The Best Beer I Drank This Week
by The Buffalo Beer League and WNY Brews
A production of The Buffalo Beer League and WNY Brews, The Best Beer I Drank This Week features the local beer we're currently loving and can't wait to tell you about. We also want to hear from you; tell us your favorite beer this week from Buffalo or from anywhere else. You can email us at [email protected] or call us at (716) 486-BEER (2337).
Episodes
-
87 Chandler Street Breweries
In the wake of the heartbreaking news that Chandler Street Breweries has closed its doors, shuttering Community Beer Works, Thin Man Brewery, and Smoldered Society Beer Co. for good—Brian sits down for a special, cathartic retrospective. Instead of spotlighting just one pour, Brian cracks open…
more -
86 Tap and Craft Festival Recap
We’re closing out a massive double-drop week as we march toward episode 100! Alongside our regular episode featuring First Line Brewing's Fest, Brian is recapping all the action from this past Friday’s Tap & Craft Festival at Buffalo RiverWorks. A huge shout-out goes to Seth and the entire crew...
-
85 Fest - First Line Brewing
We’re officially past the midway point of October, but Brian isn’t letting go of fall lager season just yet! For episode 85, he pops the top on a can live on the mic to revisit one of his favorite local autumn seasonals: Fest from First Line Brewing. After picking up a mix-and-match six-pack of...
-
84 The G.O.A.T. Hazy IPA - New York Beer Project
After taking last week off, Brian is back in the saddle for episode 84! He headed over to the New York Beer Project Beer Lodge in Orchard Park for a round of trivia and a burger, and walked away with a familiar favorite: The G.O.A.T. Hazy IPA. Originally born out of NYBP’s rotating "The One" IPA...
-
82 Fall Festival Märzen - Ellicottville Brewing Company
Autumn is in full swing, and Brian is leaning all the way into his favorite beer season of the year. After picking up a mix-and-match six-pack of local autumn offerings from Wegmans, one seasonal completely stood out from the pack: Fall Festival from Ellicottville Brewing Company. It’s a…
more -
83 Fall Beer Fest at Rusty Nickel Brewing - WNY Beer Week Recap
It’s a double-drop week on the feed! Alongside our regular seasonal episode, Brian jumps on the mic for a special bonus recap of the Fall Beer Fest held at Rusty Nickel Brewing Co. in West Seneca. Serving as the headlining festival for Western New York Beer Week (organized by the Western New York...
-
81 Ocktobeerfest Märzen - Spotted Octopus Brewing
Brian is officially back from a two-week sabbatical (including a quick reset in Disney) just in time for his absolute favorite beer season of the year: fall. To kick off the cooler weather, Brian stopped into the brand-new Spotted Octopus Brewing taproom at 500 Seneca to grab the very first pour...
-
80 Rusty Chain Vienna Lager - Hamburg Brewing / Flying Bison
We're hitting a major milestone with Episode 80, and what better way to celebrate than by looking back at an absolute cornerstone of the Buffalo craft scene? This week, Brian is grabbing a pint of a beer that is deeply personal to his craft beer journey: Rusty Chain Vienna Lager, now carrying on...
-
79 Pills Mafia Light Lime - Thin Man Brewery
Summer might be winding down and the pool cover might be coming out soon, but Brian isn’t letting patio season go without a fight. This week, he’s cracking into a beer that completely flipped his expectations on its head: Pills Mafia Light Lime from Thin Man Brewery. Brian isn't usually a fan of...
-
78 Buffalo Billzner - New York Beer Project
We're staying right in our lager era this week, and honestly, with football season back in full swing, is there anything better than a crispy local pilsner made for game day? Brian stopped into the New York Beer Project Beer Lodge in Orchard Park on his way home from work, caught up with Head...
-
77 Southern Drift New Zealand Lager - First Line Brewing w/ Britesmith Brewing
This week, Brian heads back down to Orchard Park to spotlight a powerhouse local collaboration. When First Line Brewing links up with the lager specialists at Britesmith Brewing, you know you're getting something clean, technical, and hop-forward. Enter Southern Drift, a dry-hopped New Zealand...
-
76 House Lager - Wayland Brewing Company
This week, Brian heads back out to Orchard Park to spotlight a triumphant return from Wayland Brewing Company. While craft beer fans are constantly looking for the next big release, Brian details why a look back at one of the very first beers Wayland ever put out reminded him exactly why he fell…
more -
75 Head in the Clouds Double IPA - Resurgence Brewing Company
This week, Brian heads back down to the Old First Ward to spotlight an absolute heavy-hitter from Resurgence Brewing Company. While local taplists are routinely packed with rotating releases, Brian pauses to champion a returning champion that deserves a permanent spot on your local radar: Head in...
-
74 Egg Cream Milk Stout - Other Half Brewing Co.
This week, Brian stands inside Other Half Buffalo at Seneca One Tower, looks at a tap list dominated by 20 hazy IPAs and three fruited sours, and orders... a milk stout. Reaching past the hops, Brian treats himself to Egg Cream Milk Stout that trades the tropical fruit notes for a nostalgic trip...
-
73 Crazy Child - BriarBrothers Brewing Company
After another small hiatus where real life got in the way, Brian is back inside the shadow of the historic Buffalo silos to shake off the rust. This week, he is returning to BriarBrothers Brewing Company at 50 Elk Street to spotlight a brand-new release that has the local lager crowd talking…
more -
72 Hayburner - Big Ditch Brewing Company
The Warm Blanket of Buffalo Beer: Big Ditch Hayburner This week, Brian slows down to pay tribute to a true "Mount Rushmore" beer of the Western New York craft scene. While the quest for the newest, haziest, or rarest brew never ends, sometimes the best beer you drank is the one that’s been a...
-
71 Billy's Smoking Jacket - Spotted Octopus & Brazen Brewing
This week, Brian visited a downtown Buffalo favorite for a milestone celebration and walked away with a new appreciation for a often-divisive style. We’re talking about Billy’s Smoking Jacket, a collaboration between Spotted Octopus Brewing and Brazen Brewing. The Featured Pour Brewery: Spotted...
-
70 CollaBEERation Recap
This week, Brian isn't just picking one beer—he’s recapping the entire CollaBEERation 6 experience. This past Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Buffalo beer community descended upon The Powerhouse in Larkinville for the ultimate showcase of Western New York’s creative brewing spirit. The Champions &...
-
69 Strike Anywhere: Into The Dark - Smoldered Society
This week, Brian digs into the back of the fridge and pulls out a "banger" from our friends at Smoldered Society Beer Company. If you’ve been following the Buffalo Beer League, you know Brian is a massive advocate for the "clear beer" movement, but this week, he’s embracing the shadows with…
more -
68 Goddess Kölsch - New York Beer Project
This week, Brian keeps it classic with a trip to the New York Beer Project (NYBP) Beer Lodge in Orchard Park. While the craft world often chases the next big trend, sometimes the "best beer" is the one that reminds you why the basics matter. Brian caught up with Head Brewer John Hyman to sample…
more -
67 Swords on Swords - Other Half
Welcome to another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week. I’m your host, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League, and let’s be honest—I’m basically floating on air right now. Not just because of the beer, but because the Buffalo Sabres are officially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 14…
more -
66 Peche Spon 2024 - New York Beer Project
This week, Brian takes us on a deep dive into what might be the most technically ambitious beer ever produced in the Southtowns. We’re talking about Peche Spon 2024, the inaugural release from the New York Beer Project (NYBP) Beer Lodge coolship program in Orchard Park. This isn't just a beer…
more -
65 I Got Your 6 - First Line Brewing
This week, Brian travels to Orchard Park to visit our patriotic friends at First Line Brewing. While First Line is known for their support of first responders and the military, their latest taproom hero, I Got Your Six, stands out for both its mission and its unique hop profile. The Featured Pour...
-
64 Reflections - Briar Brothers Brewing Company
This week, Brian heads to the Silos at Elk Street to discuss a beer that stopped him in his tracks. Typically known for their experimental sours and heavy-hitting hazies, BriarBrothers Brewing Company has quieted the noise with Reflections, a rice lager that might just be the pinnacle of their...
-
63 German Pilsner - Frequentum Brewing
This week, Brian heads down to the Old First Ward to visit the Frequentem Brewing Co. Buffalo taproom for a masterclass in lager traditionalism. While the hazy IPAs at their Louisiana Street spot are always a draw, it was the gleam of a side-pull tap and a dimple mug that stole the show this…
more -
62 The Brewers Invitational Recap
After a short hiatus, Brian is back to recap one of the premier events on the Western New York craft calendar: the 2026 Brewer’s Invitational. Hosted at the stunning New York Beer Project Beer Lodge in Orchard Park, this year’s festival spread across three themed rooms, offering a masterclass in...
-
61 Barrel Jam - 42 North Brewing Recap
We are back in the cut for Season 3! To kick things off, Brian Campbell dives into a full recap of one of the highlights of the Western New York beer calendar: Barrel Jam 2026. Despite a brutal cold snap with highs of only 7°F, the Buffalo Beer League crew (Brian, Scott, Jesse, and Mark) trekked...
-
60 Desk Pop – Briar Brothers Brewing Company
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian heads back to the silos on Elk Street to revisit a brewery that has delivered hit after hit: Briar Brothers Brewing Company. It’s been too long since a Briar beer made it onto the show, so we’re fixing that today with their New England IPA Desk...
-
59 Traditional (Czech Pilsner) – Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian spotlights a beautifully simple, elegant lager: Traditional, a Czech Pilsner from Belt Line Brewery & Kitchen. It’s the kind of pour that looks perfect in a dimpled mug with two fingers of foam—and tastes even better with Belt Line’s 716 Medium...
-
58 Bottles and Bites Recap
In this special episode, Brian recaps Bottles & Bites at Statler Buffalo (Nov 13). He, Jesse, and Scott hit GA this year—easy entry, stellar venue, and a strong mix of food, beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Pre-game was at Southern Tier Buffalo (Mediterranean Burger + Ghost Note IPL = clutch)....
-
57 Premium Pilsner - Resurgence Brewing Company
In this week’s episode of The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League spotlights a true Western New York classic: Premium Pilsner from Resurgence Brewing Company. This 5% Czech-style pilsner has become a staple pour around Buffalo, whether in cans, on draft, or—when you're...
-
56 Citra Snaps - Other Half
Hello everyone! Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week! Before we dive into this week’s feature, I want to thank many friends at Iron Tug Brewing for calling into the Buffalo Beer League Hotline — love hearing from you! If you want to join…
more -
55 Espresso Martini - Hamburg Brewing Company
Hello everyone, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week! This week’s beer took me (and my wife) by surprise — Espresso Martini Nitro Milk Stout from Hamburg Brewing Company. Inspired by the trendy espresso martini cocktail, this 6.5% milk...
-
54 French Vanilla Brown Ale - Big Ditch Brewing
Hello everyone, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with a brand-new edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week! This week, I’m talking about a beer that completely surprised me — French Vanilla Brown Ale from Big Ditch Brewing Company. It wasn’t one I planned to order, but after a sample at...
-
53 Tap & Craft Festival Recap - The Lock Tender
Hello everyone, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week! With Western New York Beer Week underway, this week’s spotlight couldn’t be more fitting: Western New York Beer Week IPA — also known at some breweries as Be Good, Do Good Brew Beer....
-
52 WNY Beer Week IPA - WNY Brewers Guild Member Breweries
Hello everyone, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with another edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week! With Western New York Beer Week underway, this week’s spotlight couldn’t be more fitting: Western New York Beer Week IPA — also known at some breweries as Be Good, Do Good Brew Beer....
-
51 Open Bags #7 - Stoneyard Brewing, et al.
This episode of The Best Beer I Drank This Week is brought to you by The Tap and Craft Festival at Buffalo Riverworks on October 4th, presented by The Lock Tender. Ticket info is available now at BuffaloBeerLeague.com/tapandcraft. This week, Brian dives into Open Bags #7, a massive collaborative...
-
50 Oktoberfest - Wayland Brewing
Hello everyone, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League here with a brand-new edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week! With fall arriving and Oktoberfest season in full swing, this week’s spotlight is on Wayland Brewing’s Oktoberfest Märzen (5.4%). This beer embodies everything I love about autumn....
-
49 Raspberry Wheat - Community Beer Works
After an unexpected month-long break, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League is back with a brand-new edition of The Best Beer I Drank This Week. And this time, he’s holding onto summer a little longer with Raspberry Wheat from Community Beer Works. At 4.9% ABV, this wheat ale brewed with...
-
48 Tai Cheetah - Griffon Brewing
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian from the Buffalo Beer League cracks into his first featured beer from Griffon Brewing—and it’s a juicy powerhouse. Tai Cheetah is an Imperial New England IPA clocking in at 8% ABV, brewed with a blend of Centennial, Mosaic, El Dorado, and Galaxy...
-
47 Simon Pure Light - Buffalo Brewing Company
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, host Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League celebrates a standout local lager that’s perfect for summer: Simon Pure Light from Buffalo Brewing Company. At just 3.5% ABV, this ultra-light American lager is crisp, clean, and incredibly...
-
46 Patio Freak - Thin Man and Other Half
First off, huge thanks to Mark from Livingston County for calling the Buffalo Beer League Hotline and shouting out a lager from Fifth Frame Brewing as the best beer he drank this week! We love hearing from listeners, so keep those calls coming—(716) 486-BEER. In this episode of The Best Beer I...
-
45 La Bière - Wayland Brewing Company
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League cracks open a new collab between Wayland Brewing and Moriarty Meats: La Bière, a crisp and flavorful French-style Pilsner brewed with Strisselspalt hops. Brian shares tasting notes, brewing details, and his...
-
44 The Surge - Resurgence Brewing Company
In this week’s episode, host Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League cracks open a longtime favorite: The Surge, a hazy, juicy New England-style IPA from Resurgence Brewing Company. Formerly known as Sip O IPA 2.0, The Surge has been a staple of the local beer scene for nearly a decade—and…
more -
43 Wines in the Wild & NYS Craft Beer Fest: A Summer Recap of Great Beer and Mead
In this special recap episode of The Best Beer I Drank This Week, host Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League breaks down his experiences at two major events: Wines in the Wild at the Buffalo Zoo and the 2025 New York State Craft Beer Festival at Canalside. From hard-to-find meads to fresh...
-
42 Hladinka - Buffalo Brewing Company
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League shines a spotlight on Hladinka from Buffalo Brewing Company. Inspired by Czech tradition, this dark lager is a beautiful blend—two-thirds Czech dark lager, one-third Czech pilsner foam—served the proper way...
-
41 White Ale - Resurgence Brewing Company
In this episode of The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League highlights White Ale from Resurgence Brewing Company. This smooth and refreshing witbier is light on its feet but full of character, with crisp cracker-like malt, a soft mouthfeel, and a hint of spice...
-
40 CollaBEERation V Recap
This week, Brian recaps his experience at CollaBEERation 5, calling it the “Super Bowl” of Western New York craft beer events. From costumes to collaborations, the festival once again proved why it’s a can’t-miss celebration of beer, cider, and mead, with over 50 producers involved. Brian shouts...
-
39 Simulated King - Smoldered Society Beer Co.
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League dives into Simulated King from Smoldered Society Beer Co. This Mountain Dew-inspired sour, brewed in collaboration with Bellwoods Brewery, is bursting with bold citrus flavors. With kiwi, orange, lime, and...
-
38 8 Hour Custom - Briar Brothers Brewing
This week on The Best Beer I Drank This Week, Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Beer League is turning up the hops with 8 Hour Custom, a bold and juicy New England IPA from BriarBrothers Brewing Company. Clocking in at 7% ABV, this brew bursts with citrus and tropical flavor, delivering smooth…
more
About this show
A production of The Buffalo Beer League and WNY Brews, The Best Beer I Drank This Week features the local beer we're currently loving and can't wait to tell you about. We also want to hear from you; tell us your favorite beer this week from Buffalo or from anywhere else. You can email us at [email protected] or call us at (716) 486-BEER (2337).
Hosted by
The Buffalo Beer League and WNY Brews