Rust Belt Porn

The grain elevator hearkens back to the glory days of Buffalo, NY. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 made Buffalo the first gateway to the (mid) west. Grain was one of the premier products shipped through Buffalo and as use of the Erie Canal expanded so did the need for grain storage. Enter Joseph Dart. Mr. Dart invented the first grain elevator and built it in Buffalo. The grain elevator changed everything by unloading grain by something other than the backs of men. Everything you could want to know about grain elevators can be found here.

Today, things are different. Only a few grain elevators remain. This past weekend we got a close up look at a few of the towering structures and the pictures are worth sharing. Up close, these elevators are monstrous. We took a brief self-guided tour through one of the smaller brick buildings. It was creepy and romantic at the same time. Walking through the structure you can feel just how busy it once was. Whatever comes of these buildings, and the pieces within, they must be preserved.

Grain elevators in Buffalo, NY

Self-guided tour.
Pics below were inside this structure.

Nearby elevator.

h/t The Buffalo History Works

Brewery Row on the Historic Buffalo River

Yep, that too.

Yesterday, a local group announced plans for a beer district along the Buffalo River. Actually, when reading the Buffalo News it may be more of a real estate redevelopment deal with a beer district option.  Yes, it's "a bit premature" but that will not prevent us from speculating. I'm imagining Brewery Row along the river. The big fish teaching the small, economic revitalization, and beer drinkers having access to a local beer selection that hasn't been seen in these parts in almost 100 years. These folks could single-handedly plant Buffalo's flag on the craft beer map. Sure, we can get there without this but it will take more time.

This is the type of clever economic development that can do wonders for a local economy. Cleveland has the Flats, Baltimore has the Inner Harbor, and Pittsburgh has the Warehouse District. Two out of three isn't bad. Regardless, if you're going to do something like this you should do it proper.

If we were creating a Beer District it would be modeled after various art space programs typically formed by nonprofit organizations looking to jump start some economic development. In that vein, below are recommendations we offer for the Buffalo Beer District:

1. Discount space. The big fish in this small(ish) town from development and brewing are backing this effort. In true beer camaraderie rental space should be offered to startups at a discount. We all know startups come up with the craziest - and best - ideas for beer and that will be a big attraction for beer drinkers. 
2. Shared costs. The good folks that run Pearl Street have been at brewing for awhile. They have connections in the industry for tools, parts, systems, and equipment. Working together with enough smaller brewers in this district can increase buying power and reduce costs. This goes beyond hardware to include ingredients.
3. Education. This is a two-pronged effort. The experienced brewers need to share knowledge with the newbies. All the brewers need to educate the common man (folks like me). Craft beer is booming nationwide and expanding locally. However, this town is still dominated by Molson, Labatt and terrible light beer.
4. Marketing. This is a no brainer and surely something folks are already thinking about (of course, the same can be said about items 1-3). Joint marketing is a key feature of any good district whether it be an arts district, theatre district, entertainment district or beer district.
5. Free Beer. Free beer for me.

Happy Anniversary Cleveland

If I told the tale of a once-great city along the shores of Lake Erie whose residents have great pride, strong work ethic but few jobs and lowly sports teams to help pass the harsh winters what city comes to mind?

Cleveland, OH like Buffalo, NY, is a rust belt city and a cheap joke for most parts of the country. (The Edmund Fitzgerald was not really headed for Cleveland, for crying out loud.) So, when it comes to public shaming Cleveland should know at least one Buffalonian feels your pain. In many ways, Cleveland is Buffalo's big sister. As a kid, I remember going to Cleveland's new Jacob Field to see the Indians take on the Yankees. Right around then, the Buffalo Bisons signed on to be the Indian's new farm team. Aside from sharing one Great Lake and a little baseball history there are many facts that highlight a greater bond.So, we being with a quiz.

Guess the Lake Erie Rust Belt City!

Q: This city's average population declined 13.12 percent per decade since 1970.
Q: This city's last professional sports championship was 1964.
Q: Average high temperature in this city is 56 degrees.
Q: Named most miserable city by Forbes.
Q: Second largest city in its state.

What residents of the Northeast Corridor, the Southwest, and California don't know is that rust belt cities are beautiful. Cleveland is home to the Playhouse Square Center - second largest performing arts center in the country. Buffalo is home to more than 50 public art galleries including Albright-Knox and Birchfield-Penney. Steve Harvey, Arsenio Hall, Phil Donahue, and Drew Carey - all from Cleveland. Ani DiFranco, Rick James, the Goo Goo Dolls but also Cannibal Corpse and moe. belong to Buffalo. Both cities have some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. This barely scratches the surface.

Today, Clevelanders celebrate the anniversary of 10 cent beer night. While I haven't been to Cleveland in over a decade, I imagine they celebrate it in much the same way Buffalonians celebrate the anniversary of "wide right". You can read about the fun here and here but you can probably piece together what happened on your own. I also imagine that Clevelanders have the same sense of pride you find in Buffalonians, which is to say we're a little tired of getting kicked in the groin just so you can feel better about your elitist "real city" problems. We have poor economies but tough people with warm hearts and friendly smiles; real houses with yards and everything for less than condominiums in some cities; and the commute is wonderful. We have history and culture and great craft beers. OK, our sports teams suck but it keeps us humble. So, next time you need to feel good about yourself knock on somebody else's hometown.

Happy Anniversary Cleveland - you're a hell of a city!

Cleveland should adopt a similar philosophy!

Quiz Answers

Cleveland: Average population decline 14.4 percent per decade since 1970

Buffalo: Average population decline 13.12 percent per decade since 1970

Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship in 1964. The Buffalo Bills won the AFL Championship in 1965. There was not a Super Bowl to win in 1964 or 1965 but it's worth noting Cleveland has never played in the game and the Buffal Bills lost it four consecutive times (which is worse?). 

Average high temp in Cleveland 59 degrees (average low 42).

Average high temp in Buffalo 56 degrees (average low 40)

Cleveland, though Techflash.com asks "Really, worse that Detroit and Buffalo?"

Both Cleveland and Buffalo are the second largest cities in their respective states.

Buffalo: Bad Marketing, Great Beer

"Buffalo. For Real." is the new marketing slogan for the Queen City. Yes, it's dreadful but don't let that discourage you from getting familiar with Buffalo's brew offerings. As featured in the video, Pearl Street is a great brew pub - everything Cap City should be. When friends and family come to visit we don't let them inside the beltway unless they have several offerings of Flying Bison.

Tip of the hat to Flying Bison for posting the video on their FB Page.

Nobody Circles the Wagons

A few months back we talked about the brewing renaissance in our adopted hometown.  Today, we're bringing you a brewing renaissance in our actual hometown, Buffalo, NY.  Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, Buffalo has a rich brewing history.  Well, it did through the mid-1970s when the last brewery in town, the Iroquois Brewery, closed its doors.  But in it's heyday Buffalo boasted more than 35 breweries.

It's a tough economy in upstate NY but the people of Buffalo are tough too.  Since the collapse of the steel industry, the region has struggled to rebuild its economy.  Urban planning consists of little more than looking for a silver bullet (a great read is Power Failure).  The Adelphia Tower collapsed with the rest of the cable company.  Bass Pro was never coming.  The new Peace Bridge is coming next year, again.  NFTA still owns the waterfront.

Sounds pretty bleak but it's always darkest before the dawn and every cloud has a silver lining.  It's not clear if you can see the silver lining just before dawn but that's not the point.  The medical corridor has been quietly revitalizing parts of the city and seems to be poised for major gains.  Buffalo is a micro-financial center with headquarters for HSBC*, M&T Bank, and First Niagara.  Yahoo! opened a data center nearby and Verizon may be next.  Moog and Fisher-Price are nearby.  CNBC recently ranked Buffalo-Niagara the second best place to relocate to in the US.  Forbes called it the third most affordable to live in.

And, now Buffalo is rebuilding its brewing community.  Flying Bison is back and better than before.  The Blue Monk is open for business.  Pearl Street Grill & Brewery continues to be an anchor for downtown.  This long-winded ode to home leads us to Community Beer Works - the newest brewing endeavor in Buffalo.  We've mentioned CBW in the past but today we bring you a conversation with Ethan Cox, one of the founders of the company (special thanks to CBW's Dan Conley for pulling this together).  Enjoy!

Background

DB:  How did you get into brewing and how did it become a business idea?

CBW:  Well, there are nine of us collectively in this thing, and we vary from investors & advisers to homebrewers & jacks-of-all-trades.  So, we have varied paths to get here.  Myself, I’ve been homebrewing since college, though grad school and even still.  I’ve been a lover of all things beer for a while, and this was just a natural consequence of a bunch of things coming together.  Did I chose it, or did it choose me?  I wonder.

DB:  Can a nanobrewery really be profitable?

CBW:  We’re not anticipating being in the black right off the bat, like any startup.  And, it’s only sustainable, in our eyes, because we see a limited period of “sweat equity” (= no pay) and rapid growth.  That said, what’s “profitable?”  Some of these breweries are sustainable at a hobby level or slightly more, and I’m sure their owners are really happy with what they do and the level they’re doing it at.  Our business plan and financials will quickly allow some 4 to 5 of use to make a good living making good beer, and that’s essentially the minimum we’re shooting for.  Not like we’ll avoid exceeding expectations, mind you!

DB:  The raging debate in the craft industry is around defining a “nanobrewery”.  Care to provide your definition or is this much ado about nothing?

CBW:  We don’t want to get embroiled in a debate about categories--doesn’t that happen enough in beer already?--but, we are grateful that people before us have paved the way for making a startup of this size a viable idea, and for documenting the process.  We were reading about all these great brewers like Hess and Blind Bat, and we thought: “There it is, it’s for us, let’s do that.”  As to when, precisely Sam Adams is no longer “craft” and questions of the like- here: I like some of Sam’s beers and I buy them sometimes, and Hair Of The Dog, too.  Isn’t that good enough?

The Brewery

DB:  Who will make your system?

CBW:  All the BTUs and controls, and as well, the heat transfer system, are being fabricated by Chris Breimayer at Psychobrew, in Michigan.  We looked initially at a Sabco--who doesn't?--but thankfully, with some input from Paul at Blind Bat, we realized that maybe 10 gallon batches was too crazy, and that 1.5bbl was just crazy enough.  Then we had to shop for some stainless, and we found Stout tanks & kettles in Portland. John Watt’s products are just beautiful, and he was able and willing to build us the kettles we really wanted to have on the burners- it’s a RIMS, and it’ll be nice and precise.  The tanks he’s assembling are also custom-sized for our batches, and they’ll be air-cooled in bays we’re building off our walk-in cooler.  It’s a bit unconventional, perhaps, but we can rock it.

DB:  According to reports, CBW hopes to have a series of nanobreweries across the city.  Is CBW operating like a franchise?

CBW:  Well, for time time being, we just want to get one brewery open, for sure.  As for expansion, we’ll see exactly which way that goes when we can better analyze our growth curve.  We are interested in doing other projects in the area, but not necessarily a series of nano-breweries.

DB:  You getting any help from the good folks at Flying Bison?

CBW:  Oh, of course.  We’re trying to learn as much as we can on our our own, but Tim is an excellent brewer and a super resource, he’s very approachable.  As we continue our transition from paper to brick-and-mortar brewery, I know we’ll be drawing on all the brewing resources in the community. As a bunch of current and experienced homebrewers, too, I know we’ll be soliciting advice from both the industry and the hobby levels- I talk to Ian & Bert at Niagara Traditions homebrew shop frequently.

The Brew

DB:  Want to tip your hand on what you will brew?

CBW:  Our main beer will be an American Pale Ale, we just love a good session beer, and it is the quintessential American microbrew revolution beer, perfected in Northern California, but certainly something we can do and do well.  As homebrewers, we’re off and developing prototypes even now.  We like the style in part because it makes for a good, local beer, in that freshness really matters for good hop expression.  It is just a beautiful well-rounded and approachable brew.

We’re also going to have a saison right off the bat, which is because we love the complexity and depth of that style: it pairs with so many kinds of food, it’s a style with a great history, it has beer geek gravitas, and quite frankly, we all like to suck ‘em down.  They are a challenge to brew and will need some real attention, but we’ll also hand-bottle, cork, cage & label them initially and it’ll be a fun offering.

DB:  Is there a Dumbarton’s Ale in the business plan?

We’re definitely planning to do lots of one-off batches, that’s the beauty of a small and flexible beginning.  What kind of beer is a Dunbarton Ale?  I somehow suspect it is got some Scots to it, so that’s good because a slow, cold ferment is definitely a Buffalo-style beer: Let’s talk!

Activism

DB:  You’ve indicated plans of incorporating urban farms and community gardens.  How will they be incorporated into the work of the brewery?  Do you risk trying to do too much?

CBW:  We’re very much committed to responsible brewing and business practice- it’s just the kind of people we are but also we think it’s the way to be a successful business.  We’re far from the first brewery to incorporate green practices into the brewhouse, and we’ll be limited initially, too.  Green doesn’t mean DIY, all the time.  We’re looking at solar water for pre-heating our brewing water- this will save money on gas, primarily.  Worms will eat our spent grain, and that in turn will contribute to a aquaponic fish farm on the west side- it’s perfectly symbiotic, apparently worms love grain, so all we have to do is arrange the transfer.  As for gardens- on down the road, maybe some minimal hops, or specialty grains which we lovingly malt ourselves, enough for something like an “Urban Estate” ale?  We’ll see, but we’re not afraid to put our ideals into our business.

Last Thoughts

DB:  Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or The Natural?

CBW:  It’s gotta be Planes, Trains and Automobiles.  We’re comi-tragic!

DB:  Thoughts on the new Sabres uniforms?

Fuck Yeah!  Old School Rules!

DB:  What else should we know about Community Beer Works?

Our favorite air-guitar player is definitely Bjorn Turoque

Home Sweet Home

Due to the intricate sophistication of Dumbarton's Beer you probably assumed our roots grow deep in the soil that is inside the beltway.  Well, like 98 percent of DMV residents we're squatters and tonight we're missing home just a bit.

You might recall that we covered the short-lived soap opera surrounding the sale of Flying Bison Brewing Company (FBBC).  While that seems to have resolved itself in a positive way we recently learned of a nanobrewery attempting to open shop in the Queen City.  Community Beer Works is comprised of a small group of locals looking to help return Buffalo to its halcyon days of brewing.  By early 2011, the folks at CBW expect to brew 1 bbl batches in a former malting building on Lafayette Avenue in the City's East Side.  According to reports, CBW will brew up to 6,000 gallons next year and be producing upwards of 34,000 gallons annually within five years.  Partner Ethan A. Cox told the Buffalo News that the long-term plan is to have a series of nanobreweries across the city.  "We want to be a small neighborhood brewery and 10 years down the line have a series of Community Beer Works in other neighborhoods."  Today, the Buffalo News did a small piece noting that CBW received necessary approval from the Buffalo Zoning Board.  A small, but critical, step in planning and development.  Kudos to the folks at CBW.  Our collective mouths water for your local fare.  In the meantime, we'll keep trying to get FBBC to distribute some Aviator Red south of the Mason Dixon.

As if karma were aligning the stars for this post, we also read this little piece by John Vogl on the new, and very improved, uniforms for our Buffalo Sabres (more info here).  Mercifully, the slug is gone.  Back are the original blue and gold uniforms with a few modifications but old school fans are not going to be disappointed.  Now we won't look so out of place in our original Perrault home jersey - remember when teams wore home white jerseys?  Those were the days.  In celebration of their 40th anniversary the Sabres will also unveil a new third/alternate jersey that's a nod back to pre-NHL days for western New York.  No word on whether the Sabres management has plans for celebrating 40 years of not winning a Stanley Cup but we might pick up that new alternate jersey anyway.  We're homers.  We miss home.

Because We're Homers

Flying Bison Staying in Buffalo; Expanding Operations

This should certainly make your St. Patrick's Day a bit brighter. Today Flying Bison Brewing Company (FBBC) announced they are staying in Buffalo and they are actually expanding operations. As a result of the deal with FX Matt Brewing Company, FBBC will distribute more than they ever have in the past. Tim Herzog said "The only difference the community will see is that our beers will more readily available. Everyone on staff is still with us and there will be a few changes, for the better.”

FBBC will continue to be active in the community supporting events like the Buffalo Brewfest. They will also continue supporting Rusty Chain; which is made in collaboration with Green Options Buffalo, Buffalo Rising, and Buffalo Microparks, to support bicycle parking through out Buffalo.

Mr. Herzog did acknowledge some challenges lie ahead. Shelves will need to be stocked across Western New York and be stocked on a consistent basis. FBBC must also win back taps at local restaurants and pubs - no small task considering the competition for such prime real estate.

The big question is when will the new plan be implemented? No dates have been announced for the beginning of distribution or the arrival of your favorite FBBC brews at the local grocer or watering hole. There is not even a date for the reopening of the FBBC retail store. To all this we say "patience is a virtue".

We look forward to seeing FBBC back on the streets and with a little luck they will use the Matt Urban distribution chain to send some of their beers to our little corner of the country.

Flying Bison Sale Approved; Brewing in Queen City to Resume Soon

The Buffalo News reported today that Flying Bison, which had temporarily shut down production, is expected to start brewing under new ownership on March 1, 2010. According to the report, shareholders of FBBC approved the sale to FX Matt and brewing halted while the paperwork is finalized. Said Tim Herzog, "[w]e’ve got to have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed before we can get some malt in here and start making beer again." (Note: we first reported the potential sale in late January).

On February 2, 2010, the Flying Bison Web site stated the retail shop and brewery would be closed until March 1, 2010. The Web site was updated today indicating no specific date for re-opening again noting the joys of paperwork.

The statement reads: "Despite stories to the contrary in the Buffalo News from February 23, FBBC is still neck deep in paperwork, and nothing is solidified at the moment. Please stay tuned here to find out the latest, and most accurate information regarding the future of FBBC.

Unfortunately, due to some unforseen circumstances the FBBC Retail Shop will continue to be closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your patience while we continue to dot "i's" and cross "t's". Stay tuned!"

Nothing creative brewers and entrepreneurs enjoy more than paperwork.

Overall, it appears the news remains positive about Buffalo's favorite brewery. The language noted above certainly sounds as if it's simply a matter of time before brewing starts. Further, the Buffalo News article reminds readers of FX Matt's vow to keep brewing FBBC in the Queen City.

Brewery on the Brink

Over the last 30 years the microwbrewing industry has grown exponentially. In 1990, there were less than 100 breweries operating in the United States. By 2009, that number increased to well over 1,500 breweries. Much of this growth is due to the renaissance of the local brewing company (craft brewing). In 2008 the craft brewing industry crew by nearly 6 percent by volume while producing some 8.6 million barrels of beer. In the first half 2009, the craft brewing industry continued its boom with growth of 5 percent by volume and 9 percent by sales. At the same time overall sales of beer were actually down 1.3 percent.

In 2000, a couple of hometown heroes in Buffalo, NY, Tim Herzog (pictured) and Patrick Mullins, started the Flying Bison Brewing Company. The first commercial brewery in Buffalo since 1972,* FBBC offered a unique flight line of brews from a couple of guys who got their start brewing at home. (Larry "Red" Mrozek was Mr. Herzog's original partner but he passed away before the brewery opened.)

Despite a slow start, FBBC started making headway in Western New York. Exported from Buffalo's Black Rock Neighborhood, the flight line can now be found in more than 100 stores and pubs across the region. Aviator Red is the standout of FBBC's 4 flagship brews. The company boasts an additional 6 seasonal brews and they recently unveiled Rusty Chain Beer; a collaboration with Green Options Buffalo, Buffalo Rising, and Buffalo MicroParks. Rusty Chain is a community effort promoting the positive impacts of bicycle riding.

We've had our share of FBBC brews, particularly focusing on Aviator Red and were disheartened recently to find the company in dire financial straits. The growth of the craft industry was not enough for FBBC to offset the difficult economy of Western New York (Buffalo is the 3rd poorest city in the US) and the skyrocketing costs of brewing ingredients. A craft brewer in the nation's poorest of cities can't simply raise prices on the consumer when the costs of raw materials go up.

According to reports in The Buffalo News, FBBC sales had been rising. According one report, 2008 sales increased by $25,000. It's just not enough to stay in the black and keep the lenders at bay, particularly when material costs increased by $35,000. Said one FBBC shareholder, "A couple of years ago, Tim was right on the edge of turning the corner and really making it."

Is there a silver lining to this dark cloud? Sort of. If you're the romantic entrepreneur type waiting for a Tommy Boy-like story you will be disappointed. If there's good news to report it's that Mr. Herzog offers a compelling product. So compelling that F.X. Matt Brewing Company in Utica, NY has already placed an offer to purchase the company and keep brewing operations in Buffalo for the immediate future. FX has the capacity to purchase raw materials for less and efficiencies can also be had in the bottling operations. “Utica is very efficient at doing long runs, Buffalo is very good at doing short runs,” said Steve Jackson, a shareholder and member of Flying Bison’s board of directors. “The two facilities would complement each other.”


According to reports, FX will brew Flying Bison in Utica with specialty runs of Saranac and FBBC to be brewed in the Buffalo brewery. FX CEO Nick Matt said "[w]e like Flying Bison as a Buffalo-based brand, and we think there is more opportunity for a Buffalo-branded product. Frankly, we think it can be a lot bigger than it is today."

The story is not quite over as the shareholders of FBBC must approve the sale to FX (the vote will occur on February 11, 2010). If approved, Mr. Herzog will be offered an employment contract. If the sale is not approved by shareholders, Sear Capital, an Austin-based investment firm with Buffalo roots, may submit an offer.



*Iroquois Brewing 1830-1972

Sources: The Buffalo News (January 20th and January 24th 2010), ArtVoice, Flying Bison Brewing Company. Statistics from the Brewers Association Craft Brewing Facts.

Pour Some Out for the Homies - AFL Style

Today a memorial is being held for the Honorable Jack Kemp at Washington, DC's National Cathedral. The All-Pro quarterback led the Buffalo Bills to two American Football League titles (1964-1965); the only Championship seasons in Bills history. Kemp was a nine term Congressman, Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and a Vice Presidential candidate.

Robert L. Woodson, Sr. of the Washington Times eloquently expresses what Kemp truly meant to politics. Mr. Woodson writes:

"'If I had served my God with half the zeal that I served my king, I would not have been left sad and lonely in my old age.'"

"Such was the lament of the former archbishop of Canterbury in the play "Becket" when he was deposed by King Henry II and replaced by the king's carousing friend, Thomas Becket. And this should be the lament of the Republican Party for its failure to be faithful to the transcendent principles and practices laid down by the likes of Jack Kemp and George Kettle, both recently deceased."

Of course, the people of Western New York have always loved Mr. Kemp for both his football and political contributions. He's been a beloved figure there for years. Jack Kemp, Tim Russert - part of the very small brotherhood to make Buffalo feel like true players on the national stages.

The Buffalo Bills have officially retired only Jim Kelly's #12. It's not too late to retire #15.