In this weeks Buffalo Beer Buzz and The WNY Brews podcast, we talk about:
6 WNY BREWERIES WIN 9 MEDALS AT 2023 NYS CRAFT BEER COMPETITION
We did a whole WNY Brews episode talking about the local winners this past Tuesday. Find it in your podcast feed or here
TAP THAT TAP ROOM SET TO OPEN IN TONAWANDA
Tap That Tap Room, Western New York’s first female-owned self-pour taproom, will open April 1 in Tonawanda at 363 Delaware Ave. Tap That will offer 30 self-serve taps of beer, wine, cider and seltzer, including a variety of local brands, an “elevated” bar food menu that will focus on shareable plates, space to seat 60 people at 15 tables and additional space at a bar rail. Plans also call for a dog-friendly patio out front. The self-pour system allows customers to pour as little as an ounce, and will offer malt beverages and mixed drinks. Owners hope to have a soft opening by late March, with a grand opening April 1. Click here for more
CONSUMER’S BEVERAGES OFFERING FREE BUFFALO BISONS TICKETS
Like craft beer? Planning to catch a Bisons game this season? If you answered yes, then you’re going to want to head to any Consumer’s Beverages location soon. With any purchase of $10 or more, you will receive a free pair of tickets to the Bisons April 4 home opener against the Worcester Red Sox (while supplies last). New this season, the team will offer the Southern Tier Craft Beer Pack, which features 2 undated game tickets and 4 craft beer vouchers, for $53. You can purchase tickets here.
NEW 12 GATES’ MONSTERS & MYTHS IPA COMING
12 Gates latest beer series, Monsters & Myths, which will consist of 6 new hazy IPAs that will be released in collectors’ art cans, continues March 31 with Siren, a 7.1% Hazy IPA packed with Azacca, Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops. Click here for more
HAZELNUT DELUXE IS SOUTHERN TIER’S NEW BLACKWATER SERIES BEER
Southern Tier Brewing’s Blackwater Series continues with the release of Hazelnut Deluxe Imperial Stout, a 10.2% brew with rich nutty notes, chocolate and roasted malts. Look for Hazelnut Deluxe soon wherever great craft beer is sold, at all Southern Tier taprooms, or on tap at your local bar in 4-pack 12oz. bottles and on draft.
HOFBRAUHAUS TO TAP NEW ROYAL EXPORT GOLDEN LAGER
On April 6 (6pm), Hofbrauhaus Buffalo will tap their new Royal Export lager as only they know how – with a traditional parade, barrel tapping and live music. The cast of Drunk Theatre Buffalo will lead the parade, while Die Haus Band takes the main stage (6-9pm). All guests (21+) will receive a complimentary Royal Export pour after the barrel tapping. Royal Export is a golden lager with fruity hop notes and a light bitterness.
SPRING FEVER IN PENNSYLVANIA COMES TO THE BEER KEEP
The best breweries and craft beer from Pennsylvania is taking over all of the taps at The Beer Keep on April 1 (11:30am), including Human Robot, Voodoo Brewing, Imprint Beer, Dancing Gnome, 2SP, Evergrain Brewing, Antifragile Brewing, Forest and Main, Kingview Mead and Grist House. You can find a complete beer list here. There will be plenty of limited release and specialty packaged offerings to consume on site or to-go. This event is free to attend. Limited event poster prints will be available day of for $5.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Publish Date: 3/31/2023
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)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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):
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Publish Date: 2/7/2026
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Publish Date: 2/3/2026
Scott & Brian Together Again!
Remember us? After a post-holiday hiatus, Scott and Brian are back together on Western New York Brews to catch up on beer, life, and what’s happening around the Buffalo beer scene for the weekend of January 23–25 (yes, the really cold one).
The guys kick things off with what they’re drinking, including Ellicottville Mow Master IPA and a Walmart-sourced Neon Rainbows, before diving into the latest Buffalo Beer Buzz highlights.
This week’s episode covers:
Brian also teases upcoming ticket giveaways for Buffalo On Tap and the Brewers Invitational, so now’s a good time to follow along online.
Read the full Buffalo Beer Buzz every Wednesday at BuffaloBeerLeague.com.
Follow Buffalo Beer League:
Cheers!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Publish Date: 1/24/2026
This week on Western New York Brews, we’re talking about what’s happening around the Buffalo beer scene as we head deeper into January, including tastings, beer dinners, new releases, and some great local options for Dry January.
Tonawanda Winterfest is hosting a special Beer, Bourbon & Wine Tasting on January 16 (7–9:30 pm) at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome. Tickets include 10 tastings featuring craft beer and spirits from Resurgence Brewing and Hartman’s Distilling, finger foods from the Grill at the Dome, mini golf, and live music from Miller & the Other Sinners. This 21+ event runs during Winterfest (Jan. 15–18) and tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.
Brazen Brewing teams up with Tap & Trap on January 14 (6 pm) for a Wild Game & Beer Pairing Dinner. The five-course, ticketed event features wild boar, venison, elk, and other game, each paired with a Brazen beer. Seats are limited, tickets are $80, and it’s a unique chance to explore some seriously thoughtful beer pairings.
Southern Tier Brewing is already thinking warm thoughts with the release of Daybreak Citrus Burst IPA, a 6.5% IPA featuring citrus and yuzu. The brewery calls it a bright, refreshing start to the year, and it’s available now at Wegmans and select retailers around Western New York.
If you’re participating in Dry January, there are more local non-alcoholic options than ever. New York Beer Project has released Tropical and Citrus Hop Waters, both alcohol-free with no calories, sugar, or carbs. Other local NA options include Pearl Street NA Trainwreck Amber and Sabres Edge Double IPA, Riverworks Hella Fresh Hop Water, Ellicottville Brewing NA Blueberry Wheat, Big Ditch NA Burner, Butera’s Hop Falls Hop Water, and Southern Tier Downshift IPA.
Find the full Buffalo Beer Buzz each week at BuffaloBeerLeague.com.
Follow @BuffBeerLeague on X, Instagram, Threads, Untappd, and Facebook.
Questions or tips? Email brian@buffalobeerleague.com or scott@WNYbrews.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Publish Date: 1/9/2026
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.
