Buffalo Brews Podcast

Recent Episodes

Rails, Running and Rochester (and Keuka Lake too!)

Adventures are in full swing as Jason and Bri recap a packed few weeks that included Kentucky Derby excitement, brewery hopping in Rochester, exploring the Keuka Lake beverage trail, and kicking off another season of hiking and 5Ks.

The duo shares highlights from visits to Strange Bird Brewing, Fairport Brewing, Keuka Brewing, Crooked Tusker Distillery, Steuben Brewing, Abandon Brewing, and Lake Life Brewing, along with stops at Weis Vineyards and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. From hazy IPAs and maple pecan porters to handcrafted cocktails and a first taste of absinthe, there's no shortage of great drinks and memorable experiences.

They also discuss the Rochester Lilac Festival 5K, preparations for the Buffalo Marathon 5K, Rails & Ales, birdwatching on the trails, favorite local restaurants, upcoming events, and why every Lilac Festival deserves a signature lilac-inspired beer or cocktail.

Grab your favorite beverage and join Jason and Bri for another fun-filled episode packed with craft beer, Finger Lakes travel, outdoor adventures, and plenty of laughs along the way.

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Publish Date: 7/8/2026

BEAR-ly Getting Started 14.4 - Belgian Pale Ale

It's the finale of Series 14: Paler Pints, Jason and Craig wrap up the series with Strange Bird Brewing's Belgian Pale Ale, exploring how Belgian yeast creates the fruity and spicy flavors that make these beers stand out from the crowd. Plus, a look back at the styles covered throughout the series and an update on everything happening at Magic Bear Beer Cellar. Cheers to another season of beer education!

Publish Date: 6/16/2026

Walk the Wine, Hike the Beer

Snow, sunshine, wine, beer, and arcade nostalgia — this episode of The Buffalo Brews Podcast has it all. Jason and Bri recap an unforgettable weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, favorite wine and cheese pairings, staying at Grist Iron Brewing, and brewing their own collaboration sour with Resurgence Brewing for the CollaBEERation Festival. Plus: wild weather stories, standout festival beers, VIP pours, candy nostalgia, and future pinball road trip plans. Grab a drink and hang out with us!

Publish Date: 5/21/2026

BEAR-ly Getting Started 14.3 - Blonde Ale

Jason and Craig continue the “Paler Pints” series with a look at the classic Blonde Ale, featuring “Something Cold” from Edmund's Oast of Charleston, SC. From craft beer history and gateway beers to brewpub nostalgia and crisp, easy-drinking flavor profiles, this episode explores how blonde ales helped bring more people into the craft beer world.

Craig shares stories from visiting the brewery’s multiple locations while breaking down the style’s history, flavor profile, and role in craft beer culture. Together, Jason and Craig discuss the beer’s crisp drinkability, subtle floral and bready malt notes, and how blonde ales became the perfect introduction for drinkers looking to step beyond traditional macro lagers without diving headfirst into aggressively hoppy beers.

Along the way, the conversation wanders into Buffalo brewpub nostalgia, the rise and slowdown of the modern craft beer boom, beer-and-food pairings, and why approachable styles still matter in today’s beer landscape. The episode closes with a tease for the series finale featuring Strangebird and another evolution in the world of pale beers.

Publish Date: 5/7/2026

Seneca Lake Wine Trail interview with Brittany Gibson, Executive Director

We sit down with Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, to explore what makes this Finger Lakes destination so special. From the trail’s history and its 27 member wineries to the evolving business of winemaking—including unique models like alternating proprietorships—we dive into the industry side that most visitors never see.

We also break down the wine trail’s most popular events like Deck the Halls, Chocolate & Wine, and Spring Wine & Cheese, and how they turn a simple tasting trip into a full weekend experience. Brittany shares insight into the marketing behind these events, how they drive tourism, and why collaboration between wineries is key to the region’s success.

Plus, we talk about seasonal tasting passes, behind-the-scenes vineyard experiences, the impact of climate on grape growing, and why the Finger Lakes continues to rank among the top wine destinations in the country.

If you love wine, travel, or discovering local gems, this episode is your guide to planning the perfect Seneca Lake getaway.

Publish Date: 4/30/2026

BEAR-ly Getting Started 14.2 - West Coast Pale Ale

Continue with the “Paler Pints” series from Magic Bear Beer Cellar, Jason and Craig dive into the evolution of the American Pale Ale.

Using Alternate Ending Beer Company’s Gigawatt West Coast Pale Ale as their guide, they explore how the style emerged from English pale ales and became a defining pillar of the American craft beer movement. From the impact of homebrewing legalization under Jimmy Carter to the rise of iconic breweries like Sierra Nevada, the conversation traces how American hops—bringing citrus, pine, and grapefruit notes—helped create a bold new identity for beer in the U.S.

Along the way, they break down the differences between West Coast, hazy, and traditional pale ales, discuss how labeling shapes expectations, and reflect on the cyclical nature of the craft beer industry—from the boom of the ’90s to today’s consolidation.

It’s part history lesson, part tasting experience, and all about appreciating a true pioneer of American craft beer.

Publish Date: 4/22/2026

Festival Season Incoming

Jason and Bri recap a whirlwind New York Craft Beer Day that turned into a full weekend of breweries, great food, and unexpected adventures—from fundraisers and new beer spots to pinball and a close call on the road 😅

They also preview upcoming local beer festivals, including Collaboration Fest, Rails & Ales, and more—perfect for planning your next craft beer outing.

Cheers to beers 🍻

Publish Date: 4/16/2026

The Show

All things brewing around Buffalo, Western New York, New York State, and beyond. We talk craft beer, wine, history, places to go, things to do and much more. Appreciate new experiences and explore the many facets that life has offer through food, drink, and us… at the Buffalo Brews Podcast.

BEAR-ly Getting Started 14.1 - American Bitter

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