Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 7th 2006, 7:41pm By Ethan Cox

The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind. --Humphrey Bogart

*** UPDATED 9/07 ***

And I am, I know, a few days behind. Life's like that, with or without beer. As the summer days dwindle and autumn nights step to the fore, it's a good time to take stock of what's happening in the local beer scene. This month's news includes some great events--September will defenitely be a very beery month--so click on through for the skinny.

The biggest news by far of course is the impending Buffalo BrewFest, sponsored by Flying Bison among others. If you haven't seen the signs, or bought your tickets yet, it's not too late. Draw a huge red circle on your calendar for September 16th, 2:00-7:00 p.m.. The event will be held rain or shine in the Central Terminal- a fantastic venue alright. Proceeds will go to the restoration of said site but also to the Buffalo Speech & Hearing Center. Better still, along with all the craft breweries there will be food provided by Steel Drums, Ulrich's Tavern, and Pizza Plant. Over 100 beers will be on deck, likely including some brewed specifically for this event and thus not available anywhere else! So come one, come all- don't forget that designed drivers are critical, and get in free. I'll see you there.

Cole's has been upping the ante for good beer aficionados, and does so once more by hosting a Belgian tasting dinner this September 20th, a dinner which will feature pairings with killer NYS brewers Ommegang. Expect 4-5 courses, some of which I hear will be actually made with Ommegang beers as well- mussels steamed in Ommegang's Witte, ribs braised with their Rare Vos, possibly a dessert made with Three Philosophers. Wow! The cost is $35/person, call 886-1449 or email info@meetmeatcoles.com for more information or to make reservations. I'll see you there, too.

Tastings will soon be on again down at Shango, though I don't know for sure yet what the dates are. If I recall correctly, they are the third Wednesday of each month, and cost $10 for sampling of around 6 beers or so. I'll post more details when I get them, or call down there at 837-2326. When I last stopped in, their tap selection included FB's Stout, Indica from Lost Coast, Unibroue's Maudite, Pilsner Urquell, Brooklyn's White Ale and Great Divide's DPA (that is, Denver Pale Ale.)

Mr. Goodbar's Goodbeer Club will meet again on Wed. 9/13. If you recall my first review of this event, (or were lucky enough to be there), then you'll be excited to hear that the upcoming event will be hosted once again by Flying Bison's own Dave Glor- he studied brewing at Weihenstephan, so you can be sure he knows his poop. I'm told the theme will be "The Best of the Fests," and while I don't know precisely what fests other than Oktoberfrest we'll be sampling from, I have every reason to expect a fantastic tasting, accompanied as usual with great cooking from Bobby Raab. I'll see you there, too.

Let me add that Mr. Goodbar's next Cask Club Night is also scheduled, for September 22nd. These events have been quite successful, so don't miss the opportunity to have fine live beer, served straight from the firkin. A final note: current taps at Goodbar include Avery's Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest (mmmm: malt! & 9.3% abv!) and shortly, Weyerbacher's oak aged Merry Monks, an Abby Trippel. Phat!

Down at Ulrichs, Oktoberfest is definitely being represented by a fine, mainly German selection of beers. Spaten Oktoberfest & Lager are on, as well as Ayinger's Celebraor, and the Pauliner Hefe is lingering for a bit longer. The CB's Berliner Weisse will soon be replaced by Saranac's Pumpkin Ale, while Flying Bison's Hoops (brewed specifically for the bar) is on it's way; their stout is already pouring. Stop on by for some great German food & brews, and hey: I might well see you there, too.

The final BeerNews event of note takes place on Sept 29th, at a venue not really known as much for beers as for baked goods: Delish! on Elmwood will be hosting a beer tasting/food pairing hosted by, well, me. The theme will be NYS beers, and we're still shoring up the food pairing details, but I think it's fair to say: expect some pretty amazing food paired with (and made with) some great beers. Hit the website to register or drop by the store, or call 881-2022. I understand the class is filling up pretty quickly, so make your plans now. You'll see me there!

That's the beer news from here, see you in about two weeks: I'll be giving up a thorough review (and slideshow) of the beery madness down at the Central Terminal- Cheers!