The Best Beer I Drank This Week

This week, Brian takes us on a deep dive into what might be the most technically ambitious beer ever produced in the Southtowns. We’re talking about Peche Spon 2024, the inaugural release from the New York Beer Project (NYBP) Beer Lodge coolship program in Orchard Park. This isn't just a beer; it’s a time-intensive labor of love that brings Belgian tradition to Western New York.

• Brewery: New York Beer Project (The Beer Lodge - Orchard Park)
• Beer: Peche Spon 2024
• Style: Spontaneous American Wild Ale (Lambic-style)
• ABV: 6.45%
• Brian’s Verdict: Absolute standout of the recent Brewers Invitational. It is delicate yet incredibly complex. The locally grown peaches provide a bright, popping fruit character that balances a playful, approachable tartness. Unlike some aggressive sours, this is smooth, refreshing, and remarkably drinkable.

The production of this beer is a masterclass in "slow beer." Head Brewer John Hyman and the team utilized a coolship—a shallow, open-top vessel—to let the hot wort cool naturally overnight, inoculating the liquid with wild yeast and bacteria from the Orchard Park air.

The Journey of Peche Spon 2024:

• Brewed: October/November 2024 (via the Beer Lodge coolship).
• Aging: Spontaneously fermented and aged in Red Zinfandel wine barrels for 12 months.
• Blending: Selected barrels were blended and conditioned on 600 lbs of fresh whole peaches from Singer Orchards in Niagara County for an additional 6 months.

Because "Lambic" is a protected designation for beers brewed in the Pajottenland region of Belgium, this is technically a Spontaneous American Wild Ale, but the soul of the beer is purely Old World.

If you missed the preview at the Brewers Invitational, don't panic. While a firm date hasn't been set, the beer is currently bottle-conditioning and the team is targeting an April 2026 release. This will be a limited-run bottle project—perfect for your beer cellar—and will also make a highly anticipated return to the draft lines at the Lodge.

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Did you try Peshpon at the festival? Call and leave a review!
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This week, Brian travels to Orchard Park to visit our patriotic friends at First Line Brewing. While First Line is known for their support of first responders and the military, their latest taproom hero, I Got Your Six, stands out for both its mission and its unique hop profile.

• Brewery: First Line Brewing (Orchard Park, NY)
• Beer: I Got Your Six
• Style: West Coast IPA / American Pale Ale
• ABV: 6.0%
• Brian’s Verdict: A standout West Coast IPA (though listed as a Pale Ale on Untappd) that has evolved beautifully. Even with a little age on the current batch, it remains incredibly drinkable. The "Veterans Hop Blend" delivers bright berry and citrus notes—Brian specifically noted a strawberry-like berry flavor—finishing with a satisfying, dank hop presence on the back end.

This beer is centered around the 2025 Veterans Hop Blend from Yakima Chief Hops. This annual project is curated by veteran brewers to support military causes. The 2025 edition features a powerhouse lineup:

• Krush® (HBC 586)
• Citra®
• Idaho 7®
• HBC 1134

While Yakima Chief donates $3 per pound of hops sold to Soldiers' Angels, First Line Brewing is doubling down on the impact by donating proceeds from their version to the local Veterans One-stop Center of WNY. It’s the definition of "craft beer for a good cause."

If you're heading to Orchard Park, Brian also highly recommends the Everyday Lager. It’s a brand-new house lager designed to be a "crushable" staple for the hardworking Western New Yorker. It’s sitting at a clean 4.2% ABV and is the perfect palate cleanser after a hoppy IPA.

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This week, Brian heads to the Silos at Elk Street to discuss a beer that stopped him in his tracks. Typically known for their experimental sours and heavy-hitting hazies, BriarBrothers Brewing Company has quieted the noise with Reflections, a rice lager that might just be the pinnacle of their lager program to date.

• Brewery: BriarBrothers Brewing Company (The Silos at Elk Street)
• Beer: Reflections
• Style: Rice Lager
• ABV: 4.5%
• Brian’s Verdict: Quite possibly the best lager Dylan and Joel have ever produced. It is bright, translucent, and ultra-clean. At 4.5%, it’s dangerously drinkable—the kind of "page-turner" beer where the glass is empty before you even realize you’ve finished your first sip. Light, airy, and crisp, it’s a masterclass in the "clear beer" movement.

Rice lagers can be tricky; they often lack character or lean too far into being "just a light beer." Reflections, however, keeps a snappy, refreshing edge that makes it stand out in a city currently obsessed with technical lagers.

The context makes this one even better. Brian paired his pint with a pie from Buffalo Deep Dish, the legendary Detroit/Chicago-style pizzeria now operating right inside the Silos. The crisp, dry finish of the rice lager is the perfect structural foil to a thick, buttery deep-dish crust. If you’re a "Briar Buddy" pass holder or just a local looking for the ultimate weekend pairing, this is the current gold standard in the Old First Ward. Don't Panic if you're a die-hard IPA fan—this lager has enough character to win over even the most skeptical palates.

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This week, Brian heads down to the Old First Ward to visit the Frequentem Brewing Co. Buffalo taproom for a masterclass in lager traditionalism. While the hazy IPAs at their Louisiana Street spot are always a draw, it was the gleam of a side-pull tap and a dimple mug that stole the show this time. If you’re a fan of "clear beer" and meticulous technique, this is the pour you’ve been waiting for.

• Brewery: Frequentem Brewing Co. (Buffalo Taproom - Old First Ward)
• Beer: German Pilsner (Mandarina Bavaria Edition)
• Style: German Pilsner
• Brian’s Verdict: Utterly approachable and visually stunning. Poured via a traditional European Lukr side-pull tap into a dimple mug, this beer delivers a beautiful head and exceptional clarity. It’s light, featuring standout notes of bread crust and soft malt without being overly dry. A true "must-try" for lager enthusiasts.

Frequentem (originally out of Canandaigua) has made a massive splash in the Buffalo scene since opening in the Barcalo Building. They are leaning hard into their horizontal lager tank program, and the results are crisp, clean, and technically sound.

This specific iteration uses Mandarina Bavaria hops, which provide a delicate citrus backbone to the traditional bready pilsner profile. Beyond the recipe, the presentation matters. The side-pull pour creates a denser, creamier head and a smoother mouthfeel that changes the entire drinking experience. As Brian notes, the Renaissance of the side-pull in the Old First Ward is in full swing—Don't Panic if you're used to standard taps; one sip of this "wet foam" finish and you'll be a convert.

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Tell us about the best beer you drank this week!
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After a short hiatus, Brian is back to recap one of the premier events on the Western New York craft calendar: the 2026 Brewer’s Invitational. Hosted at the stunning New York Beer Project Beer Lodge in Orchard Park, this year’s festival spread across three themed rooms, offering a masterclass in local brewing talent. Brian walks us through the standout pours, the award winners, and why the Beer Lodge is the perfect gauntlet for a world-class beer fest.

While Brian sampled his way through the entire venue, these were the absolute standouts from the Invitational:

• Brewery: New York Beer Project (Orchard Park/Lockport)
• Beer: Neverland Pills
• Style: New Zealand Pilsner
• Verdict: Phenomenal. Bready and toasted with that signature tropical/citrus hop note from the NZ hops. A "super secret" side-pull pour in the brewhouse solidified this as a top-tier choice.
• Brewery: Brickyard Brewing Company (Lewiston)
• Beer: Adamant
• Style: Barrel-Aged Adambier
• Verdict: A rare, historical treat. Complex and expertly executed by Rudy Watkins; a must-try for fans of deep, traditional styles.
• Brewery: New York Beer Project
• Beer: Spawn 2024
• Style: Coolship Wild Ale (Peach)
• Verdict: The most anticipated pour of the day. Delicate, tart, and effervescent with a light peach finish. Worth the year-and-a-half wait since brew day.
• Brewery: First Line Brewing (Orchard Park)
• Beer: Goose Juice
• Style: New England IPA
• Verdict: One of the best hazies from First Line to date, featuring the latest Veterans Blend hops.

The Brewer’s Invitational isn't just another festival; it’s a showcase of technical skill. This year highlighted the rise of Cannon’s Backwoods Brew from Little Valley, who took home the Winners Cup for their blueberry Mexican Lager, Caught the Blues. Additionally, Briar Brothers Brewing earned the Spirit of Imagination Award for their vibrant and inventive Punch Bowl Charmed.

The move to the Beer Lodge has proven successful, providing a professional, spacious, and "built-for-beer" atmosphere that captures the best of the Buffalo scene. If you're tracking the growth of Southtowns brewing, this event is the definitive pulse check. Don't Panic if you missed it—Brian has the full breakdown of what you need to hunt down in cans and at the taprooms this spring.

• Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com
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We are back in the cut for Season 3! To kick things off, Brian Campbell dives into a full recap of one of the highlights of the Western New York beer calendar: Barrel Jam 2026.

Despite a brutal cold snap with highs of only 7°F, the Buffalo Beer League crew (Brian, Scott, Jesse, and Mark) trekked out to East Aurora to celebrate the sixth annual barrel-aged festival at 42 North Brewing Company. From high-gravity stouts to crisp cellar-aged lagers, Brian breaks down the standouts that survived the sub-zero temperatures.

• Station Identification: Brian sips on a fresh pint of Smolder Society’s "Strike Anywhere Into the Dark" (the Czech Dark version of their flagship Pilsner).
• The Pivot: How 42 North adapted when the "Rail Jam" and outdoor beer garden were sidelined by the weather.
• The Standouts: Deep dives into the lineups from Drowned Lands, Eli Fish, and Strange Bird.
• The Lone Ranger: A shout-out to the only IPA at the fest—Prison City’s DDH Mass Riot.

• Drowned Lands – Sylvan: A bourbon barrel-aged Sour Wild Ale aged on Raspberry. Clean fruit and perfect pucker.
• Strange Bird – Cathedral Windows: A 5.4% Barrel-aged Lager. The ultimate palate cleanser with great neutral oak notes.
• Eli Fish – Madame Edna (Peach): A farmhouse saison aged in barrels with peaches. Brian’s pick for the absolute best of the festival.
• Prison City – Earth, Wind, and Fodder: A standout foeder-aged lager that proves you don't need a high ABV to be world-class.
• Jack’s Abby – Framing Hammer (Coconut Rum): A heavy hitter that helped brave the 7-degree weather.

What is the best beer YOU drank this week? We want to hear from you! Call us, leave a message, and you might be featured on a future episode.

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This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian heads back to the silos on Elk Street to revisit a brewery that has delivered hit after hit: Briar Brothers Brewing Company. It’s been too long since a Briar beer made it onto the show, so we’re fixing that today with their New England IPA Desk Pop — a soft, creamy, citrus-loaded hazy inspired by The Other Guys (yes, “aim for the bushes” makes an appearance).

Brian talks about first grabbing a mixed four-pack during a recent brewery stop, how fast this one disappeared, and why he wishes he’d bought more. If you’re a hazy IPA fan or a Briar Brothers regular, this one should be on your radar.

Desk Pop – New England IPA

Briar Brothers Brewing Company

ABV: 7.5%

Hops: Simcoe, El Dorado, Mosaic, Citra

Flavors:

• Honeydew and cantaloupe
• Dried tangerine
• Soft, pillowy mouthfeel
• Smooth tropical fruit and citrus layered over expressive hop character

What Brian Thought:

A standout hazy from a brewery that rarely misses. Rich, creamy, extremely smooth finish, and a balance of hop expression + fruit flavors that pops (pun fully intended).

Draft + cans at Briar Brothers Brewing Company (check for current availability — it goes fast).

Located at The Silos at Elk Street, Buffalo.

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Thanks for hanging out for another episode! New beers and new episodes drop every Tuesday on The Best Beer I Drank This Week. Next week’s beer is already on Brian’s shortlist — see you then.

Cheers!

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This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian spotlights a beautifully simple, elegant lager: Traditional, a Czech Pilsner from Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen. It’s the kind of pour that looks perfect in a dimpled mug with two fingers of foam—and tastes even better with Belt Line’s 716 Medium wings (a pairing you’ll hear more about in Brian’s upcoming taproom pairings piece).

He first revisited it on a birthday brewery bus stop and has since gone back for multiple rounds. Expect a crisp, classic profile with just enough bready snap to keep you coming back.

Traditional – Czech/Bohemian Pilsner

Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen — ABV: 4.8%

• Light, crisp, highly drinkable
• Cracker malt, light bread crust/toast point
• Clean, slightly dry finish; elegant foam in a dimpled mug
• Draft at the brewery (check for current availability)

On draft at Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen. If/when cans appear, Brian’s grabbing them—so should you.

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In this special episode, Brian recaps Bottles & Bites at Statler Buffalo (Nov 13). He, Jesse, and Scott hit GA this year—easy entry, stellar venue, and a strong mix of food, beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Pre-game was at Southern Tier Buffalo (Mediterranean Burger + Ghost Note IPL = clutch).

Beer stops & standouts:

• Mystic Hills & Schulz Bräu to start
• Hofbräuhaus Munich Oktoberfest (most-poured of the night)
• Big Ditch Kringle Juice IPA (keg kicked—drinking great)
• Resurgence Holiday Ale & Sipmo as the roaming pour

Food bites (from memory… because they went fast):

• Chef’s stuffed shells; meatballs
• Beef on weck; open-face Reubens
• Hofbräuhaus pretzels with beer cheese (until the cheese ran out)
• Hanson's sausage
• A surprise drunken pineapple upside-down cornbread that slapped

Venue vibes:

Statler remains an all-timer—opulent main hall, helpful mezzanine seating, live music, satellite bars. (Also wild personal note: same room as Brian’s high-school prom.)

• For a 2.5-hour GA window (6–8:30pm), several food vendors began packing up 8:10–8:15; by 8:30 many were gone. That’s tough for attendees.
• More visible rinse/water stations would help, especially with beer → cocktails → wine hopping.

• Consider VIP if you want the widest food selection before lines/stock dip.
• Hit beer first, then food—then loop back for a dessert splash.
• If Statler opens the mezzanine, grab a perch early.

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Thanks to everyone who said hi and to the folks who came because of Brian’s recs—means the world. Back next Tuesday with a beer-focused episode. Cheers!

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In this week’s episode of The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League spotlights a true Western New York classic: Premium Pilsner from Resurgence Brewing Company.

This 5% Czech-style pilsner has become a staple pour around Buffalo, whether in cans, on draft, or—when you're lucky—on side-pull at places like Nickel City Cigars. Brian breaks down why this lager works in every format, what makes it different from Bridge Pils, and why he keeps going back to it.

He also shares a few recent places he’s enjoyed it (including a fantasy-football beer prize) and explains why this may be the most consistently crushable lager in Resurgence’s lineup.

Premium Pilsner – Resurgence Brewing Company

Style: Czech-Style Pilsner

ABV: 5%

Brewed with hand-selected Saaz hops and a triple-decoction mash for fuller mouthfeel and head retention. Floral, earthy, crisp, clean, and endlessly drinkable.

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