>by Brian Campbell

If it ever stops raining and warms up, we can all finally retire to patios, decks, porches, beer gardens and hammocks and enjoy some well-deserved sunshine and when we do, we’re going to need an easy drinking beer to keep from getting parched in the hot sun. Enter Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing Pale Ale, a flagship offering from the fledgling brewery/distillery/winery hybrid located down in Westfield. This pale ale, which pours a nearly transparent golden straw color, is as much a session beer as they come at an easily approachable 5%. It’s an easy drinker that offers a bready malt sweetness and clean hop character all the way through, leading to a pleasurable finish that will more than likely result in you ordering up another pint. Brewed with Chinook, Cascade and Brewer’s Gold hops, the pale ale presents a pleasant floral citrus nose with subtle grapefruit and lemon notes as well as a lightly toasted biscuit body. This is a beginner pale ale to be sure, one that’s best paired with fresh air, sunshine and views of green rolling hills. Make sure to keep up with the latest from Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing because there is a good chance you’ll see a barrel aged version of this pale ale in the coming months.

>by Chris Groves Certified Cicerone ®

Three local breweries with one goal: To introduce beer drinkers to great beer brewed right here in Buffalo. The “Buffalo Brewers Series No. 1” might just be history in the making for Big Ditch Brewing Company, Community Beer Works and Resurgence Brewing Co. The “Buffalo Brewers Series No. 1” collectible, limited edition three-pack features a 16oz. specially designed commemorative baseball can of beer from each of three popular local Buffalo breweries. The collaboration of three independently owned breweries is certainly unique to Buffalo and perhaps the country. This project pays homage to the great brewing and sports history of Buffalo while showcasing the true collaborative spirit of our great city! Ballpark Brewers Series No. 1 steps to the plate with a lineup of three distinct flavors from the newly formed All Star Team. Big Ditch Brewing Company is featuring Low Bridge, a hoppy golden ale. Community Beer Works is offering An IPA, which wryly enough is an India Pale Ale. Rounding out the pack is Resurgence Brewing’s Summer Saison. All three beers are perfect for a warm sunny day, whether you are at the ballpark watching a game or just hanging with friends in your backyard. Ballpark Brewers Series No. 1 is available for a limited time at all Consumer’s Beverages locations and at the home of the Buffalo Bisons, Coca­-Cola Field. Get yours today!