WNY Brews

This week on WNY Brews, we’re celebrating local wins and previewing a packed summer of beer news and events. First off, congrats to the Buffalo Spree Best of WNY 2025 winners—Big Ditch took Best Local Brewery, Britesmith Brewing won for Casual Dinner (Northtowns), and Johnson’s Landing tied for Best Restaurant Patio.

In expansion news, Steelbound Brewery is heading to Niagara Falls in 2026, opening a brewpub and distillery at the Sheraton. Meanwhile in Hamburg, The Meading Room is throwing a mead and BBQ bash on August 2 to celebrate their first anniversary (which also happens to be National Mead Day).

Resurgence Brewing is keeping busy—they’re hosting a Beer Olympics on August 2 at Canalside (think beer pong and water balloon toss), and they’re throwing a Bills beer release party on July 31 for BUF IPA and Circle the Wagons. Come in Bills gear and get a buck off drafts.

42 North Brewing just launched their limited edition Borderland Festival IPA cans with artwork by Ryan Besch—find them at local stores and taprooms ahead of the fest in September.

And a big shoutout to Buffalo Brewing Company, who hit their GoFundMe goal to replace the glycol chiller that was vandalized and stolen. Huge community effort to keep them brewing strong.

You can find more beer news and updates at BuffaloBeerLeague.com. Got a story or event? Reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

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This week on WNY Brews, we’re covering a wide range of beer events and releases happening across Western New York. First up, the Seneca Beer & Wine Festival is happening July 26–27 outside Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, with dozens of brewers, local wines, food trucks, live music, and more. Then in October, the Tap & Craft Festival is moving to Buffalo Riverworks, where more than 30 craft beverage producers will be pouring.

Ellicottville Brewing just dropped a non-alcoholic version of their Blueberry Wheat (skip the booze, not the flavor), and Belt Line is running a wings and beers weekend July 11–13, featuring a 10-wing flight and four beer pours for $25. Clarksburg Cider is having a parking lot sale July 18 (BOGO 4-packs and cases), and they’ve also just released a Lemongrass Rosé Cider for summer.

Mr. Goodbar is celebrating being halfway to Cask Fest with a mini cask festival on July 19 featuring Brickyard, Wayland, Pressure Drop and more. And don’t forget, the WNY Brewers Guild’s annual charity golf tournament is coming up on August 25 at Chestnut Hill—sign up to golf with local brewers, enjoy beer and food on the course, and support local charities.

As always, you can find more beer news at BuffaloBeerLeague.com. Got something to share? Reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

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On this week’s episode of WNY Brews, Scott flies solo to tell you about the return of Bricks & Brews at the Martin House on July 11 with 25+ breweries, food trucks, and live music. There’s also Southern Tier’s Summerfest is happening July 12th in Lakewood with beer, grilled food, yard games, and live music.

We’ll also cover the free Canalside shuttle, running Wednesday through Sunday with stops at breweries like Hofbrauhaus, Resurgence, Pearl Street, and Other Half. Speaking of flights, the 2025 Buffalo Flight Tour is on sale now—$45 gets you flight vouchers for seven local breweries and bars.

Other Half Brewing just dropped a new flagship beer called Snaps—a floral, citrusy, easy-drinking lager brewed with German malt and hops from New Zealand and Germany. And Beer Kind Brewing in Tonawanda is celebrating their first anniversary on July 12 with BBQ, live music, and a few gluten-reduced beers on the self-pour wall.

As always, you can find all of these stories and more at BuffaloBeerLeague.com. Got beer news to share? Reach out to Brian at [email protected] or me at [email protected].

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This week on a special Friday the 13th episode of the Buffalo Beer Buzz, Scott flies solo and does his best to do Brian's stories justice: Southern Tier’s bringing the 2X energy with their 2X Jam on June 14 at their Buffalo taproom. It’s a full day of 2X-infused food, $1 off all 2X beers, live music, local vendors, games, prizes, and limited-edition shirts (and it’s totally free to attend). Also on June 14, New York Beer Project’s Orchard Park Beer Lodge is turning one! They’re throwing a party all day with beer, food, and good vibes in all their cozy spaces. Over in Lancaster, Lilly Belle Meads and Til Brewing are offering growler specials (32oz and 64oz fills of mead or beer, but you gotta bring your own growler). Mortalis Brewing Buffalo is going full spooky for Friday the 13th, with horror movies, candy, themed flights, and new beer drops like DemiHydra and Persephone DIPA (spooky attire encouraged). Then on June 18, Wines in the Wild returns to the Buffalo Zoo with a ton of local breweries, cideries, and meaderies, plus food, live music, and animal cameos (all to support the zoo’s mission). And finally, Flying Bison is turning 25! They’re celebrating June 21 with throwback beers, special barrel-aged vintages, live music from Tom Stahl, and tons of gratitude to Buffalo for all the years of support.

If you’ve got beer news, events, or releases to share, hit us up! You can email [email protected] or [email protected], find us online at buffalobeerleague.com, or call us at (716) 486-BEER.

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Wayland Brewing Now Offering Flights

Wayland Brewing has introduced beer flights—four 4oz pours for $11. It’s a great way to explore their lineup, including their newest lagers. La Biere, a collab with Moriarty Meats, is brewed with French malt and Strisselspalt hops, offering floral and citrus aromas with a crisp, bready finish. Analog, a Czech Pilsner, is also now available in cans, on draft, and on side-pull at the taproom. Both are light, clean, and perfect for summer.

Hofbrauhaus to Tap Hopfenweizen for June

On June 5, Hofbrauhaus Buffalo will tap their seasonal Hopfenweizen. This 6.5% hazy wheat beer features a thick white head and notes of orange and pineapple, balanced by a clean, bitter finish. It’s brewed with Citra, El Dorado, and Simcoe hops, along with their traditional hefeweizen yeast. The Buffalo Beer League will be on hand for the ceremonial barrel tapping and parade. For that night only, Stein Club memberships will be $149. Reserve at www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

Wine, Wags & Brews Fundraiser – June 11

The SPCA Serving Erie County is hosting Wine, Wags & Brews on June 11 (5–8pm) at 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca. This pet-friendly event will include beer, cider, food trucks, bakeries, raffles, and pet-themed vendors. GA tickets are $45, VIP $75 (includes early entry and appetizers), and DD tickets are $25. All proceeds benefit the SPCA. 21+ to attend. Dogs welcome—but not required.

Golden Snowball Sendoff at Buffalo Brewing – June 7

Buffalo Brewing Company is sending off the Golden Snowball on June 7 (2:30pm), as it returns to Syracuse after their snowfall victory. Mayor Ben Walsh will accept the award from Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski. To commemorate, pints of Golden Snowbeer—a Cascade dry-hopped cream ale brewed with local ingredients and WNY snow—will be just $5 from 1–4pm. This is your last chance to get it; it won’t be brewed again.

PakTek Recycling at Buffalo Brewing

Got a pile of plastic can carriers? Buffalo Brewing Company has a bin in their taproom for collecting PakTech holders, which they sort, clean, and reuse—or return for proper recycling. Since these holders aren’t curbside recyclable, this program helps keep plastic out of landfills and oceans. According to PakTech, efforts like this have diverted over 80 million pounds of plastic since 2012.

Waldfest Returns – July 20

Waldfest: Festival in the Woods returns July 20 (12–7pm) at Spring Garden Park in East Aurora. Celebrate German heritage with authentic beer, food, and music from the German American Musicians and the Polka Boyz. Tickets are $15 in advance or $30 at the gate. This is a rain-or-shine event with free parking. More info and tickets at SpringGarden.com

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Cheers to 10 years! In this episode of WNY Brews, Scott and Brian sit down with Matt Kahn from Big Ditch Brewing Company to celebrate a full decade of brewing greatness. From the Lockport-exclusive Escarpment Pilsner to the fan-favorite Hayburner and the game-changing non-alcoholic "NA Burner," we cover it all — including the logistics and beer lineup for their massive anniversary bash.

Hear how Big Ditch brewed over 500 unique beers, the secrets behind their NA lineup, and what it takes to stay innovative in today’s crowded craft scene. Plus, Matt reflects on Big Ditch’s legacy, Buffalo’s evolving beer culture, and what the future might hold (spoiler: fewer golden shovels, more fresh hops).

Featuring stories from the past, insider info on upcoming releases, and more beer nerdery than you can fit in a flight paddle. Whether you're a seasoned hop head or just Big Ditch curious — this episode’s for you.

To see this episode on Youtube, Check out Youtube.com/WNYBrews

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