Flagship February is an idea from beer writer Stephen Beaumont. The idea is intended to showcase classic beer brands which are increasingly being passed over in an endless search for the newest, latest greatest thing on the menu. “More and more, people are choosing a beer based on novelty—or rarity—rather than taste. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but what sometimes gets lost in the ’special release’ noise are the beers that paved the way for today’s remarkable global beer market. So we’ve created #FlagshipFebruary. A month to celebrate not what’s next. But what’s first. The flagships. The originals.” writes Beaumont.

“The idea to do it at our brewery immediately felt right” said Ethan Cox (Pres. Community Beer Works) after initially reading the Flagship February article on foodandwine.com “We are still relatively new to the packaged beer market so we decided instead to feature some of the early brands that helped us get to where we are today.”

Throughout February we’ll be showcasing classic beer brands which are increasingly being passed over in an endless search for the newest, latest greatest thing on the menu. It’s a celebration of the early brands that helped pave the way for craft beer in our area. Each Wednesday during #FlagshipFebruary we’ll be serving limited bottles of these inspirational beers from open to close (3pm to 10pm), or until supplies run out. We’re also inviting representatives from each brewery to join us in our taproom; talking to the public about their flagship brews, and passing out a limited supply of brewery swag from 5pm to 7pm.

Wednesday 2/6/19 Brooklyn Lager (with Chris Majcher from Brooklyn Brewery) 

“I remember having this for the first time, also New Amsterdam Lager, and just being so impressed that a light, lager-style beer could have flavor—soft, rounded malt flavor—and still be crushable, low ABV, and come from a small company. Probably, I had it not too long after its debut. And then the hits just kept on coming! I love their East India Pale Ale, and the Black Chocolate Stout that was Garrett Oliver’s first recipe. And, I miss Monster, their barleywine; RIP Truly one of my inspiration breweries and beers.” – Ethan Cox, President of CBW

Wednesday 2/13/19 Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter

“I can only really say three things. One is that, since their founding, Great Lakes has been the very model of a great, community-oriented, local brewery, and if CBW grows to be even half the company they are, I’ll be really proud of us. Second, Edmund Fitzgerald is, in my opinion, the very definition of an American Porter, and I hold it in the highest regard, alongside Black Butte from Deschutes which we cannot get here. And third, at my Local, this is on and has always been for the entire 11 years since I’ve moved back home. Indeed, most of the bartenders know what I want if I simply ask for a Lightfoot.” – Ethan Cox, President of CBW

Wednesday 2/20/19 Ithaca Flower Power (with Greg Stacy from Ithaca)

“Flower Power was, along with contemporary Boulder Beer Co.’s Hazed & Infused, a real revelation in what hop aroma and flavor expression could be. The entire modern IPA insanity can really be traced back to those two beers, and maybe as well Stone & Lagunitas. But I just remember for the first time getting those dank hop aromas we all so love now, and more citrus than ever. All in a world before Galaxy, Mosaic and other hops which make it pretty easy, really. It might seem old school now, but FlerPer is a true original.” – Ethan Cox, President of CBW

Wednesday 2/27/19 Flying Bison Aviator Red (with Tim Herzog from Flying Bison)

“Buffalo’s Flagship beer since 2000, Tim Herzog & crew have stayed the course on this one while trends have come and gone, and come again. Sure, a red ale seems pretty Craft1.0 anymore, but for people like me who started homebrewing in the early 90’s, this is beer as comfort food. A simple, malt forward recipe that has both enough depth to be enjoyable and not over-assertive. Also, a beer that demonstrates culinary versatility, from pairing with burgers & pizza to use in soups and stews. Slainte!” – Ethan Cox, President of CBW

It’s all happening at 520 7th Street, just minutes from the Peace Bridge and Kleinhans Music Hall.

About Stephen Beaumont

Renowned beer writer Stephen Beaumont is author of “Will Travel For Beer”, co-author of “World Atlas of Beer 2” and “Best Beers”, and editor at Original Gravity Canada in Toronto. Follow Stephen on Twitter: @BeaumontDrinks.

“More and more, people are choosing a beer based on novelty—or rarity—rather than taste. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but what sometimes gets lost in the ’special release’ noise are the beers that paved the way for today’s remarkable global beer market. So we’ve created #FlagshipFebruary. A month to celebrate not what’s next. But what’s first. The flagships. The originals.” – Stephen Beaumont