Beer Around The NFL: Buffalo Bills
Football season is here and you know what that means, don't you? If we weren't so freakin' beer happy all year round, we would call it beer season, because there really is no better way to cheer your team than with a pint or mug of your favorite local craft brew. All season we will be taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout, then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the Buffalo Bills.
WHAT TO DRINK
Ithaca Flower Power IPA: Named for the floral essence of the hops, this IPA pours golden in the glass, giving off aromas of melon, citrus and pine, with a hint of sweeter tropical fruit. ithacabeer.com
Ommegang Abbey Ale: This dubbel-style ale is full of bready and spiced aromas, with nutty and fruity flavors. Rich and slightly sweet, with a creamy mouthfeel and no lack of punch at 8.5% ABV. ommegang.com
Southern Tier Iniquity: So dark you might mistake it for a stout, this black ale is full of flavor, characterized by chocolate, coffee and roasted malt notes, with a hint of smoke on the finish. stbcbeer.com
WHERE TO DRINK IT
Blue Monk: This Belgian-influenced beer bar has a respectable 30 taps, plus another 75 or so bottles in stock. The food menu also tends toward the Belgian, but also happens to include a decidedly un-Belgian poutine. 727 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 716-882-6665, bluemonkbflo.com
Coles: This Buffalo institution since 1934 has 35 draft options, plus another 100-odd bottles, with a significant regional focus. Clientele runs the gambit from college kids to old timers. 1104 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 716-886-1449, colesbuffalo.com
The Tap & Mallet: There's an Englishman behind this Rochester bar, which may be why you can count on a cask-conditioned ale option when you belly up. Another 30 taps and 100 or so bottles complete the beer list. 381 Gregory Street, Rochester, 585-473-0503 tapandmallet.com
WHERE TO BUY IT
The Village Beer Merchant: This massive gourmet food and specialty beer shop now has two locations. The original has more than 1,200 local and domestic microbrews and imports from around the world. 547 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 716-881-1080, facebook.com/TheVillageBeerMerchant
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