>Erik Wollschalger

Despite current the here-and-gone again nature of the cold weather Buffalo knows so well, winter is indeed on its way—let us not forget, just three weeks from now, we celebrate the anniversary of Snowmageddon, when the southern half of the city and its surrounding suburbs were buried under house-high piles of snow. In preparation for the potential weathering of another storm, Flying Bison has released their prescription for cabin fever—Bison Warmer. Bison Warmer is a nicely spiced ale, brewed in the traditional manner of the American Winter Warmer. A beer drinker’s answer to mulled cider, the American Winter Warmer often incorporates cloves, orange peel, cinnamon and nutmeg, among other traditional spices. Bison Warmer is no exception, and the clove and ginger flavors balance the malt character for a perfect winter brew. The diverse range of spices makes it a great beer to pair with just about anything; the clove and ginger pair well with ham or game meats, and the sweet maltiness is a nice background for any dessert. Here’s a secret no one is telling you, though—this beer is fantastic with your kid’s Halloween candy! Sift through that giant bowl you have balanced precariously on top of your refrigerator, and pull out anything with caramel, peanut butter, or coconut. You (and your dentist) can thank me later. You can find Bison Warmer in 6-pack bottles at any of your local grocers or bottle shops.

>Chris Groves, Certified Cicerone®

The first time I visited the Genesee Brew House back in 2012, I was truly floored by what was coming out of the “small” 20 barrel brewery on Cataract St. in Rochester. Brewmaster Dean Jones was brewing at least a half dozen solid styles, only available at the two bars located inside a renovated, former Genesee packaging facility. In the years since, Jones has brewed at least 40 different styles to much praise including their latest package release, Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter. A scaled up recipe originally brewed as a limited edition collaboration with Hedonist Artisan Chocolates takes a traditional English style Porter and inserts layers of complexity brought by a massive dose of French chocolate, caramel and sea salt. For beers typically packing this much flavor, you would expect to see an ABV north of 9%; not so with this, clocking in at 6.5%. This beer has the ability to be several different things depending on what temperature you serve it. Cold from the fridge, the beer pours deep brown with aromas and flavors of bittersweet chocolate, deep roast and salt with a slightly thinner body than one might expect. As the beer warms, roast takes a back seat to bittersweet chocolate, enhanced by salt, making a perfect dessert beer. Just in time for indoor party season, pair it with like flavors or your favorite Baklava. Pick up a 4-pack to share with friends and have a toast to the new Genny! #thinknydrinkny