Reviews

Every so often an IPA comes along that gets the hop combinations right. Tröegs Independent Brewing’s double IPA called Nimble Giant is one of those beers. Nimble Giant stands tall among many of the Imperial/Double IPAs I’ve had this year. I picked up a four-pack from Village Beer Merchant on …

Many Americans celebrate USEXIT day with some combination of friends, family, food, fun… and beer. I found three “colorful” beers to help toast the independence of our nation. Here’s a look at a red, white and blue beer brewed in Western New York.   Let’s look at these beers in …

Just a few weeks ago, the 2016 season of the Buffalo Brewer Series of cans was released. Last year, the same three Buffalo breweries released an inaugural line-up of different beers. 2015 LINEUP Community Beer Works– An IPA Resurgence Brewing Co.- Summer Saison Big Ditch Brewing Co.- Low Bridge Although …

Just as the number of craft breweries has increased to 4,400 and counting, so has the number of attendees at the annual Craft Brewers Conference (CBC). The 2016 conference took place from May 3-6 at the Philadelphia Convention Center and drew nearly 13,000 participants. This being my first CBC, I …

Many local breweries have started canning beer- and that’s welcome news. It’s convenient to be able to enjoy a can of beer from your favorite brewery on your back patio. You can now add two beers from 42 North Brewing Company to the “patio-ready” list. I had a chance to …

Toutant’s fried chicken paired with Big Ditch’s Innovation Series beer called Toutant Pilsner may be the perfect pairing. Indeed, the food and beer pairing is a microcosm of the relationship that has formed between the two establishments.   Crack through the perfectly-crisp coating of the fried chicken with your fork. …

On a dreary and unseasonably cold day, a collection of Western New York’s finest IPAs brightened the palate at Marcy Casino. The comfortably-attended event organized by Mike Shatzel featured India Pale Ale style beers from each of 12 local breweries.   There were many delicious IPAs on tap, but here’s …

By TJ Driscoll Edited by Kevin Wise People from all around the world come to Vermont to try beer that you can only get in the green mountain state. Why travel so far just for Vermont beer? What makes it so special? I set out to try a bunch of …

By Layne Kasprzyk Edited by Kevin Wise Here in Buffalo, we have been undergoing a new age of brewing for both our city, and our region. From Mayville to Wilson, and just about every town between, craft breweries are popping up faster than most people can get around to visiting …

By William Degnan Edited by Kevin Wise I was looking for someone who might have his/her finger on the pulse of what is hot in craft beer or more importantly what changes can be expected over the next 5 years. I sought out a knowledgeable retailer- someone who buys and …