>Erik Wollschlager

Buffalo’s relatively young beer scene deserves some applause for almost immediately recognizing the importance of the Farm to Pint movement. This crisp, golden beer was brewed with pilsner malt from Western New York’s own New York Craft Malt and lightly hopped with crystal hops from the northwest. Traditionally, cream ales were brewed to compete with light and refreshing German lagers, and this beer does just that. By design, the crystal hops mimic the characteristics of German hops (think Noble,) but offer a little citrus flavor that is boldly American. Derek Ordway, the new head brewer at Gordon Biersch in Cheektowaga, is new to town and impressed with the local ingredients. The pilsner malt adds the proper sweetness and the very last sip had some of the citrus flavors from the hops. This ‘lawn-mowing beer,’ as Derek called it is the perfect end to a fall day spent raking mountains of leaves, and is highly sessionable. If you’re enjoying the cream ale in-house, try pairing it with the fish tacos or the seafood cobb salad. The first keg will be tapped at the restaurant on September 22nd, and you’ll be able to find this beer at many of the events set to take place for Buffalo Beer Week, September 24th—October 5th. Pick up the Farm to Pint (F2P) passport to try this and other local beers brewed with fantastic local ingredients (buffalobeerweek.com/f2p).

>Chris Groves Certified Cicerone ®

If I had endless piles of cash, I know where I would spend my fall season. Muskoka is the place. For those unfamiliar, a few hours north of our city lies a beautiful landscape of tall pines, crystal clear fresh water and islands that dot the horizon. Anyone who’s been to the Adirondacks on a regular basis would share the same, warm feelings..unless you had a horrible experience. I would no doubt enjoy a frosty beverage or two while relaxing at the end of my dock, in a Muskoka chair, watching picture perfect sunsets and welcoming the changing foliage. The beer? Keeping it regional I’d say a beer from Muskoka Brewing Company would do quite well, don’t you think? If given the choice to have just one of those beers through the fall...I’d happily have a Harvest Ale in my glass. Dry hopped using the freshest hops cut from the recent harvest, the nose on this beer leans lightly grassy atop a strong malty backbone. This is surely a heartier beer for a heartier coming season. Muskoka Brewing Company has shown a larger WNY audience that flavorful Canadian beer does exist. Now...the important part. The chair I’ve chosen to relax and have my beer in...is it a Muskoka Chair or an Adirondack Chair? I’ve heard there’s a difference. What do you think?