It is a heavy, bittersweet week in Western New York craft beer as we reckon with major shifts in our local brewing landscape. With the shocking news that Chandler Street Breweries, which houses Community Beer Works, Thin Man Brewery, and Smoldered Society, has ceased operations, alongside the news that Craig Altabello is closing the doors at Larkin’s beloved Magic Bear Beer Cellar after five wonderful years, we take some time this episode to share our memories, lament changing industry trends, and reflect on what these spaces meant to all of us. But even amidst the heartbreak, there are still reasons to gather, support local, and raise a glass. We toast to Buffalo Brewpub as they celebrate an unbelievable 40 years of Buffalo brewing history, map out where to don your costumes for Halloween pints, and look ahead to holiday beer traditions with the return of the NYSBA craft beer advent calendar. Catch the full video edition, live discussion, and screen shares on the Buffalo Beer Buzz Playlist on YouTube. Here is what is happening across the local beer scene: Chandler Street Breweries Shuts Down: In a devastating blow to the Buffalo craft beer scene, Community Beer Works, Thin Man Brewery, and imprint label Smoldered Society have ceased operations and closed the doors at 166 Chandler Street in Black Rock. Citing rising operational costs, changing consumer habits, distribution hurdles, and an overall industry decline, the collective confirmed the business was no longer financially sustainable, bringing an abrupt end to some of Buffalo’s most influential brewing names.Magic Bear Beer Cellar Closes After Five Years: Another staple of the local beer community is saying goodbye as Larkinville's Magic Bear Beer Cellar pours its final pints on Friday, October 30th. Owner Craig Altabello announced he chose not to renew the lease in order to prioritize spending time with his young family, thanking the Larkin Development Group, the Zemsky family, and loyal patrons for supporting the craft bottle shop and bar since December 2021.Buffalo Brewpub Celebrates 40 Landmark Years: Standing tall as one of America’s oldest continuously operating brewpubs, Main Street’s Buffalo Brewpub marks its 40th anniversary on Thursday, October 29th. Founded in 1986, the institution is celebrating four decades of local beer history with half-priced draft pours, house wines, and half-priced appetizers starting at 4:00 PM.NYS Brewers Association Holiday Beer Boxes Return: The 24 NYS Beers of Holiday Cheer advent calendar is officially back for the season, packaging 24 distinct craft beers from 24 independent New York State breweries spanning stouts, lagers, sours, and IPAs (including local representation from Big Ditch and Spotted Octopus). Boxes cost $149, include a tasting guide, stickers, and a koozie, and ship in time for December 1st.Halloween Bashes Across WNY: Looking to dress up and sip something fresh this weekend? Wayland Brewing is throwing their Spooky Skelebration featuring a costume contest and tunes from DJ Spooky Stephen; Buffalo Riverworks is hosting A Very 90s Halloween with Nineties By Nature BFLO and DJ Jammin’ Janice benefiting Variety – the Children’s Charity; and Hofbräuhaus Buffalo welcomes the XOXO Pop Band for drink specials and late-night costume competitions.Connect with us: Web: Buffalo.BeerHotline: 716-486-BEER (2337)Shopping Portal: buffalobeerleague.com/amazonSocials: @BuffaloBeerLeague / @WNYBrews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
