Buffalo: Beer Tasting Pass

If you’re someone who loves exploring local brews but hates the hassle of planning each visit or paying full price at every stop, the Buffalo Beer Tasting Pass might just be your new best friend. While I haven’t personally tried it (yet), the concept has many promising features that make it worth considering. This digital passport offers a cost-effective way to sample the region’s craft, cider, mead, and spirit scene while unlocking BOGO deals and discounts at more than 70 local venues.

What immediately catches the eye is its flexible nature—allowing you to choose when to go and where to visit, whether that’s over a short weekend or across an entire year. Plus, the pass’s affordability—at just $8 per person—makes it accessible for most travelers. That said, keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan your routes accordingly. This experience is best suited for adventurous beer lovers who appreciate the freedom of creating their own tasting journey and don’t mind a bit of self-guided exploration.

This experience made our article of Our Picks For The 2 Best Drinking Tours In Buffalo.

Key Points

• Flexible duration options from 3 days to a full year, catering to different travel plans.
• Over 70 local venues including breweries, cideries, distilleries, and bars.
• Exclusive BOGO deals and discounts to maximize savings on each visit.
• Instant digital delivery, ready to use on your smartphone.
• Create your own itinerary, choosing locations and timing.
• Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts who enjoy exploring at their own pace without fixed schedules.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Buffalo Beer Tasting Pass?

This is essentially a digital passport designed for beer and beverage lovers exploring Western New York. For $8 per person, you gain access to a host of exclusive BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals, discounts, and special offers at more than 70 participating venues. The idea is straightforward: you purchase the pass, receive it immediately via text and email, and then start exploring whenever and wherever you want within the validity period, which can be from 3 days to a full year.

The pass includes a wide variety of venues—breweries, cideries, meaderies, beer bars, restaurants, and even a distillery—giving you an authentic taste of WNY’s craft beverage scene. The flexibility to create your own tasting schedule is a big plus, especially for those who prefer not to be tied to fixed tour times or group schedules.

How does it work?

Once you purchase the pass, it’s delivered instantly to your phone, ready for use. You can visit venues in any order, presenting your digital pass to staff to redeem discounts or BOGO offers. There are no set itineraries, which means you can tailor your day or week around your interests and location. It’s perfect for spontaneous plans or structured tasting days—whatever suits your style.

What’s included in the experience?

The pass’s main value comes from the exclusive discounts available at over 70 locations. These include BOGO deals, $2 off a beer, $6 off a tab, or a pint of beer at specific venues. For example, at places like Big Ditch Brewing, Buffalo Brewing, and Resurgence Brewing, you’ll find significant savings that add up quickly, especially if you visit multiple venues.

From reviews, one highlight is the knowledgeable staff and guides at many locations, which enriches the tasting experience. The real bonus here is the opportunity to try various local brews and drinks without paying full price at each stop—perfect for both casual sippers and serious craft aficionados.

Exploring the venues

More Great Tours Nearby

Breweries and Beer Bars

You’ll find popular spots like Big Ditch Brewing Company, known for its welcoming atmosphere and creative brews, and 42 North Brewing, praised for its friendly staff and quality offerings. Many reviewers mention how these breweries are staffed with knowledgeable guides who are eager to share their brewing stories, making each visit more engaging.

Cideries & Meadworks

For something a little different, locations like BlackBird Cider Works and Lilly Belle Meads offer unique tastings of locally crafted ciders and meads. These venues are often quieter but equally inviting, giving you a chance to savor the flavors and learn about the production process.

Distilleries and Spirits

The Buffalo Distilling Company is part of the list, offering BOGO deals that make exploring local spirits both fun and affordable. A good-sized pour and friendly guides help you appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

Restaurants & Seltzerys

Various eateries and seltzerys are included, where you can pair your beverages with some local bites or enjoy cocktails made with local spirits. These spots add a different dimension, blending food and drink in a relaxed setting.

The Experience: What It’s Like

Most reviews mention the ease of use—the digital pass works seamlessly, and the ability to visit at your own pace is a significant plus. Many appreciate the variety of locations, which means you won’t get bored, and you can customize your trip based on your preferences.

Guide knowledge is often praised, with staff at many venues providing insightful commentary and passionate recommendations. It’s clear that these venues take pride in their craft and enjoy sharing their stories, making each tasting more than just a drink but an experience.

What about the drawbacks?

The main consideration is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan your route, especially if visiting multiple venues in one day. This might involve driving or using rideshare services, which can add to the overall cost if you’re not nearby or don’t have a designated driver.

Some reviewers note that venue capacity and hours can vary, so it’s wise to check individual locations’ opening times in advance to make the most of your pass. Plus, since the pass is valid for up to a year, some might find that the flexibility leads to prolonged planning or delays in using their full allowance.

Is it worth it?

For just $8, the value here is significant—especially if you plan to visit several venues. The savings from BOGO deals and discounts can easily outweigh the initial cost, plus you get an authentic, self-directed experience of WNY’s craft beverage scene. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast or someone who enjoys trying new local flavors without the financial pressure, this pass is a practical, fun way to enhance your trip.

Who is this best for?

This experience is perfect for independent travelers, local explorers, or groups of friends who prefer creating their own tasting itinerary without the confines of fixed tours. It suits anyone who enjoys discovering craft beverages at their own pace and values affordability. Families with older children (over 21) will appreciate the variety, but note that under 21s are not permitted to partake.

It’s also ideal for visitors who want to experience Western New York’s beverage scene but don’t want to commit to expensive or structured tours. The flexibility and wide range of locations ensure you can tailor each day to your preferences.

Final thoughts

The Buffalo Beer Tasting Pass offers a cost-effective, flexible way to explore Western New York’s craft beverage landscape. With its extensive list of participating venues, exclusive deals, and the freedom to choose your own adventure, it’s a great option for any craft enthusiast who values authenticity and savings.

While it’s not a guided tour with transportation included, the knowledgeable staff at many venues and the ability to craft your own experience make it more than just a collection of discounts. It’s a chance to deepen your appreciation of local brews and spirits while enjoying the freedom to set your pace.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this pass provides a practical, enjoyable way to sip your way through one of New York’s most vibrant craft scenes.

FAQ Section

Is transportation included with the pass?
No, transportation is not included. You will need to arrange your own means of getting between venues.

Can I visit the venues in any order?
Yes, once you have your digital pass, you can go to participating locations in any order you choose.

How long is the pass valid?
The pass is valid for a duration you choose—anywhere from 3 days up to 365 days. Check availability for specific start dates.

What do I need to bring to use the pass?
Bring a charged smartphone with internet access, as the pass is delivered digitally and must be presented at each venue.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the pass is not suitable for people under 21 years old.

What types of venues are included?
The pass covers breweries, cideries, meaderies, beer bars, restaurants, a seltzery, and a distillery.

How do I redeem my discounts?
Present your mobile pass to staff at each location to receive your BOGO deals or discounts.

Is it possible to cancel the pass?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I want to buy now and pay later?
You can reserve your pass without immediate payment, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

This detailed guide hopefully helps you envision what the Buffalo Beer Tasting Pass can do for your trip to Western New York—a fun, flexible, and budget-friendly way to enjoy local craft beverages.

You can check availability for your dates here: