It may seem counter intuitive, but we all know a cold craft beer is exactly what you need to get through (and we mean all the way through) a bitter Buffalo winter. And when we say “a” craft beer, we mean several. Sure, there are plenty of new bars perfect for meeting up with friends, but sometimes it’s nice to be part of a bigger (drinking) community. For those occasions, we made this list. If anything can keep spirits high through dim winter months, it’s crowds of beer-loving Buffalonians in beautiful, old buildings. And drinking. Lot’s of drinking.
Buffalo on Tap
When: SAT JAN 17, 2015
Where: Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
The mother of all beer events on this list. If you’re looking for the chance to taste a ton of craft brews, this event should be at the top of your list. For $35 ($45 at the door), you’ll get four hours of sampling over 150 beers from more than 75 craft breweries from across the country, access to “rare beers” and a sampling glass to take home.
RELATED: What to Taste at Buffalo On Tap
Craft Beer Bus Tour
When: THURS JANÂ 22, 2015
Where: Starts at the Roycroft Inn
If you live in the South Towns and have been dying to see the new Flying Bison Brewery in the Larkin District, this bus tour is the perfect chance – because what else could you possibly be doing on a wintery Thursday in WNY? Meet in the Craftsman Lounge at The Roycroft for beer and apps before heading out to Flying Bison in a limo bus (beer involved). Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted with light fare, two pints or flights of FB beer and a tour of their new digs before returning to the Inn for a nightcap. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at The Roycroft or by phone at (716) 652-5552.
Kegs & Eggs
When: SUN JAN 25, 2015
Where: Resurgence Brewing Co.
Ahhh day drinking. We always knew it didn’t have to be a warm-weather only affair. Thankfully, Resurgence is stepping up to the plate to make sure we all have a warm place to get day-smashed this winter – breakfast included. Look forward to limited experimental beers, beer-mosas, traditional mimosas and an exclusive breakfast burrito from the Buffalo Burrito Company along with the usual giant Jenga and table top trivia. Zero admission I might add.
RELATED: Best New Bars of 2014
Buffalo Winter Brewfest
When: SAT JAN 31, 2015
Where: Â Connecticut Street Armory
This winter craft beer festival takes place on Buffalo’s West Side at the Connecticut Street Armory, a gorgeous castle-like building with towers, stone and an old Irish pub feel. The event will host breweries like St. Lawrence Brewing, Binghamton Brewing, Upstate Brewing and plenty of others you’ve never heard of as well as several local breweries. This one includes food in the admission price, live music, vendors, and a complimentary glass to collect unlimited beer samples for three hours straight. General admission tickets are $35 ($45 at the door) and VIP tickets are $55.
Bonus: There’s a wine festival going on at the same place and time, one floor up for the black sheep of the group.
Beer Pairing Dinner
When: MON FEB 2, 2015
Where: Black Iron Bystro
This Groundhog’s Day dinner combines two of our favorite places to eat and drink – Black Iron Bystro and Hamburg Brewing Company. The collaborative meal, held in Blasdell at the eclectic and extremely creative Black Iron Bystro restaurant, will feature four courses by Chef Brian Mecozzi paired with Hamburg brews, including House Dressing, House Dressing Cask (Dry Hopped with Galaxy), OMS and Barrel Aged Small Town with peaches. Tickets are $60 and are available for pick up at Black Iron Bystro and Hamburg Brewing Co.
Caz Tapped
When: SAT FEB 21, 2015
Where:Â The Church
At Caz Tapped you’ll find yourself experiencing one of Buffalo’s newest concert venues, born from a repurposed church in South Buffalo, fittingly called “The Church”. Expect Hamburg Brewing Co., and Ellicottville Brewing Co. on tap along with other craft beers, wine from Ten Thousand Vines, music by Theresa Quinn Quartet, Half a Heard and Sugar Spoon and food available from Amy’s Truck and House of Munch. Admission to this one is a whopping $5 (corrected from $10), plus you have access to a shuttle coming from Buffalo Street Grill in the Village of Hamburg for $15 roundtrip.
RELATED: All Food and Drink Events
The Art of Beer
When: FRI FEB 27 – SAT FEB 28, 2015
Where: The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center
The Art of Beer offers a unique take on the beer experience. In addition to the usual beer and food samples, souvenir tasting glass and live music, you’ll find a wide array of brewery art and breweriana, or any article containing a brewery name or brand. (Source: Wikipedia – I had to look it up.) The event functions as a fundraiser for NACC’s multi-arts center which houses 70 artists’ studios, dance and music schools, theaters and recording studios.
Beerology
When: SAT APR 18, 2015
Where: Buffalo Museum of Science
Okay, this one’s not exactly in the winter. But in Buffalo, it’s absolutely possible there will be snow on the ground in mid April so I’m not all that concerned about it. It would simply be a shame for you to miss the opportunity to buy tickets to learn about the science of beer. Expect three hours of sampling beers from top micro breweries in the area, homebrewing presentations, beer-related lectures and beer-friendly snacks,
Tickets are on sale now for $40 and $45 after Jan 31 and will sell out.
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