The Best Beer I Drank This Week

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.

• Brewery: Wayland Brewing Company (Orchard Park, NY)
• Beer: House Lager
• Style: American Light Lager
• ABV: 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".

Before 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.

House 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.

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and leave a voicemail with your favorite local lager!
• Email: [email protected]
• Socials: @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!

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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.

• Brewery: 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.

It 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.

If 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.

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• Website: 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!
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• Email: [email protected]
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• Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
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• Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we unpack past episodes from our 75+ episode archive.

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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.

• Brewery: Other Half Brewing Co. (Buffalo, NY)
• Beer: Egg Cream Milk Stout
• Style: Milk Stout
• ABV: 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.

When 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.

While 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.

• Website: 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]
• Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
• Dedicated Podcast IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — We are marching toward 100 episodes! Follow along as we upload the archives.

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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.

• Brewery: BriarBrothers Brewing Company (The Silos at Elk Street)
• Beer: Crazy Child
• Style: Vienna Lager
• ABV: 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.

BriarBrothers 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." ---

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and leave us your review of Crazy Child!
• Email: [email protected]
• Main 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!

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This 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.

• Brewery: Big Ditch Brewing Company (Buffalo & Lockport, NY)
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• Beer: Hayburner
• Style: American IPA
• ABV: 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.

Brian 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.

If 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.

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in and tell us your favorite "flagship" Buffalo beer!
• Email: [email protected]
• Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
• Podcast: New episodes of The Best Beer I Drank This Week drop every Tuesday!

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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.

• Brewery: Spotted Octopus Brewing (Buffalo, NY) & Brazen Brewing (Lancaster, NY)
• Beer: Billy’s Smoking Jacket
• Style: 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.

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.

Smoked 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."

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and tell us: Are you Team Smoke or does it taste like a campfire?
• Email: [email protected]
• Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
• Recap: Check out our other special episode this week recapping the CollaBEERation 6 festival!

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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 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 Reckoning
• Style: Banana Root Beer Seltzer
• Brian’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)

• The "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.

A 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).

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 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).

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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.

• Brewery: Smoldered Society Beer Co. (Brewed at Chandler Street Breweries)
• Beer: Strike Anywhere: Into the Dark
• Style: 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.

Czech 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.

Good 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.

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call us and let us know what you're drinking this week!
• Email: [email protected]
• Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
• Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to support the pod!

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This week, Brian keeps it classic with a trip to the New York Beer Project (NYBP) Beer Lodge in Orchard Park. While the craft world often chases the next big trend, sometimes the "best beer" is the one that reminds you why the basics matter. Brian caught up with Head Brewer John Hyman to sample the return of a fan favorite: Goddess Kolsch.

• Brewery: New York Beer Project (The Beer Lodge - Orchard Park)
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• Beer: Goddess Kolsch
• Style: Kolsch
• ABV: 5.0%
• Brian’s Verdict: Supremely drinkable and "dry as a bone." It pours a beautiful pale straw yellow and hits you with clean notes of doughy malt and biscuit. Brian noted a distinct bread crust/toasted bread character that makes it incredibly refreshing. At 5%, it’s the ultimate thirst-quencher for those who appreciate a technically sound, light-bodied ale.

Brian’s visit was perfectly timed—he was killing time at Quaker Crossing before heading to the Regal to catch the newly released The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with the family.

While at the bar, Brian pointed out that Goddess Kolsch is the perfect "gateway beer" for macro-lager drinkers. If you’re someone who usually reaches for a Beer Project Light, the Goddess Kolsch offers a slightly more complex, biscuity profile without being overwhelming. It’s a rare style to find executed this well locally, proving that NYBP can handle delicate traditional styles just as well as their heavy hitters.

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and tell us: Kolsch or Lager, what's your go-to "crispy boy"?
• Email: [email protected]
• Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
• Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to keep the podcast train rolling!

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Welcome to another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week. I’m your host, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League, and let’s be honest—I’m basically floating on air right now. Not just because of the beer, but because the Buffalo Sabres are officially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 14 years. It’s finally happened.

Naturally, I had to celebrate with a trip to Other Half Buffalo at Seneca One Tower to snag their latest Sabres-themed masterpiece.

• Brewery: Other Half Brewing Co. (Buffalo, NY)
• Beer: Swords on Swords
• Style: Hazy IPA (New England Style)
• ABV: 6.5%
• Brian’s Verdict: This is "scary good"—literally. A "fabulous haze" that is pillowy soft and creamy. It perfectly balances sweet citrus juice and watermelon candy with a sophisticated hint of orange pith and bitter rind on the finish. At 6.5%, it’s dangerously drinkable and hits that perfect ABV wheelhouse.

Other Half has outdone themselves with the hop bill on this one. It features Citra, Motueka, Krush® Cryo, Enigma, and the elusive Anchovy hops. The result is a profile that ranges from tropical lychee to tart red berries.

But the real story here is the timing. As the Sabres clinch the Atlantic Division and prepare to face the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference First Round, this is the beer of the postseason. Whether you're lucky enough to have tickets to Game 1 at KeyBank Center or you're watching from your couch, Swords on Swords is the mandatory pairing for the return of playoff hockey to Buffalo.

Don't miss out on upcoming local events as we head into peak beer season:

• Collaboration 6: April 25th
• Rhythm and Brews: May 8th at Kleinhans Music Hall

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call and tell me your Sabres playoff predictions!
• Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
• Support: Use BuffaloBeerLeague.com/Amazon to help us keep the podcast running.

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