Buffalo’s Beer Revival

Can some high quality brew turn a city around? Probably not, but craft breweries do seem to be adding some froth to the resurgence in Buffalo.

Buffalo’s beer revival by Mark Wessel, a travel writer based in Collingwood, Ontario, in the Hamilton Spectator (June 7, 2016) explores this tasty side of the city. 

I think I was most surprised at the geographic spread and the sheer number of breweries highlighted. We all know that Flying Bison moved from Black Rock to Larkinville, that Community Beer Works is rebuilding the lower West Side and that Resurgence looms large in the Niagara Street revival. Big Ditch is an integral part of the comeback of downtown, Pearl Street Grill is the portal to Canalside, and the historic Gene McCarthy's is back as a nano brew pub right down on the river.

But Rusty Nickel in West Seneca, 42 North in East Aurora, and Hamburg Brewing (in Hamburg, of course, and a lot less than an hour from the city), expanded my limited knowledge of the beer scene way out into the 'burbs. Locals looking for a bonus in this article written for our friends across the border should read to the very end, where "Thin Man  Brewing in Elmwood Village" is forecast for the near future.

After all, what's a resurgence (pun intended) without a locally brewed cold one to celebrate, especially in a city with such an illustrious grain, malt and beer history?

It's a quick read; I recommend it.