Buffalo Water Beer Co - News

2011-06-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

In Honor of Buffalo Water Bison Blonde being rated the #1 Lawn Mower Beer. Buffalo Water Beer Company is kicking off a competition for the UGLIEST LAWN MOWER. We, At Buffalo Water want YOU to submit a Video or Picture of the Ugliest Lawn Mower Known To MAN! THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A FREE SUMMER SUPPLY OF BUFFALO WATER BEER! We will start accepting submissions starting Memorial Day 2011.

For Submissions - Details - Questions - or to say "Hi"

email BuffaloWaterbeer@gmail.com or visit our facebook page

Press Release: Buffalo Water Beer on the Road to Vermont

2010-09-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Buffalo Water Beer on the Road to Vermont

MILWAUKEE, WI, September 17, 2010. . . The first semi-load of cases and kegs of Buffalo Water Beer Company’s Bison Blonde all-malt lager leaves today for the green mountains of Vermont, to quench the thirst of some of America’s most serious craft beer drinkers.

“The citizens of Vermont know good beer,” said Craig Peterson, founder and CEO of Milwaukee’s Buffalo Water Beer Company. “Per capita, Vermont has more craft breweries than any other state in the nation, and the customers are appreciative of a good product. That’s why we chose Vermont as the first market outside of Wisconsin to introduce our beer.”

Buffalo Water Bison Blonde has been rated the best American style pale lager in the world, and for the last two years has won the silver medal at the Kohler International Beer Festival in Kohler, Wisconsin.

“Ratings and awards are nice,” said Peterson, “but what really puts a smile on my face is the reaction of the beer drinker who tries Bison Blonde for the first time and says it’s their favorite beer. I love making a product people enjoy and being a part of their life experience. Whether it’s enjoying a cold beer in front of the television, watching football with a plate of hot wings, or sharing a conversation with friends at a local pub. Our beer becomes part of their experience. And that’s my reward.”

Peterson said he admired the fierce independence of the customers he’s met in Vermont and believed that’s why craft beers do so well in the state. “The folks I’ve met don’t seem to follow the traditional pattern of just buying the products they see advertised during half-time. Just like a good Vermont cheese, they know handcrafted products, quality ingredients, passion and hard work make spectacular products. And coming from Wisconsin, I can say Vermont cheese is the only cheese we respect.”

Buffalo Water Beer Company was formed in 2007, when Peterson moved his offices to the intersection of Buffalo and Water Street in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. There the idea for Buffalo Water Beer originated. That summer Peterson designed a beer to compliment Buffalo wings and spicy foods, and Bison Blonde has been a Wisconsin a local favorite ever since. “It was a tough job sampling different beers to come up with just the right recipe to complement a plate of nuclear wings. But someone had to take the bullet for the beer drinkers of America, and I guess that was me.”

Buffalo Water has retained Capital Candy of Barre, Vermont as the company’s wholesaler for the state. “The moment we met the owners and sales staff of Capital Candy we knew they were our team,” said Peterson. “ They are solid, hard working, dependable and honest. We are honored to have them represent us and our products.”

Peterson said he plans on spending a lot of time in Vermont. “I’ve earned a reputation in Wisconsin as the hardest working man in the beer industry. I want to earn the respect and business from the people of Vermont and will work hard to prove it to them. And I can’t wait to meet those two famous ice cream makers from Vermont. I think I have a great concept for a new favor.”

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Press Release: BUFFALO WATER BEER ON THE ROAD TO BUFFALO, NY

2010-07-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

CONTACT:

Jodi Puetz
Zigman Joseph Stephenson, Inc.
(414) 978-8024 (o)
(414) 708-4064 (c)

Or

Craig Peterson
Buffalo Water Beer Company
(414) 614-4680

BUFFALO WATER BEER ON THE ROAD TO BUFFALO, NY

Milwaukee, WI, July 21, 2010 . . . . The founder of Buffalo Water Beer Company, brewer of Bison Blonde all malt lager, is on the road to Buffalo, New York to begin planning the launch of its flagship beer in the city synonymous for Buffalo wings and high quality craft beers.

Buffalo Water Beer Company was formed in 2007, after founder Craig Peterson, then a lobbyist for the Wisconsin’s Brewer’s Guild, moved his offices to the corner of Buffalo and Water Streets. “An intersection was our inspiration,” said Peterson. “One of my brewing clients said ‘Buffalo Water,’ what a great name for a beer. Oh, and by the way, the number one finger food throughout America is the Buffalo Wing.”

That summer, Peterson and his team sat down with plates of nuclear hot wings and formulated a beer designed for spicy foods. “You would never guess it would be difficult to build a beer around Buffalo wings, but you don’t want a recipe that’s too heavy, dark or hoppy. It took weeks of testing and the occasional headache, but someone had to take the bullet for America’s wing lovers.”

“Since we began brewing, Buffalo Water Bison Blonde has been one of the highest rated pale lagers in world,” said Peterson. The beer company founder also noted, in a state famous for breweries, Buffalo Water is the only Wisconsin beer company to ever win an award at the prestigious Kohler Beer Festival in Kohler, Wisconsin, where beers from throughout the world are sampled and judged by the public. “Winning the silver medal two years in row is flattering and humbling. Especially when competing against beers like Chamey and Duvel, and many of America’s top craft brewers. I’m just fortunate to be able to stand on the shoulders of the brewers who built Wisconsin into one of the country’s top craft beer states.”

Peterson said the trip to Buffalo and other Upstate New York cities was much like a scouting expedition. “We want to meet the customers, the hardworking hospitality workers and the people who can bring our beer to market. Buffalo, New York and Milwaukee, Wisconsin are similar in so many ways. A hard work ethic, dedication to family and community and a love of good beer with friends, is just one of the many things our communities have in common. And we can’t forget the weather.”

Noting both Buffalo and Milwaukee are port cities, are about the same size, have similar urban issues and assets, and diverse ethnic populations, Peterson said it’s no coincidence the Buffalo Street his operations are located on is named after Buffalo, New York and not the animal. “Over one hundred years ago our cities shared a common bond. I’d like to think we can bring our cities a little closer together by sharing a nice cold Buffalo Water beer and plate of authentic Buffalo wings.”

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Beer bar coming to Milwaukee Public Market

2009-08-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

By Doris Hajewski of the Journal Sentinel
Aug. 7, 2009

Buffalo Water Beer Bar will open in the center of the Public Market in the fall, if the liquor license application is approved.

The bar will be located near the Thief Wine Bar, across from Rupena's. The space has been occupied by some tables and chairs since Ceriello's moved its grocery racks out of the market.

Peter Gohsman is the owner of the new bar. He will sell Buffalo Water products under a license agreement with Buffalo's owner Craig Peterson. Other Wisconsin craft beers also will be offered, along with small pizzas at lunch and dinner.

Buffalo Water announces new summer/fall brand

2009-07-29T09:30:00.001-07:00

By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

July 28, 2009 | Milwaukee-based Buffalo Water Beer Co. is launching a new late summer/early fall brand, Bison Blonde All Malt Lager Beer, the company announced Tuesday.

The beer's production was limited to 500 cases and will be available only in bottles, said Craig Peterson, chief executive. The cases and the bottles will feature orange labels to distinguish them from the brewery's traditional Blonde Lager brand.

2009-07-29T07:54:00.001-07:00

Ryan Wickens
Marketing Communications Specialist

Buffalo Water Beer Company
309 N Water Street, Suite 315
Milwaukee, WI 53202

414.978.8013 (office)
414.801.8970 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAKE THE CHILL OUT OF SUMMER WITH BUFFALO WATER "AUTUMN RECIPE" BEER

Milwaukee: July 28^th, 2009 - Buffalo Water Beer Company is set to release a special recipe Bison Blonde All Malt Lager Beer to take the chill out of the unseasonably cool summer this year.

"As you'll see, our Blonde got a bit of a tan, and it's time to let this genie out of the bottle," said brewery founder and CEO Craig Peterson. "We brewed this batch with a slight recipe change to bring out the satisfying lagered malt goodness people expect in an Autumn brew," Peterson added. "We added a finely crafted toasted malt to this batch, hoping to create a beer with a little extra warmth for these chill summer days. Let's call it a ‘Septemberfest' beer."

The brew pours with a faintly amber glow, adding a new visual appeal to the firm's signature Blonde Lager. "We super-lagered the beer for added flavor richness and complexity," Peterson said.

The beer's production was strictly limited to 500 cases, and will only be available in bottles. The cases and the bottles will feature distinctive hand-applied orange labels to distinguish them from the traditional recipe Blonde Lager.

Peterson said there has been demand for the firm to expand its product offerings, and that this is a first step toward doing so. "We weren't ready to create and entirely new style of brew, since we have been overwhelmed with the response to our product, and it's all we can do to keep the shelves filled with Buffalo Water Bison Blonde," he said. "But we thought this would be a good chance to tweak the formula a bit to respond to consumer demand. Of course our signature Bison Blonde in the traditional packaging will still be available at your favorite stores and taverns.

"Maybe next summer we'll produce a new style of beer - perhaps a Winter Warmer, if the season is anything like this one," Peterson added.

# # #

Pop a top for Pop in observance of Father's Day

2009-06-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

By LUCY SAUNDERS

Posted: Jun. 16, 2009

Bison Blonde lager co-creators Craig Peterson and Jim McCabe raise a toast at the Milwaukee Ale House on N. Water St.

To toast the father figures in your life this Father's Day, there are now literally hundreds of different brands of beer made in Wisconsin.

But don't just hand Dad his favorite brewski or buy him a six-pack. Think creatively.

Falling as it does on Sunday, the day is ideal for brunch. An unfiltered hefeweizen makes a fine substitute for champagne in a mimosa mixed with orange juice.

If you're a fan of barbecue, you could marinate a batch of Buffalo chicken wings to grill for dinner. It's the designated dish to serve with Buffalo Water Brewing Co.'s Bison Blonde lager, the creation of two brewing entrepreneurs, Jim McCabe and Craig Peterson, who also happen to be fathers.

Peterson, who is also the owner and CEO of public relations firm Zigman Joseph Stephenson Inc., met McCabe through work with the Wisconsin Brewers Guild. Over several months, Peterson and McCabe discussed the possibilities of brewing up a new business, and in December of 2007, Buffalo Water Brewing Co. launched its first brew.

McCabe is one of the founders of the Milwaukee Ale House and the Milwaukee Brewing Co., the contract brewery that makes Buffalo Water's Bison Blonde lager.

As for Father's Day, McCabe said his two young daughters and wife make most of the plans, "but if I have anything to do with the dinner, a craft beer will definitely be part of the meal."

Peterson recalled Father's Days of his childhood.

"My father and both grandfathers were meat cutters, so with most meals, especially holidays, it was all about the meat," he said. "In the late 1960s my dad had the first gas barbecue on the block (actually mainlined into the gas line - no bottled propane here), and his special barbecued chicken with homemade sauce is still my all-time favorite.

"Today, my sons Andrew (11) and Hunter (7) have followed in my footsteps and help make barbecue the center of Father's Day."

Buffalo Water Bison Blonde took a silver medal in the Kohler Festival of Beer competition last month.

The lager has culinary uses, too. At Triskele's restaurant, 1801 S. 3rd St., the chefs include the brew in batters for fish fries and onion rings.

Another Milwaukee father and brewer, Russ Klisch, has been working hard on the launch of a new ale, Wheat Monkey, released by Lakefront Brewery last week.

He looks forward to Sunday as a chance to finally relax.

"Hopefully, I'll have my first vacation day in months, and will be taking it easy and doing absolutely nothing on Father's Day," he said. "My wife, May, will grill the things our family likes, such as burgers and brats." Beer will be incorporated.

"She'll add a bit of dark beer to the barbecue sauce to thin it out for basting," Klisch said.

Here are three recipes to make Father's Day a feast, from morning brunch to spicy grilled finger food fit for a party. Craft beer maven Jeff Mendel prepares this with Left Hand Brewing Co.'s Haystack Wheat, but any unfiltered wheat ale with citrus hops character can be used. From "The Best of American Beer and Food" (Brewers Publications, $22.95).

Sunday Morning Haystack French Toast
Makes 4 to 6 servings

2 ounces yeasty wheat ale

4 eggs plus 2 egg yolks

¼ cup whipping cream

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

6 thick slices bread (challah or large loaf)

Vegetable oil spray

½ cup powdered sugar

Warmed maple syrup, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries (optional)

Let bottle of ale sit out at room temperature at least 6 hours to allow the yeast to settle to the bottom of the bottle. Carefully decant the first 10 ounces (1 ¼ cups) of the bottle into 2 glasses and reserve for Orange Ale-mosa. The remaining 2 ounces in the bottle should be very yeasty and opaque. Swirl the bottle to mix the yeast.

In a bowl, combine the eggs, yeasty ale, cream and spices. Beat with electric mixer until mixture is smooth and aerated, with lots of bubbles.

Place bread slices in a large jellyroll pan with deep rim and pour egg mixture over it. Turn bread to coat evenly and let soak until almost all of mixture is absorbed.

Prepare a greased griddle or large skillet, with 2 to 3 sprays of oil, and place over medium heat. Use a spatula to place soaked bread on hot griddle. Cook and turn bread pieces two or three times until both sides are golden brown.

Arrange French toast on warmed plate. Pour powdered sugar into a sifter and tap over toast. Add syrup and fruit.

-----

Lakefront Brewery owner Russ Klisch's wife, May, incorporates the local brewery's Cream City Pale Ale into a brine, marinade and sauce for grilled pork tenderloin.

Cream City Pork Satay
Makes 4 servings

1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup Lakefront Cream City Pale Ale

Marinade (see recipe)

Sauce (see recipe)

1 English cucumber

½ red onion

24 to 32 long bamboo skewers, soaked and patted dry

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Slice pork tenderloin lengthwise into two long pieces. Then cut meat crosswise into ¼-inch slices. Place meat in a zippered bag with salt, sugar and ale; brine in refrigerator about 1 hour. Drain, pat dry and place meat in bowl.

Make marinade, then add to pork and refrigerate at least an hour. While meat marinates (about 40 minutes before you plan to start grilling), make sauce.

Wash and dry cucumber; cut crosswise into angled slices about 1 inch thick. Peel onion and dice into 1-inch pieces; break into individual layers. Set aside.

When ready to grill, remove meat from marinade. Thread 2 to 3 pieces of meat onto each skewer. You will have to bunch slices of meat in order to thread. After you've threaded all the pieces of meat, gently push meat to one end of the skewer.

When meat is skewered, pat dry and brush with oil.

Heat grill to medium high. Place ends of skewers with the meat on grill and cook 1 minute, just until seared, then flip over. Grill until meat is done but still tender.

Serve satay on skewers with sauce, cucumber and onion.

Marinade:

1 stalk (6-inch) lemongrass

6 shallots

2 teaspoons ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon curry powder

2 tablespoons Cream City Pale Ale

Cut lemongrass into ½-inch slices. Bruise the lemon grass by pounding with a meat mallet. Peel and roughly dice shallots. Place in food processor with coriander, cumin, brown sugar, soy sauce, curry powder and ale.

Sauce:

½ cup Cream City Pale Ale

¼ cup chicken stock

¼ cup coconut milk or heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 stalk (6-inch) lemongrass, bruised

1 to 2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon curry powder

½ cup chunky peanut butter

In saucepan, combine ale, stock, coconut milk or cream, brown sugar, lemongrass, soy sauce and curry powder over low heat, stirring until incorporated; let simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool off 10 minutes; remove lemongrass. Place peanut butter in a bowl and add tablespoonfuls of the liquid at a time, stirring to blend.

-----

This recipe is adapted from "Grilling with Beer" ($21.95), www.grillingwithbeer.com.

Bison Blonde Buffalo Wings
Makes 6 servings

24 ounces golden lager

5 pounds chicken wings, cut into 3 sections, small tips removed

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

2 tablespoons minced garlic

¼ cup minced fresh jalapeños (or habañeros and jalapeños)

1 ½ cups hot pepper sauce, or more to taste

1 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

24 bamboo skewers, at least 10 inches long, soaked in water

Place wings in bowl and cover with lager; stir, cover bowl and chill at least 6 hours.

In large Dutch oven, melt butter; add garlic and jalapeños. Sauté over low heat until jalapeños are tender. Add hot pepper sauce and black pepper. Mix well and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm. Place in blender and purée until smooth.

Grill at medium heat. Drain wings and thread on skewers, 3 to 4 pieces per skewer. Keep pieces of similar sizes together so chicken will cook evenly. Place skewers on grill over indirect heat (or use a grill basket). Cook 25 minutes or until very brown and crispy, turning every 5 minutes. Arrange cooked wings on platter, cover with prepared pepper sauce and serve.

2009-05-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Ryan Wickens
Marketing Communications Specialist

Buffalo Water Beer Company
309 N Water Street, Suite 315
Milwaukee, WI 53202

414.978.8013 (office)
414.801.8970 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager Takes
2^nd Place at Kohler Festival of Beer

Buffalo Water Beer Company's Bison Blonde All-Malt Lager Beer took the Silver Medal at the Inaugural 2009 Kohler Festival of Beer "Cheers to Beers Grand Tasting Event," held Memorial Day weekend, May 22-23, 2009 at the Kohler Design Center, Kohler, WI.

"Beer is the drink of the people, and this People's Choice recognition shows that Bison Blonde is a beer people like," said Buffalo Water Founder and President Craig Peterson. "I am proud this distinction was bestowed by the judges we value most - the everyday folks who sit on the bench of public opinion."

"I am especially honored this award was earned at the first-ever Kohler beer festival, where over 20 breweries presented over 93 different beers. It is great to be associated with such a prestigious event and venue," Peterson added.

HISTORY OF BUFFALO WATER

The Milwaukee-based beer company was organized late in 2007 to create a classic brew to complement Buffalo Wings, America's most popular leisure food. Founder Craig Peterson decided a craft-brewed all-malt lager beer would be the most satisfying match for the spicy finger food. The first batch of Bison Blonde was produced early in 2008 and released to the public that February at the 10^th Annual Milwaukee Public Museum Food and Froth Fest, where it won immediate acceptance.

Following the successful debut, Peterson embarked on his trademark sampling events, where potential customers can try Bison Blonde before they buy at off-premise and on-premise accounts.

"People like to know the people who make their beer," Peterson said. "And at Buffalo Water we like to know the people who drink our beer. That's why this honor is so important to us. It comes straight from the people."

A 150-YEAR OLD BUSINESS PLAN

Peterson likes to joke that he operates from a 150-year old business plan.

It happens to be funny - but true.

"I wanted to create a craft-brewed beer that was true to the inspiration of Milwaukee's early brewing giants like Fred, Joseph, Philip and Val. People told me they wanted to try a craft beer they could enjoy time and time again.

"We've seen so much growth and innovation in the craft beer segment that the public is sometimes confused about the basics. I thought, ‘let's make a beer that tastes like a beer,' and that's how our All-Malt Lager came to be," Peterson said.

According to Laurie Turner, Special Events Coordinator at Woodlake Market, Kohler, the official winning beers based on attendee voting were as follows:

First place - Blucreek Brewing / Wild Blueberry Ale
Second place - Buffalo Water Beer Company / Bison Blonde Lager
Third place - Unibroue / Don de Dieu

"I think the public's choice for the top three finishers at the Kohler Festival of Beer reveals that discerning beer drinkers like to balance a respect for tradition with a quest for innovation. That's the American way, and I'm proud to be part of it," Peterson said.

# # #

Buffalo Water Beer is on tap at Friday's at Miller Park

2009-04-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Published March 23, 2009 - BizTimes Daily

Buffalo Water Beer Company's Bison Blonde Lager is now available on tap at Friday's Front Row at Miller Park.

"This is a home run for my team," said Buffalo Water Beer Company founder Craig Peterson. "A year ago, Buffalo Water was just a glimmer on a barrel. Now, just two weeks before opening day, we're ready to be a hit with Miller Park visitors thirsty for a refreshing craft-made Milwaukee lager beer."

Buffalo Water Beer Company, which is based in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, was launched in 2007 and kegged its first batch of Bison Blonde in 2008. The all-malt beer is brewed and lagered in conformance with the German Beer Purity Law of 1516.

"At Buffalo Water Beer Company we like to think we brew in the tradition of such Milwaukee pioneers as Frederic Miller, Frederick Pabst and Joseph Schlitz," Peterson said. "What a great day to be a Milwaukee Brewer!"

The company's beer also is being served at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Oak Creek.

Craig Peterson Appears on 1050 WLIP Radio....

2009-03-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, March 27th, 2009 Buffalo Water Beer Company president and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Peterson, made an appearance on Kenosha radio station 1050 AM WLIP.

Peterson was appearing on the show, alongside Buffalo Water's Head of Sales, Mike Chaltry, to speak about our wonderful Bison Blonde lager, and to promote the upcoming 2nd Annual Kenosha Beer and Cheese Fest at Dairyland Greyhound Park.

The event took place this past Saturday, March 28th, 2009 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Buffalo Water was present to reach out to beer drinkers across Southeastern Wisconsin.

Since then, we've been able to track down the audio from the Lenny Palmer show that Peterson and Chaltry appeared on last Friday.

Click here to listen to it. The segment featured several other guests - to hear the Buffalo Water segment scroll about one-third into the recording. Enjoy!

New beer at Miller Park created specifically for me

2009-03-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

March 25th, 2009

From Miller Park Drunk

I like beer. A lot. This may surprise you, but it’s true. I like to drink beer. This season at Miller Park there is going to be a new beer for us to try at Friday’s Front Row. It’s from the Buffalo Water Beer Company that is located on Water Street and it’s called Bison Blonde. Is this news? Not really. I am sure the beers at Friday’s Front Row change frequently and I don’t bother drinking most of them. However, this one has caught my eye. I think that it was made specifically for me because while I do love beer what I really love is buffalo wings and this beer was created to drink while eating buffalo wings. SERIOUSLY!

Inspired by an intersection and our love of spicy foods, particularly Buffalo wings, America’s number one “finger food,” the Buffalo Water Beer Company was formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2007. With a lack of beers on the market dedicated to complementing hot foods, a group of Brew City beer enthusiasts took on the challenge of producing a beer to fill the void.

After several months of beer taste-testing , the Buffalo Water Beer Company finally found the perfect formula for its flagship beer, Bison Blonde. With a moderate alcohol content of 4.4% ABV, Buffalo Water’s first ever beer is an ideal match for spicy foods. Whereas higher alcohol content beers generally cause bloating, especially while eating, Bison Blonde is a lighter, golden lager that you can just keep on drinking.

Seriously, I think I have been waiting my whole life for this beer. I hope they don’t let me down, but if it really does go well with wings I may have found the answer to life, the universe and everything.

I am going to try this out and let you know how it goes. FINGERS CROSSED

Toasting With a Bit of the Bubblery

2009-02-19T11:49:00.001-08:00

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wednesday January 28th, 2009

"The Water that made the beer that made Milwaukee famous" is the slogan on bottles of Milwaukee water called "Brew City Blue." The name and the slogan were chosen by a vote sponsored by the Milwaukee Press Club, which hosts the city's annual birthday parties. The bottles, provided by Milwaukee Brewing and Buffalo Water Beer Companies, were handed out to people who came to Tuesday's 163rd birthday party at Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin on the lakefront. The water was a one-time production and won't be sold to the public.

NEWSFLASH: Bison Blonde Dresses for the Hunting Season

2008-10-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, Oct. 20, 2008, 11:27 a.m.
By Tom Daykin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Just in time for hunting season: Buffalo Water Beer Co. has introduced camouflage and blaze orange-colored kegs filled with the Milwaukee craft brewer's Bison Blonde Lager.

The novelty "kegs to go" are available only at Ray's Wine & Spirits, 8930 W North Ave. in Wauwatosa, and should be ordered at least 96 hours in advance, said Craig Peterson, Buffalo Water president.

Video: Craig Peterson's Buffalo Water Wings...

2008-10-10T07:24:00.001-07:00

In an earlier story we had mentioned Craig Peterson, Buffalo Water Beer Company president, was to appear on local Milwaukee TV news station TMJ4 to reveal his secret buffalo wing recipe. Well, we were able to track down a copy of the recording and have posted it on You Tube. So if you want to prepare some absolutely delicious wings during Packers games this fall, why not try Mr. Peterson's very own Buffalo Water Wings....

Buffalo Water Video: TMJ4 Broadcast Summer 2008

2008-10-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

Craig Peterson, who by now you know is the Buffalo Water Beer Company's CEO and beer guru, appeared on Milwaukee NBC affiliate, TMJ4 this summer. We were finally able to get our hands on a copy of the tape, so posted it on You Tube. You can also view the broadcast below:

The Lobbying Business

2008-10-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

Fall 2007
By Stan Milam
From the Capitol Report Wisconsin

..."I've discovered there's much more rewarding work out there than just politics." Said Peterson. "Take Beer for example."

Peterson is also a brewer. This year he founded the Buffalo Water Beer Co. after working with one of the firm's clients, the Wisconsin Brewer's Guild. His office is also located at the intersection of Buffalo and Water Street in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, hence the name.

"Stop and think this through," Peterson asked. "The number one finger food across America is Buffalo wings, so why not have a craft beer that caters to that industry? That's how Buffalo Water was born."

And where will Peterson roll out Buffalo Beer?

"In Buffalo, N.Y. of course," he said. "It's the perfect spot."

Download the full article for free by clicking here.

Craig Peterson's "Buffalo Water Wings" to Appear on TMJ4 this Sunday....

2008-09-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Craig Peterson, Buffalo Water Beer Company CEO and beer enthusiast, will be appearing on NBC affiliate TMJ4 Milwaukee this upcoming Sunday September 28th, 2008. Peterson will be providing a "Buffalo Water Wing" cooking demonstration featuring his very own wing recipe, surely to the delight of appetites across Milwaukee. Peterson will be appearing on Today's TMJ4 anytime between 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Sunday.

However, for those who may have pounded a few too many Blondes the night before, unable to wake up at this unknown time of day, below is the magical recipe Mr. Peterson will be using this upcoming weekend...

Ingredients:

3 Pounds chicken winglets (wings cut into pieces tips removed)
1 Bottle Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager
1 Bottle Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce
1 Bottle Marie's Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
1 Bunch Celery

Instructions:

Place wings in 9 x 12 baking pan
Pour one bottle of Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager into pan
Place in pre-heated 350 degree oven
Bake for 45 minutes
Remove from oven and drain juices
Pour one bottle of Franks RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce over chicken
Distribute evenly
Cut celery into sticks
Serve with Marie's Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing on the side

See, really it's not that difficult, even if you are hungover! Just don't forgot that key ingredient: Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager.

Brew guru: Blonde looks good with wings

2008-09-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

September 18th, 2008
From the Green Bay Press Gazette

It's 10:30. You've been at the bar for about two hours, and the ballgame or darts or whatever is great. You're staying. Maybe for a while. But that stupid salad you had at 6 seems really far away. You're hungry, and you're heading for the promised land, the place where the possibilities are so many and so good that they must be bundled in sampler baskets. The appetizer menu — all the bounties of the modern food service industry, all deep fried.

But wait, prospector! Not all is as it seems. Is a cheese curd really better battered and fried? OK, yes, it is, but is it really a cheese curd in the first place, or a rubbery cube of cheap cheddar? That salsa, a perfect garnish for the stale chips, will let you down as sure as the Milwaukee Brewers. Mini tacos are not as good as big ones.

No, it's time to go to the app menu's No. 1 draft choice: the Buffalo wing. It's not without its risks — a bad wing is cold, greasy and bland, masked in flavorless burn. But a good one is a harmonic nexus of tangy, savory and heat that can make a good night transcendent. It's a delicate alchemy, which makes it cosmically correct that so many wings are washed down with beer —when done well, an exercise in balance in its own right.

This week's brew: Bison Blonde

Style: Blonde lager

Brewed by: Buffalo Water Beer Co., found at the corner of Buffalo and Water streets, Milwaukee

Web site: www.buffalowater.com

Availability: For now, it'll take a trip to a Woodman's Food Market — the shortest drive is probably to 2400 Dousman St. — or to Milwaukee to get it on tap.

Taste: This is a blonde its crafters say was inspired by and is best washing down a spicy chicken wing, so imagine the kind of beer you'd most like paired with a Buffalo wing. Light body? Check. Mild hop? Check. Light carbonation? Check. Buffalo Water founder Craig Peterson refers to "poundability," in all capital letters, in the packaging and Web notes for Bison Blonde, and that's definitely what he's got. The flavor hits the mark but comes across as secondary to its other characteristics.

Backwash: The Brew Guru must admit he snickered at the first glimpse of this six-pack. If you're not familiar with the brewery's geographic origins, "Buffalo Water Bison Blonde" might evoke a Rust Belt city's tap water or a bladderful from a big, sweaty animal — neither of which seems like a good idea in a pint glass. But after some due diligence and a few Buffalo wings, this beer delivers — crisp, tasty and, yes, poundable. Hot wings optional.

Rating: THREE AND HALF MUGS (out of four)

Drinkin' beer — it's a tough job, but someone has to do it, especially in Titletown. If you have a brew you'd like our mysterious Brew Guru to pop a top on, drop a line to weekend@greenbaypressgazette.com.

Bison Blonde Makes Its Debut

2008-08-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

A toast to Milwaukee’s new beer
By Sarah Biondich
from the Shepherd Express, August 27th, 2008

Milwaukee has given birth to another beer! Looking to lighten up a stressful career as a marketing and public relations consultant, Craig Peterson pursued a more easygoing, fun way to spend his time: brewing beer. As an added bonus, the formation of the Buffalo Water Beer Co. in 2007 helps to quell the sting of our city losing yet another national brewing company.

With the assistance of Jim McCabe and the Milwaukee Brewing Co.’s brewery on Second Street, Peterson per fected the recipe for his company’s flag ship beer, Bison Blonde Lager. The brew is made in accordance with the Bavarian purity law of 1516, which states that the beer can only be made with water, barley and hops. The stan dards have since added yeast, which wasn’t included in the original text because it wasn’t known to be an ingredient in beer. Peterson says his intention was to cre ate a flavor profile that balances the slow burn of a spicy Buffalo wing, a mainstay on appetizer menus around the country.

The brew also had to be light enough that the thirsty could drink a few without feeling too heavy or bloated. “I wanted to make the toughest beer there is to make,” Peterson explains. “While an ale takes 16 to 20 days to manufacture, a lager takes six weeks and it’s very difficult to mask any imperfections.”

Bison Blonde is quite an accomplish ment, especially for a beer company’s first brew. The lager has a deep golden color and a pleasant citrus aroma. Its body is fizzy and light, the carbonation just right for cleansing a palate that’s been involved with some spicy foods. Unlike a dark ale with high bitter counts, the flavor of hops in the Bison Blonde is subtle and doesn’t clash with fiery flavors. The beer’s alcohol by vol ume measurement is pretty tame at 4.4%, lessening the odds that a few too many Bison Blondes will cause the overindulgent to reacquaint themselves with those wings.

Without a tasting or a recommendation, how does a customer decide on a brand while standing in an aisle filled with rows of micro-beers? Packaging. Peterson knows this and has created a convincing market ing plan that encourages the buyer to try the beer just once. After that, he allows the Blonde to speak for herself. The branding for the Buffalo Water Beer Co. is Americana in feel, its logo an image of the great American bison that was the cen terpiece of an American $10 bill in the early 20th century. Buffalo Water also refers to the intersection where the company is located, the corner of Buffalo Street and Water Street in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Bison Blonde is quickly and thorough ly making its way into stores, restaurants and bars throughout the state. Early on, Peterson scored a lucrative retail account with Woodman’s Food Markets, an employee-owned supermarket chain based out of Janesville that is one of the largest sellers of craft beers in Wisconsin.

Whether you’re indulging in a swanky dinner at the Wisconsin Club or grab bing a slice at Transfer, Bison Blonde makes an appearance.

Peterson said he next intends to create a nutty brown ale with more hops and a dash of pepper. After that, an American wheat beer. Then, perhaps, a seasonal Weiss beer in time for summer. Like the plaque on his office desk reads, Peterson likes to “Dwell in Possibility.”

Edelweiss Cruise to Feature Bison Blonde Lager

2008-06-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Published June 6, 2008 - BizTimes Daily

The Buffalo Water Beer Company has formed a partnership in which its Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager will be served on the Edelweiss River Cruise Lines in Milwaukee.

Every Thursday night between 10 and 11:30 p.m., all-you-can-drink Bison Blonde will be served for $15 per person on The Edelweiss "Milwaukee Beer Party Cruise."

Saturdays will feature the "Beer and Brat Cruise," between 3 and 4:30 p.m., with Bison Blonde Lager and Usinger brats for $16 per person.

The Edelweiss Vessels, located at 205 W. Highland Avenue, were purchased by Milwaukee River Cruise Lines in March 2007.

The Buffalo Water Beer Company was founded in Milwaukee by beer enthusiast Craig Peterson.
For more information about the cruises, visit www.edelweissboats.com.

New Beer Being Bottled In Milwaukee

2008-05-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

POSTED: 3:43 pm CDT May 21, 2008
ABC News, WISN Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE -- There's a new beer hitting store shelves in Wisconsin.Buffalo Water is now being packaged in bottles.The first batch came off the line Wednesday afternoon at the company's brewery on Second and Bruce streets, just south of downtown Milwaukee.

It's been available on tap at several local restaurants and taverns since last year.Thirteen hundred six-packs bottled Wednesday will be sent to Woodman's food markets statewide.

Tapping the keg on a new brand of beer

2008-05-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
All photos - Kristyna Wentz-Graff

Posted: May 21, 2008

Joe McCabe, Milwaukee Brewing Co.'s manager, monitors bottling during the initial run of 450 cases of Bison Blonde Lager at the brewery's 2nd St. location. Photo/Kristyna Wentz-Graff.

Bison Blonde Lager will be available in some area stores, such as Woodman's, on Thursday, and a tasting will be held at Riverhorse Inn, 701 E. Center St., from 6-8 p.m. Friday. See www.buffalowater.com.

Craig Peterson (right), president of Buffalo Water Beer Co., admires a beaker of his new Bison Blonde Lager at Milwaukee Brewing Co.'s 2nd St. Brewery Wednesday. Brewery owner, Jim McCabe (left) worked with Peterson on the recipe.

Joe Pierce, a brewery worker for the Milwaukee Brewing Co., watches caps placed on bottles during the initial run of 450 cases.

Milwaukee Microbrewer Begins Bottling

2008-05-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Published May 21, 2008 - BizTimes Daily

The Buffalo Water Beer Company, Milwaukee's newest microbrewer, will begin bottling its beer for the first time this afternoon at its brewery on Milwaukee's near south side.
The company will begin bottling its flagship lager, Bison Blonde, at its brewery, which is located at 613 S. Second St.

Since its introduction to the market in 2007, Buffalo Water has been available on tap at various local taverns, including the Milwaukee Ale House, the Carleton Grange Pub, Triskele's, the Donges Bay Clubhouse and Dairyland Greyhound Park.

The Buffalo Water Beer Company was founded in Milwaukee in 2007 by local beer enthusiast and entrepreneur Craig Peterson. Created to complement hot foods, particularly Buffalo wings, Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager is brewed in accordance with the Bavarian purity law of 1516, meaning there are only four ingredients in the brew: water, malt, hops and yeast.
The bottled Buffalo Water Bison Blonde will be available at Woodman's Food Markets throughout Wisconsin.

Buffalo Water Beer Co. Introduces Bison Blonde Lager

2008-03-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

By Julie Lawrence
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer
Published Feb. 27, 2008 at 5:26 a.m.

Craig Peterson isn't a master brewer. As the founder of Buffalo Water Brewing Co., he likes beer just as much, if not more, than the next guy. Peterson's area of expertise, however, is in marketing -- he's the CEO of Zigman Joseph Stephenson Inc. -- and when creating his brewery and first craft beer, Bison Blonde Lager, he couldn't help but think in campaign terms.

"It started with the name, which was a gimme, given our location at the intersection of Water and Buffalo Streets," he says. (The company has no association with Water Buffalo restaurant, 249 N. Water St.)

He initially thought to make a bottled water product, an area in which he has a background. But when a client of his, a member of the Wisconsin Brewers Guild, told him that Buffalo wings are the number one finger food in the United States, a light bulb turned on.

"We decided to make a beer that goes well with American spicy food, use an animal as our logo and market the hell out of it," he says.

Market it, he did, and there's little doubt that Peterson knows how to get a beer drinker's attention.

His office on the third floor of the Renaissance Building, 309 N. Water St., pops with colorful posters shouting his racy slogans -- "Slam a blonde tonight" and "This blonde goes down easy."

The next step was brewing the beer, but, of course, not just any beer goes with Buffalo wings.

"We needed one that adhered to Bavarian purity law, which goes back 500 years," he says. "You can only use water, barley, yeast and hops. Commercial beers add corn syrups and sugars and to a craft micro brewery, that's a serious no-no. So we only use the four products in our beer."

Peterson decided on a light, pale lager with a 4.5 percent alcohol content -- something he considers "drinkable" and not to hoppy.

"The trend with a lot of micro brewers has been that they are making beers for themselves to impress the other craft brewers and to impress the hop heads."

A hop head, he says is a 20-something with a beer mantra that says, "The darker and higher alcohol content, the better."

"That's not my target audience," says Peterson, who is in his early 40s. "A guy my age can't have two or three of those at the bar after work. But you can have a couple of Bison Blondes, so the profile of the beer is that it goes down really easy. Bartenders call it 'poundable,' and even my investors, who are of an older demographic, agree."

Buffalo Water beer is brewed at Milwaukee Brewing Company's Walker's Point brewery, 613 S. 2nd St., which is owned and operated by Milwaukee Ale House owner Jim McCabe.

Bison Blonde made its debut at the Milwaukee Ale House in late November 2007, but Peterson stresses that it is not an Ale House beer -- it's just contracted through McCabe at his full-production facility. Milwaukeeans can also find Bison Blonde at Just Art's Saloon, 181 S. 2nd St., and soon at Pizza Man, 1800 E. North Ave., and Dairyland Greyhound Park.

Buffalo Water's next brew is a nutty ale, tentatively named Horny Buffalo. "We're playing with the name and trying to figure out how many guys would go up to the bar and order a Horny Buffalo," Peterson says. He hopes to locally launch the brown ale in spring and his White Buffalo, a wheat beer, in summer.

After Wisconsin, Peterson has plans to take on the country.

"When you look at our product, it's not Wisconsin-specific. This is a national label. To us, the holy grail is the state of New York."

Not only is Buffalo, New York the birthplace of the Buffalo wing and home to the famed Anchor Bar, but every Labor Day weekend is also the National Buffalo Wing Festival, which Peterson says draws a million people in two days.

His nation-wide ambition is so surprise. When asked if he wants to be the next Lakefront Brewing Co., he replies, "We want to be the next Sam Adams."

'Coming Back to Beer'

2008-03-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

By Eric Decker,
of Small Business Times
Published December 7, 2007

...Earlier this year, Peterson created Buffalo Water Brewing Co., a new beer brand brewed and packaged in Milwaukee. The company’s first beer, Bison Blonde Lager, is being introduced to the marketplace this month.

Peterson concocted his brewing venture when he was leasing office space for Zigman Joseph Stephenson at the intersection of Water and Buffalo streets.

The Buffalo Water name was too good to leave alone, Peterson said, and begged to be developed into a beer brand.

“I talked to my friends in the brewing business, and they said the name is ingenious,” he said.

The first beer produced by Buffalo Water is Bison Blonde Lager, beer specifically formulated to be paired with Buffalo wings, Peterson said.

“The No. 1 finger food is Buffalo wings,” he said. “And we want the name to be synonymous with wings and hot foods.”

To create his new beer, Peterson sampled 30 different beers he thought would match well with spicy foods such as Buffalo wings. He eventually found a profile that matched well, and he then tracked down its recipe online. With the help of a master brewer, that recipe was tweaked to create Bison Blonde Lager.

While Bison Blonde Lager is a craft beer, it’s different from most microbrews, Peterson said. Bison Blonde Lager is relatively low in alcohol and light in color and in flavor. Many other microbrews have higher alcohol content, heavier flavors and use larger amounts of hops.

“This is what I’d call a crossover beer,” Peterson said. “A lot of women don’t like the hops, heaviness and alcohol content. This beer appeals to people who don’t have an appreciation for big beers. And bartenders like it (Bison Blonde). They can sell twice as much of it (because of the lower alcohol content and lighter flavor).”

Bison Blonde Lager was formulated for easy drinking – what Peterson calls “poundability.” One of the marketing slogans Buffalo Water Brewing is using to promote the beer is “Slam a Blonde Tonight.”

To read this article in full visit the Small Business Times of Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin by clicking here.