Here’s a quick roundup of the latest news in Buffalo and Western New York beer:
**Buffalo Brewing to Release New Batch of Simon Pure Beer**
Buffalo Brewing Company will release the third batch of its revived *Simon Pure Beer* on Oct. 19 at the historic William Simon Brewery (Clinton & Emslie). This light, easy-drinking beer with notes of sweet malt and toasted bread will be available in 12oz 6-pack cans, cases, and on draft. The original William Simon Brewery produced Simon Pure until its closure in 1972.
**Clarksburg Cider Closes Lancaster Taproom**
After three years of operation, Clarksburg Cider has closed its Lancaster taproom at 4493 Walden Ave. The decision was influenced by economic challenges and workforce instability. Despite this, Clarksburg cider will still be available in stores and, with the newly passed Direct-to-Consumer Shipment Bill, for online orders and shipping.
**Windy Brew’s Batavia Taproom to Close**
Windy Brew’s Batavia location, which opened in August 2023, will close on Oct. 13. While the feedback was positive, they struggled to draw enough patrons. Until the closure, they will offer $5 pints and special crowler fills. Windy Brew’s Strykersville taproom will remain open.
**Local Breweries Support Hurricane Helene Relief**
Big Ditch Brewing, New York Beer Project, and Southern Tier Brewing are helping raise funds for Hurricane Helene victims. Throughout October, Big Ditch will donate $2 from every pint of *Squeezer Dry-Hopped Kettle Sour*, and all three NYBP locations will donate $1 from each pint of *Destination IPA*. Southern Tier has already donated over $44,000 to several relief organizations.
**Bourbon Dinner at Rationales with Ellicottville Brewing**
On Oct. 24, Rationales in Williamsville is hosting a special bourbon pairing dinner with Ellicottville Brewing and Hartman’s Distilling. The event will feature a new collaborative Barrel Select Bourbon, aged in *EBC Chocolate Cherry Bomb* barrels. Limited tickets are available online.
**Niagara Association of Homebrewers Parking Lot Brew at BriarBrothers**
On Oct. 12, starting at 9am, BriarBrothers Brewing will host the Niagara Association of Homebrewers for an outdoor brewing demonstration. This event is perfect for those interested in learning homebrewing techniques. Brewing will start at 9am, and the brewery opens at noon.
**42 North & 43 North Collaborate on New Beer**
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 43North business incubator, 42 North Brewing is releasing *Beyond Boundaries*, a West Coast pilsner brewed with Simcoe, Chinook, and Tonatiuh hops. It will be available at 42 North’s taprooms and select venues in Buffalo’s Theatre District.
For more details on these stories and the Buffalo beer scene, check out *WNY Brews* and visit BuffaloBeerLeague.com.
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Publish Date: 10/11/2024
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 & 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.
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Cheers!
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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.
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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.
