBrews.com.New York Beer Project Wins Gold at Great American Beer Festival  New York Beer Project’s Hazy Crush IPA won gold in the experimental IPA category at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival, the largest beer competition in the U.S. Hazy Crush is available at NYBP’s Lockport, Victor, and Orchard Park locations. It also earned a gold medal earlier this year at the NYS Craft Brewers Competition.Hartman’s Bourbon Dinner with Ellicottville BrewingRationales in Williamsville will host a special bourbon pairing dinner on Oct. 24, featuring Hartman’s Distilling and Ellicottville Brewing. The four-course meal includes bourbon and beer pairings, with dishes like butternut squash bisque and braised short ribs. The featured bourbon is a Barrel Select aged in EBC’s Chocolate Cherry Bomb barrels. One attendee will win a bottle of this limited-edition bourbon.Celebrate Halloween at a Local BreweryIf you’re looking for Halloween plans, several local breweries have you covered. Join Magic Bear Beer Cellar on Oct. 25 for a beer and candy pairing, or stop by Southern Tier Brewing on Oct. 26 for *King-O-Ween*, featuring a live DJ, costume contest, and $1 off *Pumking* pours. Hertel Ave. will host *The Crawling Dead: Halloween Bar Crawl* the same night, with drink specials and a costume contest. Other events include parties at Spotted Octopus Brewing and Shalooby Loofer Brewing.Mr. Goodbar’s Annual Cask Fest Returns Dec. 5Mark your calendar for Mr. Goodbar’s annual Cask Fest on Dec. 5. Tickets are $30 and include unlimited tastings of exclusive cask beers from breweries like Flying Bison, Brickyard Brewing, and Old First Ward Brewing, along with food from Hanzlian’s sausage.Bottles & Bites: Flavors of Fall at Statler BuffaloOn Nov. 14, *Bottles & Bites: Flavors of Fall* will take place at the Statler Buffalo, offering local food and drink pairings. Sample beer from Big Ditch, Belt Line, and Shalooby Loofer, along with meads from Bee Spit. VIP tickets are $60 and include early entry, exclusive tastings, and a $25 Santora’s gift card, while general admission is $35.Ellicottville Brewing x Platters Chocolate Affogato Tasting PartyOn Oct. 30, Ellicottville Brewing and Platter’s Chocolate Factory are releasing their *Affogato Dessert Ale* at Fattey Beer in North Tonawanda. The ale is brewed with espresso beans, vanilla, caramel, and lactose to capture the flavors of the classic Italian dessert. The event is free to attend and will feature beer and chocolate pairings, plus a prize wheel.WNY Beer Trail 2025 Trail Pass Available SoonThe WNY Beer Trail 2025 Trail Pass goes on sale Oct. 24, offering buy one, get one deals at 75 locations across Western New York. The pass also includes discounts on brewery tours at Resurgence Brewing and a guide to pet-friendly breweries. Passes can be purchased online or at local stores.For more stories and updates, visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com, and don’t hesitate to contact us at Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com or Scott@WNYBrews.com. Cheers!

This week's Buffalo Beer Buzz over at Step Out Buffalo has stories on 42 North Brewing 9th anniversary weekend, new Wayland Brewing taproom in Ellicottville, IPA flight special at Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen, Strangeburner Vol. 2 from Big Ditch Brewing and Strangebird, a new collaboration from ONCO Fermentations and Magic Bear Beer Cellar, and a special book signing and beer release at Resurgence Brewing with Stevie Johnson and Eric Wood.

Here’s a quick roundup of the latest news in Buffalo and Western New York beer:**Buffalo Brewing to Release New Batch of Simon Pure Beer**  Buffalo Brewing Company will release the third batch of its revived *Simon Pure Beer* on Oct. 19 at the historic William Simon Brewery (Clinton & Emslie). This light, easy-drinking beer with notes of sweet malt and toasted bread will be available in 12oz 6-pack cans, cases, and on draft. The original William Simon Brewery produced Simon Pure until its closure in 1972.**Clarksburg Cider Closes Lancaster Taproom**  After three years of operation, Clarksburg Cider has closed its Lancaster taproom at 4493 Walden Ave. The decision was influenced by economic challenges and workforce instability. Despite this, Clarksburg cider will still be available in stores and, with the newly passed Direct-to-Consumer Shipment Bill, for online orders and shipping.**Windy Brew’s Batavia Taproom to Close**  Windy Brew’s Batavia location, which opened in August 2023, will close on Oct. 13. While the feedback was positive, they struggled to draw enough patrons. Until the closure, they will offer $5 pints and special crowler fills. Windy Brew’s Strykersville taproom will remain open.**Local Breweries Support Hurricane Helene Relief**  Big Ditch Brewing, New York Beer Project, and Southern Tier Brewing are helping raise funds for Hurricane Helene victims. Throughout October, Big Ditch will donate $2 from every pint of *Squeezer Dry-Hopped Kettle Sour*, and all three NYBP locations will donate $1 from each pint of *Destination IPA*. Southern Tier has already donated over $44,000 to several relief organizations.**Bourbon Dinner at Rationales with Ellicottville Brewing**  On Oct. 24, Rationales in Williamsville is hosting a special bourbon pairing dinner with Ellicottville Brewing and Hartman’s Distilling. The event will feature a new collaborative Barrel Select Bourbon, aged in *EBC Chocolate Cherry Bomb* barrels. Limited tickets are available online.**Niagara Association of Homebrewers Parking Lot Brew at BriarBrothers**  On Oct. 12, starting at 9am, BriarBrothers Brewing will host the Niagara Association of Homebrewers for an outdoor brewing demonstration. This event is perfect for those interested in learning homebrewing techniques. Brewing will start at 9am, and the brewery opens at noon.**42 North & 43 North Collaborate on New Beer**  To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 43North business incubator, 42 North Brewing is releasing *Beyond Boundaries*, a West Coast pilsner brewed with Simcoe, Chinook, and Tonatiuh hops. It will be available at 42 North’s taprooms and select venues in Buffalo’s Theatre District.For more details on these stories and the Buffalo beer scene, check out *WNY Brews* and visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com.

Here’s a roundup of some exciting upcoming beer events and releases in Western New York. For more details or to share your news, email Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com or Scott@WNYBrews.com, and visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com. Be sure to check out the *WNY Brews* podcast for more insights into the WNY beer scene!**Pressure Drop and Ellicottville Brewing Announce New Partnership**  After closing their Elmwood Avenue taproom and brew house, Pressure Drop Brewing has partnered with Ellicottville Brewing (EBC). According to EBC’s Head of Brewery Operations, Dan Minner, the two breweries have collaborated on recipe development and ingredient sourcing to maintain the quality of Pressure Drop’s beers. This partnership ensures Pressure Drop’s beers will still be available at select retailers across WNY.**Mortalis Brewing Buffalo First Anniversary Party**  Mortalis Brewing Buffalo will celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 5 with live music, exclusive draft options (including specialty barrel-aged beers), beer flights, and draft specials all day. The event is free and kicks off at 3pm at 1250 Niagara St.**Tap & Craft Festival Returns**  The third annual Tap & Craft Festival is set for Oct. 5 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. Over 40 breweries, wineries, and cideries, including Mortalis, Other Half, Trillium, and more, will participate. The event also includes live music, food, and artisan vendors. General admission is $35, which includes unlimited samples and a commemorative tasting glass. VIP tickets offer additional perks. Get tickets at www.tapandcraft.com.**Woodcock Brothers Cocktoberfest**  Woodcock Brothers Brewing’s Cocktoberfest returns to the Wurlitzer Building in North Tonawanda on Oct. 5. Expect German food, live music, and the release of Cocktoberfest Lager. Lederhosen and German garb are encouraged for this free event, starting at 12pm.**Tim’s Beer Show at Pizza Plant**  On Oct. 16, Buffalo beer legend Tim Herzog will host *Tim’s Beer Show* at Pizza Plant Transit. The tasting event, New York’s longest-running beer event, features a unique sampling of 12 beers with Herzog providing insights into each. Tickets are $50 and include beer samples, breadsticks, and a tasting glass. They can be purchased at Pizza Plant or on Eventbrite.**Big Ditch Brewing Teams Up with YMCA Buffalo Niagara for Turkey Trot Beer**  For the third consecutive year, Big Ditch Brewing is releasing *Turkey Trotter*, a blonde ale brewed in honor of the Buffalo Turkey Trot race. Available starting Oct. 3, the beer will be on draft and sold in 6-packs. This year, Big Ditch is running a giveaway, with six lucky winners receiving free Turkey Trot entry. Look for details on www.bigditchbrewing.com/turkeytrottergiveaway.**Hofbrauhaus Buffalo Festbier Release**  Hofbrauhaus Buffalo will release their *Festbier* on Oct. 3 with a keg-tapping ceremony and live music at 6pm. Guests will get a complimentary pour of this seasonal beer, which pairs well with pork and sweet desserts like apfelstrudel. For reservations, call (716) 939-BEER or visit www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.**Cider Week New York 2024**  Cider Week New York kicks off Oct. 5-13, celebrating the best in craft cider from across the state. The event will feature tastings, tours, and special pairings at cideries, restaurants, and bottle shops throughout New York. For more info and event listings, visit www.ciderweeknewyork.com.For the latest in Buffalo beer, tune in to *WNY Brews* and follow BuffaloBeerLeague.com!

This week, we chat the Wet Hop Festival, WNY Real Beer Expo, The Beer Keep third anniversary party, beer sale at Buffalo Brewing, a new collaboration from Magic Bear Beer Cellar and Rising Storm Brewing, weekly beer drop at Mortalis Brewing Buffalo and Oktoberfest celebrations at Woodcock Brothers, Southern Tier Brewing, Canalside Buffalo, First Line Brewing, Wayland Brewing and Gene McCarthy's/Old First Ward Brewing.

This week's Buffalo Beer Buzz at Step Out Buffalo has stories on the Tap & Craft Festival, a pair of new lagers at Brickyard Brewing, Pressure Drop Brewing to close their Elmwood taproom, the return of WNY Beer Week, Lockport Brewpub Shuffle becomes Twisted Locks Brewing, Oktoberfest events this weekend at Resurgence Brewing, Wayland Brewing, Mystic Hills Brewing, RationAles and Southern Tier Brewing Co. - Buffalo and the Seneca Brewtopia Beer Festival at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Cheers and thanks for reading.

Each week, we round up the latest Buffalo beer news, releases, and events happening in Western New York. Here's what’s trending:**Want to share your Buffalo/WNY beer news?** Email Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com or Scott@WNYBrews.com, and visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com.**Big Ditch and Theatre District Association Brew New Beer**  Big Ditch Brewing partnered with the Theatre District Association of WNY to create *Open Curtain*, a 5.3% kolsch that’s slightly fruity and bready. It will debut at Curtain Up on Sept. 13 and be available at theatres and restaurants in the Buffalo Theatre District throughout the season.**Hamburg Brewing Celebrates 11th Anniversary**  Hamburg Brewing is hosting a 90s-themed anniversary party on Sept. 14, featuring live music, food specials, and carnival-style games like Dunk the Brewer. A $10 cover applies.**Oktoberfest at Jackson Square with Eli Fish Brewing**  Eli Fish Brewing will hold an Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 14 in Batavia’s Jackson Square. The event includes German beers, food, music, and games. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door.**Buffalo Beer Goddesses 12th Anniversary**  The Buffalo Beer Goddesses celebrate their 12th anniversary on Sept. 19 at Mr. Goodbar with food, drink samples, and local vendors. Admission is $10 for non-members and $5 for members.**New Buffalo Bills-Themed Beers**  With football season back, breweries like Mortalis, Other Half, and Sad Boys Brewing have released Bills-themed beers, including Mortalis’ *Gemini: Circle the Wagons* and Other Half’s *Brocpile Imperial IPA*. These beers are available in cans and on draft.**Smoldered Society’s New Double IPA**  Smoldered Society has released a new version of their *Illusion of Safety* DIPA, brewed with Cashmere, Sabro, and Motueka hops, plus Phantasm Powder for added flavor complexity. Available at several local spots, including The Beer Keep and Mr. Goodbar.Stay updated at BuffaloBeerLeague.com, and listen to the *WNY Brews* podcast for more insights on the WNY beer scene!

In this episode of the WNY Brews podcast, we cover a range of exciting updates and events happening in the Buffalo craft beer scene this fall. Big Ditch Brewing has extended its popular Inflation Buster Menu into the fall, offering daily specials like $0.75 wings, $10 pizzas, $5 drafts, and more. The much-anticipated CollaBEERation Festival V is set for April 5, 2025, where Buffalo Beer Geeks and over 50 WNY craft venues will team up to create exclusive small-batch brews for festival goers to enjoy. Mystic Hills Brewing will celebrate its one-year anniversary on September 7 with live music, tarot readings, and special beer releases, including their Anniversary SMASH beer and Wild Ale Lemon Lime 8 Down.Clarksburg Cider is introducing a new fall seasonal, Vanilla Spice Hard Cider, featuring warm notes of vanilla and spices, available in 12oz. cans and on draft. Western New York Beer Week returns from September 19-28, celebrating local breweries with special beer releases and events throughout the week. Allen Burger Venture is launching a new "Sip & Slider Sampler" every Monday, pairing three sliders with three craft beer samples for $25. Nickel City Brewz is hosting its first annual golf tournament on September 7 at Elma Meadows Golf Course, with proceeds benefiting the Tri-County Food Pantry. Additionally, Beer Kind Brewing is now offering their craft brews in 16oz. cans for take-home enjoyment.Reach out to Brian at Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com or Scott at Scott@WNYBrews.com. To stay updated on more local craft beer news and events, visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com.