Each week we round up the best and biggest Buffalo beer news, releases, and events happening in Buffalo and Western New York. Here’s what’s trending:
Want to share your Buffalo/WNY beer news with us? Email buffalobeerleague@aol.com!
1. Southern Tier to Re-Release Throwback Beers for One Night Only
Don’t Call It A Comeback, because for one night only, on April 29 (12pm), at Southern Tier Brewing’s homebase of the Empty Pint in Lakewood, the brewery is resurrecting a number of defunct beers from their catalog, including Porter, Lake Shore Fog, Samoa, Eurotrash Pilz, 422, Mild, Raspberry Wheat, and PMX. All of these beers will be available on draft for a limited time. There will also be live music and $10 retro flight specials for the night.
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2. May the Fourth Be With You at 12 Gates Brewing
Calling all Star Wars fans – 12 Gates Brewing’s annual celebration of a galaxy far, far away returns on May 4 (4pm). This year, the brewery will re-release their Flo-Mingo fruited sour (on draft and in cans), along with other Lightsaber-inspired small batch releases, including a blueberry lager and a pink lemonade seltzer. Wear your favorite Star Wars costumes and outfits – there will be a costume contest with gift certificate prizes (1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50), $5 pints all night and no cover. The event is free and open to the public.
3. Hofbräuhaus Buffalo to Tap Sommerzwickel
Hofbräuhaus is set to release their new Sommerzwickel on May 4 and are calling in the Godfather of Buffalo craft beer to lend a land in Flying Bison founder, Tim Herzog, who will serve as the celebrity keg tapper. He will lead the parade with Die Haus Band at 6pm. Sommerzwickel is a 4.9% unfiltered white lager brewed with Weyermann Malting’s “Barke” barley and Herkules and Diamant hops to create orange blossom honey aromas and flavors. Guests in attendance will receive a complimentary Sommerzwickl after the barrel is tapped. Reservations can be made at hofbrauhausbuffalo.com or by calling (716) 939-2337.
4. Thin Man Brewery to Throw First Ever Lager Jam
On May 6 (12pm), Thin Man Brewery will host the first ever Lager Jam at their Elmwood location. This event is open to the public, but for $20 in advance, you will receive a Thin Man dimple stein with your first pour included, $5 pours and $2 Thin Tubes and discounted merchandise. In addition to Thin Man lagers, the event will also feature lagers from Frequentem Brewing, Good Word Brewing, KCBC, Schilling, Suarez Family, Threes Brewing, Human Robot and Halfway Krooks. There will also be live music. Tickets are available at thinmanbrewery.com.
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5. Steel Leaf Brewing to Hold First Anniversary Party
Steel Leaf Brewing is celebrating its one year anniversary on April 29. Starting right at noon, they will release their secretive anniversary beer in 500ml waxed bottles. The brewery says if you want to find out what the beer is, you have to show up to the party. They will be launching a new hard seltzer at the party as well. There will also be limited edition anniversary shirts, prize wheel, giveaways, exclusive Huffyglass glassware (only 10 available) and live music all day (Saxman Slim, 1-3pm, Crush Crush Crush 6-9pm). This event is free and open to the public.
6. 2023 Cabin Fever Beer & Wine Festival at Buffalo Ski Center
The sixth annual Cabin Fever Beer and Wine Festival will take place at the Buffalo Ski Center/Tamarack Lodge on April 29 (4-7pm). The event will feature tastings from dozens of local and national breweries, wineries and distilleries, including One-Eyed Cat Brewing, Spotted Octopus, Hamburg Brewing, Community Beer Works, Big Ditch, Resurgence Brewing, Pressure Drop, Southern Tier, Ellicottville Brewing, Flying Bison and more. Tickets are $40 pre-sale ($50 day of) and include tasting glass, samplings, live music, raffles and prizes, food from the Colden Country Inn and more. You can purchase tickets here.
7. Artpark, Resurgence Brewing Team Up on New Art Ale
Resurgence Brewing and Artpark have teamed up on the new Art Ale, which will officially be released at the brewery on May 6 (12pm). The release party will feature raffles and door prizes, including Artpark concert tickets and more, plus live music by The Brass Machine. $1 from each pint and $2 from each 4-pack of Artpark Art Ale sold will go to benefit the non-profit work of Artpark and Company. This event is free and open to the public. This limited release summertime ale will be available at Artpark all season, and at other locations to be announced soon.
