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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: [email protected] 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we approach Episode 100! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]: @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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]: @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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Brian heads back down to Orchard Park to spotlight a powerhouse local collaboration. When First Line Brewing links up with the lager specialists at Britesmith Brewing, you know you're getting something clean, technical, and hop-forward. Enter Southern Drift, a dry-hopped New Zealand lager that brings big Southern Hemisphere flavor to a crushable 4.8% ABV profile. The Featured PourBrewery: First Line Brewing (Orchard Park, NY) & Britesmith Brewing (Williamsville/Buffalo, NY)Beer: Southern DriftStyle: New Zealand Lager (Dry-Hopped)ABV: 4.8%Brian’s Verdict: A bright, crisp, and beautifully expressive lager. Driven by a standout dry-hop charge of Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron, it delivers bold, punchy aromatics of white wine grape, passion fruit, and stone fruit without sacrificing any lager drinkability. Sitting at a lean 4.8%, it finishes clean, snappy, and endlessly refreshing.New Zealand-hopped lagers continue to be one of the most exciting intersections in modern craft brewing—marrying the crisp, clean discipline of traditional lager fermentation with the vibrant, tropical complexity of Southern Hemisphere hops. First Line and Britesmith dialed in this recipe to let the hops shine while keeping the malt backbone lean and unobtrusive. With Nelson Sauvin providing its signature gooseberry and vinous notes and Nectaron layering in luscious peach and citrus, Southern Drift is an essential summer pour for both hop heads and lager purists alike. Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and tell us the best beer you drank this week!Email: [email protected]: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we catalog the archives and look for upcoming video episodes on the WNY Brews YouTube channel! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]: @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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we unpack past episodes from our 75+ episode archive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Brian stands inside Other Half Buffalo at Seneca One Tower, looks at a tap list dominated by 20 hazy IPAs and three fruited sours, and orders... a milk stout. Reaching past the hops, Brian treats himself to Egg Cream Milk Stout that trades the tropical fruit notes for a nostalgic trip down a New York City soda fountain lane. The Featured PourBrewery: Other Half Brewing Co. (Buffalo, NY)Beer: Egg Cream Milk StoutStyle: Milk StoutABV: 6.0%Brian’s Verdict: An absolute breakout hit amidst a sea of haze. Pours with big, decadent aromas of milk chocolate, sugar, and vanilla. Despite the rich scent, it remains incredibly light-bodied and smooth rather than cloyingly sugary. It lands right up front with massive notes of chocolate syrup, vanilla, and coffee with cream, finishing with a delicate hint of roasted malt in the background. Highly approachable and dangerously drinkable.Diner Lore & Taproom ConfusionWhen Brian asked the bartender at Seneca One Tower what exactly an "egg cream" was, the bartender guessed it tasted like a Cadbury Cream Egg. Close, but no cigar! As Brian cleared up after doing some homework, a classic New York City egg cream is a historic soda fountain staple popularized in Jewish immigrant communities in the late 19th century. Made from seltzer, milk, and chocolate syrup, the drink famously contains neither eggs nor cream. Other Half and Junior's captured that frothy, nostalgic magic perfectly by infusing this 6.0% stout with real cocoa nibs and vanilla bean. Where to Find ItWhile the taproom board is heavily stacked with IPAs (including a stellar recent collaboration with Prison City), this sweet lone soldier is a must-try. It should still be flowing on draft at the Buffalo taproom, and Brian notes that you can likely still order cans shipped directly to your door through Other Half's website. Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.com — Look for the email sign-up on the right rail to join our forthcoming weekly newsletter!Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Have you ever had a real NYC egg cream? Call the line and tell us how the beer compares!Email: [email protected]: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Dedicated Podcast IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — We are marching toward 100 episodes! Follow along as we upload the archives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another small hiatus where real life got in the way, Brian is back inside the shadow of the historic Buffalo silos to shake off the rust. This week, he is returning to BriarBrothers Brewing Company at 50 Elk Street to spotlight a brand-new release that has the local lager crowd talking: Crazy Child Vienna Lager. The Featured PourBrewery: BriarBrothers Brewing Company (The Silos at Elk Street)Beer: Crazy ChildStyle: Vienna LagerABV: 5.2%Brian’s Verdict: A brilliant execution of a classic style. Right in the 5.2% ABV wheelhouse, it pours a vibrant copper with a bright, billowy foam head. It is light-bodied, crisp, and exceptionally refreshing, delivering clean notes of toasted bread, chocolate malt, and a subtle kiss of vanilla, caramel, and molasses. It is a true "one-more-sip" kind of pint.Why It MattersBriarBrothers continues to prove that they are absolute masters of the "clear beer" movement. Following up on the massive success of their Reflections rice lager, Crazy Child was brought to life because the crew wanted a traditional style they could just sit back and slowly enjoy. The Story Behind the Mix-Pack: Brian actually stumbled onto this beer by accident. While at the taproom building a custom mix-pack, the staff let him know that pushing his order to an even eight cans unlocked a sweet discount. Looking to round things out alongside some Warpath Lager, he grabbed a single can of Crazy Child on a whim because his buddy Jesse—the ultimate BriarBrothers disciple—had been raving about it. Brian's only regret? He didn't buy a whole case. Oh, and if the Untapped description sounds like a lyrical riddle ("Where's the fire? What's the hurry about... you can get exactly what you want..."), Brian confesses he missed the reference at first, but it's a clever nod to Billy Joel’s classic track, "Vienna." --- Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and leave us your review of Crazy Child!Email: [email protected] Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)NEW Podcast Instagram: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Give the new page a follow as Brian back-catalogs the first 75+ episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Warm Blanket of Buffalo Beer: Big Ditch HayburnerThis week, Brian slows down to pay tribute to a true "Mount Rushmore" beer of the Western New York craft scene. While the quest for the newest, haziest, or rarest brew never ends, sometimes the best beer you drank is the one that’s been a reliable friend for years. We’re talking about the flagship of Big Ditch Brewing Company: Hayburner. The Featured PourBrewery: Big Ditch Brewing Company (Buffalo & Lockport, NY) Beer: HayburnerStyle: American IPAABV: 7.2%Brian’s Verdict: A luscious, citrusy classic that remains as consistent today as it was years ago. It’s packed with notes of orange, melon, and grapefruit, balanced by a soft malt base and a firm, earthy bitterness on the finish. It’s "Buffalo’s IPA" for a reason—it’s the warm blanket of local beer.Why It MattersBrian chose Hayburner this week because of a simple, memorable night putting together furniture with his wife. Amidst the chaos of sleeper sofas and ottoman assembly, he cracked open a Burner Relief Kit—a budget-friendly four-pack featuring two cans of Hayburner and two cans of Dayburner for just $8.99. The "Same Beer Twice" Philosophy: As a wise man once told Brian, "It doesn’t hurt to drink the same beer twice." In a world where we are constantly "chasing the new," we often overlook the flagships that built the scene. Hayburner is the beer you can find everywhere—from the high-end taprooms to your neighborhood dive bar—and it never fails to deliver. It’s a testament to the technical skill of Matt Kahn, Corey Catalano, and the entire Big Ditch team. Deep Dive into the ArchivesIf you want to know everything there is to know about this beer, check out the WNY Brews archives. Brian and Scott hosted a "Deep Dive" episode with Matt and Corey specifically about Hayburner. It covers everything from the Idaho 7 and Falconer’s Flight hop profile to the history of how this beer became a Buffalo staple. Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in and tell us your favorite "flagship" Buffalo beer!Email: [email protected]: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Podcast: New episodes of The Best Beer I Drank This Week drop every Tuesday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Brian visited a downtown Buffalo favorite for a milestone celebration and walked away with a new appreciation for a often-divisive style. We’re talking about Billy’s Smoking Jacket, a collaboration between Spotted Octopus Brewing and Brazen Brewing. The Featured PourBrewery: Spotted Octopus Brewing (Buffalo, NY) & Brazen Brewing (Lancaster, NY)Beer: Billy’s Smoking JacketStyle: Smoked Spring Bock (Maibock)ABV: 6.2%Brian’s Verdict: This beer is proof that "sessionable smoke" isn't a myth. It’s light, smooth, and incredibly approachable. While many smoked beers (Rauchbiers) can feel like drinking liquid campfire, this one uses smoked malt as a subtle undertone that props up the doughy, crisp notes of the Maibock base. It’s the perfect "patio furniture" beer for a Buffalo spring.Happy 4th Anniversary, Spotted Octopus!Brian stopped in during the 4th Anniversary bash for Dom, Ken, and the crew. If you haven't been to their spot on Edward Street (right near the corner of Franklin and Allen), you’re missing out on one of the most creative taplists in the city. Pro Tip: Brian heard from the staff that Billy’s Smoking Jacket is moving fast. If you want to try this unique collab, get down to the Spotted Octopus taproom sooner rather than later. While you're there, Brian also recommends: Call the Kraken: Their flagship 6.9% Hazy IPA.Creations: A crisp, 4.8% Czech-style Amber Lager.The Smoke DebateSmoked beers are notoriously polarizing—brewers like Rudy Watkins (now at Brickyard) have often noted they’d brew more if the public bought them more consistently! Brian challenges you to give this one a shot even if you’re a "smoke skeptic." Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and tell us: Are you Team Smoke or does it taste like a campfire?Email: [email protected]: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Recap: Check out our other special episode this week recapping the CollaBEERation 6 festival! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Brian isn't just picking one beer—he’s recapping the entire CollaBEERation 6 experience. This past Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Buffalo beer community descended upon The Powerhouse in Larkinville for the ultimate showcase of Western New York’s creative brewing spirit. The Champions & Fan FavoritesThe competition was fierce this year, with nearly 40 collaborative brews vying for the coveted Buffalo Beer Geeks Championship Belt. 1st Place (The Winner): Eli Fish Brewing – Diddy Kong: The ReckoningStyle: Banana Root Beer SeltzerBrian’s Take: This blew the roof off the place. It’s root beer forward with a smooth banana finish that tastes exactly like those old-school root beer barrel hard candies. A rare win for a non-beer/non-sour!2nd Place: Quentin (Collaboration beer)3rd Place (Tie):BriarBrothers Brewing – Bananas Among Us (Banana Maple Nut Brown Ale) Mountain Roads Brewing – Double Jump Juice (Double Dry Hopped IPA)Brian’s Highlight ReelThe "Throwback" Play: Pod City Beer Labs (Pizza Plant) set up a full water-pong table for their Beer Pong Pils. In a sea of wild adjuncts, this "beer that tastes like beer" was the perfect refreshing palate cleanser. Brian admits to going back 7 or 8 times before the keg finally kicked!The Sabres Spark: BriarBrothers tapped Warpath Lager, their new Sabres-themed brew. Brian credits this beer for the Sabres' massive 6-1 win over the Bruins in Game 4 of the playoffs the very next day.Most Visually Stunning: New York Beer Project brought back the "glitter beer" with Rainbow Road Gummy Glitter, a pineapple blonde ale that looked incredible under the Powerhouse’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The Cask Comeback: Hamburg Brewing & Flying Bison teamed up for a re-brew of the legendary Brindle Porter. Seeing a cask at a festival always warms Brian's heart, and the version aged on rum chips and coconut was a standout.Special Shout-outsA huge thank you to the organizers: Paul Marco, Joe Yeager, and Eric Coleman (Beer by Coleman). The VIP section was the best it’s ever been, featuring incredible guest pours like Human Robot’s 666 (a West Coast Pilsner collab with Widowmaker). Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call us with your favorite collab from the fest!Watch: Look for full video recaps and interviews on the WNY Brews YouTube channel soon.Bonus Episode: Don't miss this week's other episode featuring Spotted Octopus – Billy’s Smoking Jacket (Smoked Maibock). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Brian digs into the back of the fridge and pulls out a "banger" from our friends at Smoldered Society Beer Company. If you’ve been following the Buffalo Beer League, you know Brian is a massive advocate for the "clear beer" movement, but this week, he’s embracing the shadows with Strike Anywhere: Into the Dark. The Featured PourBrewery: Smoldered Society Beer Co. (Brewed at Chandler Street Breweries)Beer: Strike Anywhere: Into the DarkStyle: Czech Dark Lager (Tmavé Pivo)ABV: 4.2%Brian’s Verdict: Quite possibly Brian's favorite beer style right now. This is the "dark side" version of their flagship Czech Pilsner. Despite its deep color, it is incredibly light, smooth, and sessionable. Expect a beautifully balanced profile of de-bittered roasted malt, subtle cocoa, and light coffee notes—all without the "heavy" feeling people often associate with dark beer.Why It MattersCzech Dark Lagers are having a major moment in the Buffalo craft scene, and Smoldered Society is leading the charge. This beer is brewed with a signature Czech yeast blend from Omega Yeast Labs and a hop bill of Saaz, Triumph, Magnum, and Kazbek. The result is a beer that bridges the gap between a crisp pilsner and a rich malt forward ale. As Brian noted, it’s a "misnomer" that dark color equals heavy body. This beer drinks as easy as its golden counterpart, but with a complex roasted depth that makes it perfect for a "side-by-side" comparison. Where to Find ItGood news for the Smoldered Society faithful: the days of hunting for these cans are over. You can now get a steady supply of Smoldered Society at the newly renovated Chandler Street Breweries in Black Rock. The Full Experience: Head down to Chandler Street for a side-pull pour served in a traditional dimpled mug.To-Go: Grab 4-packs of Into the Dark (and the original Strike Anywhere) directly from the retail program at the taproom.Connect With The LeagueWebsite: BuffaloBeerLeague.comHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call us and let us know what you're drinking this week!Email: [email protected]: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to support the pod! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.