By Kate bartlett
Ellicottville Brewing Company is bringing a distinctly Western New York pairing to the 25th National Buffalo Wing Festival at Sahlen’s Field, this weekend, August 29-30. EBC will debut a Blueberry Bourbon Wing with their flagship Blueberry Wheat Ale offering a delicious recipe paired with one of its most recognizable beers.
The wings feature a blueberry, bourbon and pecan glaze with roasted garlic and chili that was created to complement its ever-popular Blueberry Wheat. “It’s a mix of fruity & savory flavor with a touch of heat,” describes Sara Corsi, Director of Creative Services. “It’s delicious and perfect for this time of year, as it is blueberry season. We are excited to bring it to the Buffalo Wing Festival for our inaugural year as an exhibitor.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Buffalo Wing Fest and will take place at Sahlen’s Field in downtown Buffalo on Saturday, August 29 11am-8pm and Sunday, August 30, 11am-6pm. The event is notorious for attracting visitors from far and wide to taste over 100 different wing recipes with entertainment, live music, and craft beverages throughout the two-day festival.
In years past, EBC has participated in The Wing Fest in concessions with their craft beverages; however, this year marks the first time the establishment will be showcasing a wing recipe. Chef Josh McDowell has been with EBC for almost 20 years and crafted the recipe to specifically pair with their Blueberry Wheat Ale. The recipe was revealed one year ago and has been a hit at both the main location in Ellicottville as well as the Little Valley location. EBC has also hosted events featuring the recipe and their Blueberry Wheat Ale at various locations around WNY, including The Pour House in Hamburg.
EBC’s Blueberry Wheat has been in production for more than 20 years. Its dry and fruity flavor is brewed with real fruit and closer to aromatic than sweet. This balance has kept it on WNY taps and shelves for two decades in bottles and cans year-round. EBC also now produces a non-alcoholic Blueberry Wheat Ale, currently the only fruited N/A WNY craft brew option.
While the wing recipe was created to pair with this popular beverage, it is also noteworthy as a standalone dish. “It’s quickly becoming a customer favorite,” remarks Sara. “Chef Josh used all his talent to create this unique wing sauce, which includes bourbon from our collab partner Iron Smoke Distilling in Fairport, NY,” explains Dan Minner, Head Brewer at EBC. The wings will continue to be available after Wing Fest at their Little Valley location.
Ellicottville Brewing plans to bring high-energy to their first year at The Wing Fest with swag, giveaways and merchandise for purchase under their large tent. EBC will be sampling both their traditional and non-alcoholic Blueberry Wheat Ale at the festival. “We invite everyone to stop down, visit us, and taste this delicious pairing for yourselves,” says Sara. EBC will also have recipe cards for guests at the tent.
For more information visit ellicottvillebrewing.com, buffalowing.com and follow on social media for updates. Tickets are available at buffalowing.com, $20/day, ages 8 and under free, VIP Party Deck available for $45/day.