80 Rusty Chain Vienna Lager - Hamburg Brewing / Flying Bison

We're hitting a major milestone with Episode 80, and what better way to celebrate than by looking back at an absolute cornerstone of the Buffalo craft scene? This week, Brian is grabbing a pint of a beer that is deeply personal to his craft beer journey: Rusty Chain Vienna Lager, now carrying on under the care of Hamburg Brewing Company.

• Brewery: Hamburg Brewing Company / Flying Bison Brewing Company (Hamburg, NY)
• Beer: Rusty Chain
• Style: Vienna Lager
• ABV: 5.0%
• Brian’s Verdict: A super-solid, highly drinkable pour. Sitting at an easy 5.0% ABV, it features sweet malt, smooth caramel, and rich toffee notes, all backed by a clean, crisp finish. Compared to the original version, Hamburg's iteration drinks slightly lighter in body, making it an exceptionally smooth and refreshing fall crusher.

Originally crafted to support GObike Buffalo, Rusty Chain is an international award-winning flagship that sits firmly on the Mount Rushmore of Western New York craft classics. When the local beer landscape shifted, Hamburg Brewing owner John Russo and the team stepped up to honor Flying Bison's legacy with reverence.

While local craft drinkers often debate the differences between the original recipe and the newer brew, Brian loves what Hamburg has done with it. It’s a nostalgic staple that belongs in every local beer lover's fridge as the September weather cools down.

You can find cans wherever great local beer is sold, or grab it fresh on draft right at the Hamburg Brewing taproom!

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• Hotline: 716-486-BEER (2337) — Call in, leave a voicemail with what you're drinking, and we'll mail you out some stickers!
• Email: Brian@BuffaloBeerLeague.com
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• Dedicated Show IG: @thebestbeeridrankthisweek

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