As 2025 wraps up, Jason and Craig drop a quick bonus “secret track” episode of Bear-ly Getting Started to raise a glass to the journey so far. This Smokey Sips installment features Smoky Paws, a limited honey pawpaw wine from Three Bears Meadery, with a relaxed discussion on mead vs. honey wine, fermentation, flavor, and winter sipping vibes. A warm, reflective toast to 55 episodes and a prosperous 2026 — Cheers! Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.c...

In this final episode of Smokey Sips, Jason and Craig wrap up by diving into Smoke & Dagger, the Smoked Black Lager from Jack’s Abbey Craft Lagers. They explore Jack’s Abbey’s dedication to old-world lager techniques, break down what defines a black lager, and compare how smoke interacts across different styles—from rauchbiers to smoked porters. Along the way, they dig into malt sweetness, perceived bitterness, IBUs vs. Scoville heat, and why balance matters more than numbers. The episode...

Jason and Bri get festive as they break down Deck the Halls on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, a beloved holiday tradition they’ve now experienced four years in a row. They explore the event’s origins, share tips on pacing yourself across 17 wineries, and highlight standout stops, favorite wines, unique ornaments, and festive food pairings—all while sipping on a Dry Rosé from Toast Winery. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Deck the Halls so special, this episode captures the magic, wine, and hol...

In this third installment of the Smokey Sips series , Jason and Craig dive deep into a darker, richer side of smoked beer with Leaning Chimney — a smoked porter from Gray Sail Brewing Company of Rhode Island. After exploring a Märzen and a smoked Polish wheat beer in earlier episodes, the hosts shift gears to examine how smoke interacts with a more robust base style. Craig breaks down how smoked beers can be created from nearly any grain bill, and how the malt recipe, hopping, carbonation, an...

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode of the Buffalo Brews Podcast, Jason and Bri settle in for a laid-back conversation filled with holiday nostalgia, brewing excitement, and upcoming events in the Western New York craft beer scene. They kick off with Thanksgiving traditions—old, new, and evolving—as Bri talks about ditching the classic dinner for a full-on Thanksgiving breakfast featuring a waffle bar and tater-tot casserole. From there, the conversation flows into memories of family gatherin...

In this installment of Bear-ly Getting Started, Jason sits down with Craig for the second entry in the “Smoky Sips” mini-series. Broadcasting from Larkinville, the duo dives deep into one of Buffalo Brewing Company’s most unique offerings: the 1976 Grodziskie, a traditional Polish smoked wheat ale affectionately known as the “Polish Champagne.” Craig shares the story of how brewing this very style led him to meet brewer and Buffalo beer historian John Domrez, and how that connection shaped Cr...

In this lively episode of The Buffalo Brews Podcast, Jason and Bri kick things off with a little technical drama as their trusty Old Reliable Zoom PodTrak P4 fills in for the temperamental P8. From there, the duo dives into a cozy, conversational recap of their autumn adventures — blending humor, storytelling, and that unmistakable Buffalo energy. They chat about Halloween and daylight savings woes, swapping stories about mornings and early sunsets. Then it’s on to October camping tales, wher...

Hosts Jason and Craig kick off their thirteenth series, “Smoky Sips,” exploring the world of smoked beers and their deep roots in brewing history. The inspiration for the series came from Craig’s discovery of several smoked beers in his personal collection — enough to spark an entire new theme focused on rich, smoky flavors perfect for colder weather. The episode centers around Rauchbier (pronounced “Rauk-beer”), a traditional German smoked Märzen known as one of the most iconic and historic ...

We celebrate the 50th episode of Bear-ly Getting Started and it is only appropriate that we do so with a golden stout. Also known as a white stout. After Craig tells us a bit about our feature brewery, we learn what a white or golden stout is. We close out any series by talking about what's available at Magic Bear Beer Cellar including their award-winning trivia night. We also recognize this series as a favorite of the World Podcast Network. Featuring Guilty Remnant from Blood Brothers ...

The running and golfing season has come to an end which means fall is in full swing. Jason and Bri add new experiences to resume with a Porsche car show, as well as dinner and drinks at Bri's favorite social media stalk, Bella Ciao. A return to the Lewiston Harvest & Hops Festival and the episode closes as Bri prepares for her annual camping trip. Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us on social media. Instagram: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast ...

The original Belgium sour ale comes to the forefront as we learn the components of how it is made as well as learning some about the technique. Over 200 years of history in just one, great beer. If you were ever curious about glassware, Jason and Craig touch on the subject to really get you thinking. Featuring Rodenbach Classic from Brouwerij Rodenback in Roeselare, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium. Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us on social media....

Jason and Bri have spent the summer with many places, events and projects on the radar. It was needed to catch up so listen as they talk the Lancaster Renaissance Street Faire, music and food at the Erie County Fair, hiking around the Rochester area, and the Lewiston Jazz Festival. Now, we are in the countdown to fall and cannot wait to share more adventures. Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us on social media. Instagram: @Buffa...

When you think about unique IPAs it is time to look to the Kiwi nation for tropical and win-line flavor notes. Enjoy the discussion on the differences between New Zealand and White IPAs. Featuring Monkey Kung Fu from Griffon Brewing in Youngstown, NY. Be sure to visit one of their location to enjoy a large selection of beer. Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us on social media. Instagram: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast Facebook: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast T...

BGS returns for a historic season Series 12 entitled 'Noteworthy Niche'. Featuring Heliophile from Strangebird in Rochester, NY. A brewery with a combination of great backgrounds coming together as its' brewers came from Dogfish Head and New Belgium respectively. Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us on social media. Instagram: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast Facebook: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast TikTok: @BuffaloBrews YouTube: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast ...

Jason and Bri sit with Bri's son and special guest, Kieran, who lives in Valdosta, Georgia. Jason flew to Georgia and drove back to Buffalo with Kieran. All in a matter of 40 hours. A discussion opens about the destruction of Valdosta by Hurricane Helene which struck as a Category 4 in September 2024. A review of CookOut Restaurant, Five Guys in Terminal C of the Atlanta airport (which serves breakfast sandwiches), and Sheetz. And we ask the question, what's in your Canadian care package? Fea...

Jason and Bri open with a recap of the Buffalo Marathon 5K and the push to the Tunnel to Towers 5K coming in September. Then a visit to one of the most unique beer festivals in Western New York and a review of Rails and Ales at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. We haven't featured wine in a minute and no better day to highlight than National Wine Day with visits to 21 Brix and Mazza Chautauqua. We wind up the episode with our first visit to Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki B...

We have enjoying drinking desserts in this series; however, we close out with one of the most unique Buffalo beer creations of the year. Craig and Jason open with a talk about black currant, a key ingredient to this episode. Featuring Pączki Stout from Buffalo Brewing Company in Buffalo (of course), NY. It is currently scarce given the time of year, but we do have verified current offerings at One-Eyed Cat on Main St in Williamsville and Innovative Field in Rochester for a Red-Wings game. Vis...

From Craig's childhood to Jason's late start, the guys open with a talk about Nutella. After opening this episode's selection, conversation starts to form in regard to the creation of other brews. We hope you are enjoying this series as we drink dessert. Featuring Platter's Chocolate Hazelnut Porter from Ellicottville Brewing Company in Ellicottville, NY. Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us on social media. Instagram: @BuffaloBrewsPodc...

Craig and Jason use this episode to talk about one of the highest-rated breweries in New York State, Mortalis. Everything from history to popularity, since 2017, Mortalis proves why they are world-know and elite in the state. Featuring Tears of The Goddess: Carrot Cake Sour IPA from Mortalis Brewing in Avon, NY. (Side Note: Watch out for the Mortalis x Magic Bear collaBEARation coming Thursday, May 29th.) Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us ...

Series 11 - Drinking Desserts. Jason and Craig open this fun series with a review of cream ales (see series 8.1 for more.) Then we dive in. We have so many questions as to what makes a beer like this so delicious. Much deserved praise of this and other great creations as this episode features Peaches and Queen from 903 Brewers of Sherman, Texas. Visit our website at BuffaloBrewsPodcast.com Email: buffalobrewsPR@gmail.com Follow us on social media. Instagram: @BuffaloBrewsPodcast Faceb...