Being a beer geek is celebrated in Buffalo, so much so that there’s a group for it! Buffalo Beer Geeks is a community that’s dedicated to the appreciation of craft beer and supporting WNY breweries.
The Facebook group was established in 2012 and has since grown to include 6,000+ members.
Joe Yager is one of the moderators of Buffalo Beer Geeks, craft beer enthusiast, and an expert on what’s happening in the Buffalo beer scene. So we asked him to share a few of his favorite beers from Buffalocal breweries with us.
Meet Joe Yager
Joe Yager was first introduced to craft beer by his dad and brothers when he was around 22. Through his 20s, he started traveling all over the country and now he’s 37 and has been to 22 states and nearly 400 breweries.
His favorite beer style hands down is IPAs, but he also enjoys pilsners, lagers, stouts and barley wines.
Right now Joe is getting ready for one of the biggest beer events of the year!
CollaBEERation 2.0 is a festival where 40 local spots will be pouring collaborations which were created and brewed by small groups of the Buffalo Beer Geeks. There are 34 breweries, 3 cideries, 2 meaderies and 1 kombucha spot participating this year (including 13 Buffalocal brands).
A ticket to CollaBEERation 2.0 on Sunday, February 20 at The Powerhouse will get you 4 hours of tasting unlimited pours of 40 collabs that have never been tasted by the public before.
Joe’s Top 4 Buffalocal Picks:
Let’s Go Pils from Community Beer Works
“Classic Pilsner, Bills theme and I can crush a bunch in a row. Nuff said.”
Sticky Trees from Pressure Drop Brewing
“Sticky Trees because it’s always consistent and just a great IPA. I’ve also had less than 24 hour fresh kegged Sticky and I must say it’s something you don’t forget.
Dubbel Talk from Resurgence Brewing Company
“It’s not a style I’m used to from Resurgence but I really loved this offering. It was easily drinkable and a well made Dubbel which isn’t appreciated enough.”
Towpath from Big Ditch Brewing Company
“One of my favorite traditions is the day before Thanksgiving aka Stoutsgiving at Big Ditch and its premier beer is always the BA Towpath. It never disappoints and is one of the OGs of barrel-aged offerings to Buffalo Beer Geeks.”
Drink Local
If you’re looking for craft beer in Buffalo to try, start with these recommendations from Buffalo Beer Geeks.
Remember to look for Buffalocal beers at your favorite craft beer bars in Buffalo and when you’re shopping for beer in Buffalo at bottle shops and grocery stores. Plus, you can always find Buffalo craft beer at our certified accounts.