Community Beer Works Exits Elmwood-Bidwell Project
Nearly two years after announcing plans for a taproom at 976 Elmwood Avenue, Community Beer Works has officially pulled out. Director of Operations Chris Groves says CBW hasn’t been involved in the project for over a year and will instead focus on optimizing their Chandler Street location and other existing sites. No plans have been announced for their former 7th Street taproom.
CollaBEERation V Tickets Still Available
Limited general admission tickets remain for CollaBEERation V on April 5 (2-6pm) at The Powerhouse. The festival features unique collabs from WNY breweries, cideries, and meaderies, with food vendors like Pizza Plant, Britesmith, and Brisket Love BBQ. The theme is “Hollywood,” and costumes are encouraged. GA tickets are $70 (includes unlimited pours and commemorative glass); DD tickets also available.
Tap That Tap Room Anniversary – Win Free Beer for a Year
Tap That Tap Room in Tonawanda is turning one and giving away free beer for a year to 10 winners. To enter, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, share their contest post, and tag a friend. The anniversary celebration happens Saturday, April 5 with live music (Sonic Legacy, 4–7pm), Orso Nero pizza, and a Buffalo Bandits watch party at 9pm.
Rusty Nickel Launches Buffalo What? IPA + Bandits Watch Party
On April 5 at 8pm, Rusty Nickel Brewing will release Buffalo What? IPA, a lightly hopped American IPA. It's the second in their lacrosse-inspired series, following To The Box Lager. Stick around for a Buffalo Bandits watch party at 9pm for their game against the Colorado Mammoth. Both beers will be available on draft and in 4-pack cans.
Bev Depot Beer Store Opens in Cheektowaga
Bev Depot has officially opened at 2190 Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. The 6,000 sq. ft. store offers over 2,000 SKUs of beer, with a strong focus on local craft. “We’re proud to support local breweries and offer the lowest prices in Buffalo,” they shared online. Visit bevdepot.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram for more info.
Kleinhans Rhythm & Brews Returns – May 9
The annual Rhythm and Brews fundraiser at Kleinhans Music Hall is back on May 9 (6:30–9pm). Enjoy tastings from local breweries and cideries, with food from Oliver’s, Britesmith, Creekview Restaurant, and Marcato by Oliver’s. GA tickets are $45 and include a commemorative Belgian beer glass; VIP ($85) includes early access, first pours, and reserved seating.
Science After Hours: To Infinity And Beer-ond – April 25
Presented by the WNY Brewers Guild, this 21+ event at the Buffalo Museum of Science features tastings from Big Ditch, Brazen, Rusty Nickel, and Spotted Octopus. Explore astronomy exhibits, make mission patches, taste freeze-dried treats, and more. Tickets are $39 and available online. Planetarium shows are already sold out—don’t wait!
For more local beer news and events, visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com
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Publish Date: 4/4/2025
It’s the most unique beer festival in the country, and we’re going behind the scenes! Scott is joined by Brian Campbell (Buffalo Beer League), Paul Marco (Buffalo Beer Geeks), and Eric Coleman (Beer by Coleman) to talk about the magic, the logistics, and the "blood codes" behind CollaBEERation 2026.
Scott is drinking a Big Ditch Pineapple Hayburner, Brian has the First Line Foundations Dry Hop Lager, and Paul is rocking the new-look Hamburg Brewing Rusty Chain. Eric is staying hydrated for a busy catering gig tomorrow—true professional style.
Paul and the guys are giving away a pair of tickets to the festival!
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Publish Date: 4/15/2026
It’s a massive weekend in the Queen City! While Brian is resting up, Scott is flying solo to break down the best spots for hoops fans, new budget-friendly packs, and the "official" start of Spring in Western New York.
Scott is tasting the new Southern Tier Steady Yeti EZ IPA (3.8%)—a crisp, sessionable pour that might just be the new king of the Overpack.
Are you downtown for the games or sipping a Cheat Day stout? Let us know what's in your glass: 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)
We have officially split the Buffalo Beer Buzz into its own dedicated podcast feed! The best way to help us grow is to Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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Publish Date: 3/21/2026
Welcome to the new home of the Buffalo Beer Buzz! While we are still cross-posting on the WNY Brews feed for a little while longer, make sure you hit that "Follow" button here on the new feed and leave a review to help us grow.
This week, Scott is sipping on a classic Big Ditch Dayburner, while Brian digs into the back of the fridge for a Smoldered Society Strike Anywhere: Into the Dark (a Dark Czech Pilsner).
Found a mystery beer you can’t stop thinking about? Tell us why it’s the best thing you drank this week:
📞 716-486-BEER (2337)
Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd) | @BuffBeerLeague (X)
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Publish Date: 3/6/2026
The team is back on a brand-new recording platform as we prepare for the official Buffalo Beer Buzz feed split. Scott is sipping on a Steelbound Reposado (with a splash of lime), and Brian is working through his stash of Buffalo Brewing Simon Pure.
This week, we’re talking about massive release parties, bittersweet liquidations, and enough giveaways to fill a growler.
Brian has five pairs of tickets to give away. Head over to the @BuffaloBeerLeague Instagram right now, find the pinned post with the tasting glass, tag a friend, and you could be headed to the Beer Lodge this Saturday!
The Buffalo Beer League Hotline:Are you heading to the Steel Leaf "Drain the Bar" party or the Gary release? Call us and let us know what you're drinking: 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)
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Publish Date: 2/26/2026
Scott and Brian are back together after Brian’s excursion to the "Happiest Place on Earth." This week, the conversation spans from the excitement of the upcoming high-holy season of Irish music to the sobering reality of recent brewery closures in Western New York.
Important Update: The Buffalo Beer Buzz is officially moving to its own podcast feed! To make sure you don't miss a single weekly update come April or May, search for "Buffalo Beer Buzz" in your favorite podcatcher and hit follow.
We discuss the closing of two local staples: One-Eyed Cat Craft House and Steel Leaf Brewing. Brian and Scott reflect on their history with these spaces and the shifting climate of the local craft beer scene.
Did you drink something world-class this week? Tell us about it and you might hear yourself on a future episode! 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)
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Publish Date: 2/20/2026
It’s Friday, February 13th, and Scott is flying solo! With Brian Campbell currently exploring the "happiest place on earth," Scott braves the 30-degree Buffalo chill with a Hayburner in hand to bring you the latest from the Buffalo Beer Buzz.
In this episode, we talk about some major changes coming to the podcast feed, celebrate a few upcoming anniversaries, and look ahead to the return of golf (and baseball) season.
Did you drink something better than a Hayburner this week? (Unlikely, but possible!) Tell us about it: 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)
Catch Scott’s band, Almost Seamus (formerly Almost Shameless), throughout the First Ward this March!
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Publish Date: 2/14/2026
Welcome back to WNY Brews! This week, Scott and Brian dive into the latest edition of the Buffalo Beer Buzz. We’re breaking down everything happening in the Western New York craft scene for the weekend of February 6th and beyond.
From massive festivals at the convention center to "never-before-seen" flavors hitting North Buffalo, we’ve got your weekend plans covered.
We want to hear from you! What is the best beer YOU drank this week? Leave us a voicemail and get featured on the show. 📞 716-486-BEER (2337)
WNY Brews (Scott):
The Buffalo Beer League (Brian):
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Publish Date: 2/7/2026
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Publish Date: 2/3/2026
Scott Panfil brings you WNY Brews from beautiful Buffalo in Western New York. Whether you think its a Noun or a Verb, the word “brew” has numerous meanings and all of them are well-worth talking about.
