76 House Lager - Wayland Brewing Company

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 in love with their liquid in the first place: House Lager. THE FEATURED POUR * Brewery: Wayland Brewing Company (Orchard Park, NY) * Beer: House Lager * Style: American Light Lager * ABV: 4.2% * Brian’s Verdict: A completely delightful and delectable American lager that Brian has refallen in love with. It is crisp, bright, and clean, featuring a great citrus hit up front alongside uniquely satisfying underlying notes of red berry. Balanced by a sturdy bread crust malt note and an ever-so-slight dryness on the finish, it is a masterfully constructed, well-rounded "crispy boy". WHY IT MATTERS Before Wayland Brewing officially opened their doors, they brewed a series of about 12 canned beers—including this House Lager—and distributed them to local bottle shops like Aurora Brew Works. Brian bought them all back then, and tasting this new draft release brought all that nostalgia flooding back. The beer has received a phenomenal "glow up" since those early days, standing out as one of the absolute best lagers Wayland has produced to date. The only minor critique? Brian was slightly bummed it wasn't pouring from a side-pull tap. Even though a side-pull presentation would elevate it even further, the sheer quality of the liquid in the glass more than makes up for it. It's a refreshing, sturdy option that's perfect for warm weather, whether you're playing bocce or sitting at a picnic table in Wayland’s stellar beer garden. TAPROOM TIPS & THE LEAGUE NEWSLETTER House Lager is currently a draft-exclusive release at the Orchard Park taproom. While you're visiting to grab a pint, be sure to head over to BuffaloBeerLeague.com and drop your email in the subscription box on the right rail. The League is launching a weekly newsletter to consolidate all of Brian’s articles and the various podcasts under the WNY Brews umbrella so you never miss a beat. CONNECT WITH THE LEAGUE * Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com [https://BuffaloBeerLeague.com] * Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and leave a voicemail with your favorite local lager! * Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com * Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) * Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/thebestbeeridrankthisweek] — Follow along as we approach Episode 80 and look out for new audio/video content on the WNY Brews YouTube channel! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 the Clouds. THE FEATURED POUR * Brewery: Resurgence Brewing Company (Buffalo, NY) * Beer: Head in the Clouds * Style: Double IPA * ABV: 8.4% * Brian’s Verdict: Hands down, the best Double IPA Resurgence has ever produced. When fresh, this is easily one of the most underrated, slept-on DIPAs in Western New York. It blasts out of the glass with massive aromas of white peach, citrus orange, and sweet pineapple. On the palate, it’s a full-bodied, juicy explosion of grapefruit and papaya. It finishes deceptively light and clean for an 8.4% beer, anchored by a sticky, dank hop resin that lingers beautifully. WHY IT MATTERS It doesn't hurt to drink the same world-class beer twice. In the relentless craft beer race to chase down what's brand new, exceptional flagships and occasional legacy releases get overlooked. Head in the Clouds recently received a fresh batch drop, and it proves exactly why it sits on Brian's personal Mount Rushmore of local IPAs. A special shout-out goes to Jeff Ware at Resurgence for passing along a fresh four-pack to the League. This beer handles its massive 8.4% backbone with absolute grace—delivering big, aggressive hop notes that easily cut right through the signature haze without being harsh. If you've been waiting for a refreshing, tropical, yet deeply resinous local double, the time is now. TAPROOM SHOPPING & SUMMER POURS If you're hitting up the Chicago Street brewery soon, Brian recommends picking up their special America 250 Sitmo cans just in time for the 4th of July festivities. While you're there, grab Head in the Clouds on draft to compare it to the incredibly fresh 16oz cans currently making waves at local retailers. CONNECT WITH THE LEAGUE * * Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com [https://BuffaloBeerLeague.com] — Check out the WNY Brews tab on the right rail to hear our exclusive full-length interview with Matt and Corey! * Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Did you pick up the new batch of Head in the Clouds? Call in and leave a review! * * Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com * * Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) * * Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Follow along as we unpack past episodes from our 75+ episode archive. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 down a New York City soda fountain lane. THE FEATURED POUR * Brewery: Other Half Brewing Co. (Buffalo, NY) * Beer: Egg Cream Milk Stout * Style: Milk Stout * ABV: 6.0% * Brian’s Verdict: An absolute breakout hit amidst a sea of haze. Pours with big, decadent aromas of milk chocolate, sugar, and vanilla. Despite the rich scent, it remains incredibly light-bodied and smooth rather than cloyingly sugary. It lands right up front with massive notes of chocolate syrup, vanilla, and coffee with cream, finishing with a delicate hint of roasted malt in the background. Highly approachable and dangerously drinkable. DINER LORE & TAPROOM CONFUSION When Brian asked the bartender at Seneca One Tower what exactly an "egg cream" was, the bartender guessed it tasted like a Cadbury Cream Egg. Close, but no cigar! As Brian cleared up after doing some homework, a classic New York City egg cream is a historic soda fountain staple popularized in Jewish immigrant communities in the late 19th century. Made from seltzer, milk, and chocolate syrup, the drink famously contains neither eggs nor cream. Other Half and Junior's captured that frothy, nostalgic magic perfectly by infusing this 6.0% stout with real cocoa nibs and vanilla bean. WHERE TO FIND IT While the taproom board is heavily stacked with IPAs (including a stellar recent collaboration with Prison City), this sweet lone soldier is a must-try. It should still be flowing on draft at the Buffalo taproom, and Brian notes that you can likely still order cans shipped directly to your door through Other Half's website. CONNECT WITH THE LEAGUE * Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com [https://buffalobeerleague.com/] — Look for the email sign-up on the right rail to join our forthcoming weekly newsletter! * Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Have you ever had a real NYC egg cream? Call the line and tell us how the beer compares! * Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com * Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) * Dedicated Podcast IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — We are marching toward 100 episodes! Follow along as we upload the archives. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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: Crazy Child Vienna Lager. THE FEATURED POUR * Brewery: BriarBrothers Brewing Company (The Silos at Elk Street) * Beer: Crazy Child * Style: Vienna Lager * ABV: 5.2% * Brian’s Verdict: A brilliant execution of a classic style. Right in the 5.2% ABV wheelhouse, it pours a vibrant copper with a bright, billowy foam head. It is light-bodied, crisp, and exceptionally refreshing, delivering clean notes of toasted bread, chocolate malt, and a subtle kiss of vanilla, caramel, and molasses. It is a true "one-more-sip" kind of pint. WHY IT MATTERS BriarBrothers continues to prove that they are absolute masters of the "clear beer" movement. Following up on the massive success of their Reflections rice lager, Crazy Child was brought to life because the crew wanted a traditional style they could just sit back and slowly enjoy. The Story Behind the Mix-Pack: Brian actually stumbled onto this beer by accident. While at the taproom building a custom mix-pack, the staff let him know that pushing his order to an even eight cans unlocked a sweet discount. Looking to round things out alongside some Warpath Lager, he grabbed a single can of Crazy Child on a whim because his buddy Jesse—the ultimate BriarBrothers disciple—had been raving about it. Brian's only regret? He didn't buy a whole case. Oh, and if the Untapped description sounds like a lyrical riddle ("Where's the fire? What's the hurry about... you can get exactly what you want..."), Brian confesses he missed the reference at first, but it's a clever nod to Billy Joel’s classic track, "Vienna." --- CONNECT WITH THE LEAGUE * Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com [https://buffalobeerleague.com/] * Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call the answering service and leave us your review of Crazy Child! * Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com * Main Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) * NEW Podcast Instagram: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek — Give the new page a follow as Brian back-catalogs the first 75+ episodes! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 reliable friend for years. We’re talking about the flagship of Big Ditch Brewing Company: Hayburner. THE FEATURED POUR * Brewery: Big Ditch Brewing Company (Buffalo & Lockport, NY) * * Beer: Hayburner * Style: American IPA * ABV: 7.2% * Brian’s Verdict: A luscious, citrusy classic that remains as consistent today as it was years ago. It’s packed with notes of orange, melon, and grapefruit, balanced by a soft malt base and a firm, earthy bitterness on the finish. It’s "Buffalo’s IPA" for a reason—it’s the warm blanket of local beer. WHY IT MATTERS Brian chose Hayburner this week because of a simple, memorable night putting together furniture with his wife. Amidst the chaos of sleeper sofas and ottoman assembly, he cracked open a Burner Relief Kit—a budget-friendly four-pack featuring two cans of Hayburner and two cans of Dayburner for just $8.99. The "Same Beer Twice" Philosophy: As a wise man once told Brian, "It doesn’t hurt to drink the same beer twice." In a world where we are constantly "chasing the new," we often overlook the flagships that built the scene. Hayburner is the beer you can find everywhere—from the high-end taprooms to your neighborhood dive bar—and it never fails to deliver. It’s a testament to the technical skill of Matt Kahn, Corey Catalano, and the entire Big Ditch team. DEEP DIVE INTO THE ARCHIVES If you want to know everything there is to know about this beer, check out the WNY Brews archives. Brian and Scott hosted a "Deep Dive" episode with Matt and Corey specifically about Hayburner. It covers everything from the Idaho 7 and Falconer’s Flight hop profile to the history of how this beer became a Buffalo staple. CONNECT WITH THE LEAGUE * Website: BuffaloBeerLeague.com [https://BuffaloBeerLeague.com] * Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in and tell us your favorite "flagship" Buffalo beer! * Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com * Socials: @BuffaloBeerLeague (IG/Untappd/Threads) | @BuffBeerLeague (X) * Podcast: New episodes of The Best Beer I Drank This Week drop every Tuesday! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.