I stopped at Jamesport Farm Brewery in Riverhead, New York. The bartender helped me through local favorites in a flight. Although all were delicious, the most noteworthy to me was Wicked Little Sister, double IPA. I almost got a t-shirt for my wife’s sister. Great taste on the beer hoppy and strong. Only had time for a brief stop on my long drive from Orient Point to LaGuardia. But at least I had some tasty beer right along the way and how could I not stop – the brewery was right on the road.
I stopped in at Flying Bison Brewing Company in Buffalo, New York. The bartender recommended Bisonfest, which is their version of Oktoberfest, and I found too be delicious. It is malty with complexity and familiarity with several types of malts. And the hops are just enough to balance out the malts and keep it from being sweet. I also tried Rusty Chain which is also delicious. Again , a complex malt bill with enough hops to keep it from being sweet. Great beers!
I stopped in at Pearl Street Grill and Brewery after a long walk in Buffalo New York and wasn’t sure what to try. The bartender gave me a few samples and I landed on the Lighthouse Golden Ale. LIGHT BEER? YES! LIGHT BEER! And FABULOUS LIGHT BEER at that. I could drink this all day and I never drink light beer. And I’m sure my waistline thanks me for this too. I enjoyed every drop while watching the Buffalo Sabres win last night. Great beer and great spot to enjoy a beer.
I stopped in at Big Ditch Brewing Company in Buffalo, New York and enjoyed the Excavator Rye Brown Ale. Excavator is rich, full-bodied, full-flavored and delicious. This is a great fall/winter beer. It took the chill out of last evening. The rye flavor adds some spice and supports the brown ale.
I tried the Imperial Vanilla Cappuccino Pumpkin Ale from Resurgence Brewing Company in Buffalo, New York. This beer combines many flavors I love: vanilla, coffee, pumpkin and spices. It’s not heavy on the pumpkin. But at 13.3% it’s strong, so be careful.
I stopped in 12 Gates Brewing Company in Williamsville, New York to try their beers. After consulting with the bartender I learned that their West Coast IPA is their flagship. Despite being somewhat bored with IPAs I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. It was really good. And, if I were going to have an IPA this is one I’d want to have. Thoroughly enjoyable. Wonderfully hoppy but not overboard. And, not resiny like some IPAs. Delicious!
I stopped in at the Buffalo Brewpub in Williamsville, New York for lunch. Their Buffalo Chicken Salad was the best I’ve ever had. Surprise, Surprise. Buffalo Chicken in Buffalo. And I can see why their Amber Ale is their flagship. Its delicious. Many Amber Ales can tend to be blah. This has flavor. It is malty and a little hoppy. Perfect balance. Just a bit of additional spice flavor to give it some backbone. I loved it.
I Stop For Hops 