Big Ditch Brewing’s Brewery and Taproom, Western New York

Big Ditch Brewing Company is developing a brewery and taproom in the western part of New York, US.

The brewery will propel the company’s long-term growth and help increase its production capacity. It will also meet the demand for the beers produced by Big Ditch Brewing Company.

The development of the Western New York facility is supported by commercial real estate firm Iskalo Development, which owns the property. Iskalo Development is responsible for the development of the project site that will be occupied by the brewer under a lease agreement.

Applications for the project development were submitted to the Town of Cheektowaga and the Erie County Industrial Development Agency. The developer will proceed with the construction of the brewery in 2020 following the review of the applications. The project is expected to be completed in late-2021.

Big Ditch Brewing Company will continue to operate its existing flagship brewery and taproom in downtown Buffalo. The brewery will focus on the research and development of new innovative craft beers.

Location of Big Ditch Brewing’s new brewery and taproom

The brewery and taproom will be located on Transit Road in Williamsville, near the north side of Interstate 90 (I-90).

The project site is visible from both the I-90 freeway and Transit Road.

Big Ditch Brewing’s brewery and taproom design and features

The new facility will be spread across 105,000ft². The production brewery and offices will occupy more than half of the building while the remaining area will include dining areas and a taproom. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy their drinks at an outdoor beer garden within the site.

The new brewery will have more than three times the production capacity of the Huron Street brewery in downtown Buffalo and will initially produce 50,000 barrels of beer a year. It will be equipped with a new canning line, which will be larger than that of the existing flagship location.

Dining areas will be created on each floor of the two-storey front portion of the building. The first floor will house the taproom and beer halls along with a private dining room. A retail store on the floor will enable visitors to purchase branded merchandise and beer.

The project design also includes additional taproom seating, three rooms that will serve private dining or meeting purposes, and the Brewer’s Lounge. A dedicated area will be created on the second floor to host private events with the capacity to accommodate more than 200 people. A tasting and education room will be created to allow visitors to enjoy a selection of beers.

The interior design will honour the Erie Canal, which was nicknamed the ‘Big Ditch’ during its construction.

Project benefits

The brewery will increase the exposure and visibility of the brand and free up production capacity at the existing location, which is currently producing at its maximum capacity.

It will also allow the brewer to conduct larger events than the downtown facility.

The company intends that the new brewery will serve as an anchor for the flourishing craft beer tourism scene in the region.

Product portfolio of the company

The company’s product portfolio includes signature beers such as Low Bridge golden ale, Hayburner IPA, and Excavator rye brown ale.

The products currently offered on tap at the downtown location include Galaxy Red, Classic Wit, Low Bridge, Chocolate Cream, Hayburner, Excavator, Berry Vision, Irish Ambition, Spiced Porter and 2020 Vision. Seasonal offerings include Fall Black, Vanilla Oatmeal Stout, Autumn IPA, Squeezer and Fresh Baked.

The limited-edition offerings are Electric District Pils, 100% NY, Deep Cut, GP2H, Short Cut, Balnamoon, Jalapeno Cream Ale, and Meloneweizen.

Marketing commentary on Big Ditch Brewing Company

Big Ditch Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery founded in 2014. The company expanded its brewery at East Huron Street in the Electric District, Buffalo. The existing facility includes a 20-barrel Criveller Brewhouse with a two-vessel brewing system and 13 fermenters.

The brewing company received the “Best Craft Brewery in New York State” award at the Tap NY craft beer and food festival in 2016.