In this installment of Bear-ly Getting Started, Jason sits down with Craig for the second entry in the “Smoky Sips” mini-series. Broadcasting from Larkinville, the duo dives deep into one of Buffalo Brewing Company’s most unique offerings: the 1976 Grodziskie, a traditional Polish smoked wheat ale affectionately known as the “Polish Champagne.”

Craig shares the story of how brewing this very style led him to meet brewer and Buffalo beer historian John Domrez, and how that connection shaped Craig’s hands-on path toward becoming a Cicerone. Together, Jason and Craig explore the Grodziskie’s origins, its subtle yet distinctive smoked wheat character, and its crisp, low-ABV drinkability that makes it an ideal “table beer.”

They break down the style’s flavor profile, the role of Polish ingredients like Lubelski hops, and why some drinkers lovingly (or not so lovingly) refer to it as the “kielbasa beer.” From pairing ideas—like grilled hot dogs, smoky cheeses, or pan-seared kielbasa—to the beer’s rich cultural history spanning centuries, the conversation highlights what makes this niche style both surprising and memorable.

As the pair wrap up beer two of the four-part series, they cleanse the palate and tease the next shift in smoked malt styles coming in the following episode.

Cheers—and get ready for another pour of smoke when you tune in next time.

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In this lively episode of The Buffalo Brews Podcast, Jason and Bri kick things off with a little technical drama as their trusty Old Reliable Zoom PodTrak P4 fills in for the temperamental P8. From there, the duo dives into a cozy, conversational recap of their autumn adventures — blending humor, storytelling, and that unmistakable Buffalo energy.

They chat about Halloween and daylight savings woes, swapping stories about mornings and early sunsets. Then it’s on to October camping tales, where the weather at Allegheny State Park refused to cooperate — rain, rain, and more rain — but the fun still flowed with Viking costumes, turkey legs, homemade mead, and even a first attempt at Viking bread.

The journey continues through Hikemania 2, exploring Genesee County Park’s haunted history, hidden graves, and birdwatching with the Merlin app, before heading to Letchworth State Park — the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Between cider donuts, Porsche sightings, and fall foliage, Jason and Bri find beauty (and beer) in every detour.

Their road trip wraps up in Rochester with an impromptu craft beer crawl — cider donut sours at K2 Brewing, autumn sunshine in Fairport, and hearty German fare at Faircraft Brauhaus (including a legendary German garbage plate).

Full of laughter, local flavor, and a few soggy hiking boots, this episode perfectly captures the Buffalo Brews spirit: great company, great beer, and great stories — rain or shine.

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Hosts Jason and Craig kick off their thirteenth series, “Smoky Sips,” exploring the world of smoked beers and their deep roots in brewing history. The inspiration for the series came from Craig’s discovery of several smoked beers in his personal collection — enough to spark an entire new theme focused on rich, smoky flavors perfect for colder weather.

The episode centers around Rauchbier (pronounced “Rauk-beer”), a traditional German smoked Märzen known as one of the most iconic and historic beer styles. Craig, drawing on his expertise as a Certified Cicerone, walks listeners through the evolution of smoked beers — from the primitive malting processes that unintentionally infused grains with smoke to the 19th-century innovations that refined roasting and kilning. Jason adds fascinating historical notes, including the fact that January 23rd is celebrated as Smoke Beer Preservation Day, honoring the long legacy of Bamberg’s Schlenkerla Brewery, the legendary home of Rauchbier.

Featuring Rauchbier from Dovetail Brewery of Chicago, IL.

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We celebrate the 50th episode of Bear-ly Getting Started and it is only appropriate that we do so with a golden stout. Also known as a white stout. After Craig tells us a bit about our feature brewery, we learn what a white or golden stout is.  We close out any series by talking about what's available at Magic Bear Beer Cellar including their award-winning trivia night. We also recognize this series as a favorite of the World Podcast Network. Featuring Guilty Remnant from Blood Brothers Brewing out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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The running and golfing season has come to an end which means fall is in full swing. Jason and Bri add new experiences to resume with a Porsche car show, as well as dinner and drinks at Bri's favorite social media stalk, Bella Ciao. A return to the Lewiston Harvest & Hops Festival and the episode closes as Bri prepares for her annual camping trip. 

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The original Belgium sour ale comes to the forefront as we learn the components of how it is made as well as learning some about the technique. Over 200 years of history in just one, great beer. If you were ever curious about glassware, Jason and Craig touch on the subject to really get you thinking. Featuring Rodenbach Classic from Brouwerij Rodenback in Roeselare, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium.

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Jason and Bri have spent the summer with many places, events and projects on the radar. It was needed to catch up so listen as they talk the Lancaster Renaissance Street Faire, music and food at the Erie County Fair, hiking around the Rochester area, and the Lewiston Jazz Festival. Now, we are in the countdown to fall and cannot wait to share more adventures.   

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When you think about unique IPAs it is time to look to the Kiwi nation for tropical and win-line flavor notes. Enjoy the discussion on the differences between New Zealand and White IPAs. Featuring Monkey Kung Fu from Griffon Brewing in Youngstown, NY. Be sure to visit one of their location to enjoy a large selection of beer.

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BGS returns for a historic season Series 12 entitled 'Noteworthy Niche'.  Craig and Jason crack open the German compendium of beers to talk kellar, kölsch, lager and ale. This episode features Heliophile from Strangebird in Rochester, NY. A brewery with a combination of great backgrounds coming together as its' brewers came from Dogfish Head and New Belgium respectively. 

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Jason and Bri sit with Bri's son and special guest, Kieran, who lives in Valdosta, Georgia. Jason flew to Georgia and drove back to Buffalo with Kieran. All in a matter of 40 hours. A discussion opens about the destruction of Valdosta by Hurricane Helene which struck as a Category 4 in September 2024. A review of CookOut Restaurant, Five Guys in Terminal C of the Atlanta airport (which serves breakfast sandwiches), and Sheetz. And we ask the question, what's in your Canadian care package? Featuring Dank Little Things and Tropical Little Things from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, CA.

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