I still remember the first thing that I ever bought from Kegworks, a Buffalo company that specializes in drinking products. It was a blender with a throttle and an RPM gauge on it. I still have the blender to this day, and despite all of the wear and tear that it’s been through, it still works. Back in the day (KegWorks was opened by David Rivers in 1998), the business was much smaller version of what it has become today – a $15,000,000 a year internet sales-driven machine, with an ancillary retail component that any modern day “man cave” dweller would feel comfortable shopping in.
The KegWorks store is located just north of Kenmore Avenue on Military, and is home to a gigantic array of beer, bar and cocktail accessories. The floor of the retail center was dreamed up by the same international design firm that Nike uses. Upon entering, thirsty looking customers are handed a gratuitous sample of whatever keg of Flying Bison the company has tapped on that particular day. It’s one of the best greetings that a beer-lover can ever possibly imagine. Nest is a chance to browse through hundreds of items that help make the act of drinking even more fun. There’s cocktail shakers and ice cube trays, and growler bags and tap handles… everything that you can think of for the industry or for a home mixologist. It’s fascinating to see what’s on the market, up close and personal at KegWorks. “We have the largest selection of bitters in the United States,” said Tom McManus, who joined KegWorks as a partner seven years ago. “When we opened this store back in March, we have seen countless people walk in and the next thing we know their jaws are hitting the floor.”
Considering that KegWorks has been ranked as the tenth fastest growing business in WNY by Business First, and they now employ 55 full time employees, I figured that the company deserved to be featured in the 2013 BRO Holiday Gift Guide. The question is… out of all of the hundreds of gift items available, which one/s would I showcase?
To start, I just couldn’t pass up the martini shaker that looks like a can of spray paint (featured image). What’s not to like about having what looks like a graffiti tool mixed in with your bar supplies? The perfect gift for the guy or girl who fully embraces the cocktail revolution.
Then there’s the large selection of ice cube accessories that create just about any size and shape “nugget” of ice that you could wish for. I especially like the steel cubes that look super sharp in a glass (or even the freezer for that matter).
For the James Bond character in your life, there’s the traveling bar kits, that look cool and are fully functional. Sets range from a few pieces for crafting quick and dirty drinks, to the whole shebang for the mixologist on the run.
There’s so much to see at KegWorks that even the most efficient shopper/drinker is bound to get hung up on a few of the coveted drink accessories. Even if you’re in the industry, a trip to KegWorks is an eye opener into the world of stealth drink gadgets and go-to items that can help to outfit any professional or home bar in a matter of minutes.
KegWorks | 1460 Military Road | Greater Buffalo NY – near border of Kenmore Avenue | 716362-9212
For more holiday gift suggestions, check out the rest of the BRO Holiday Shopping Guide…
New Buffalo Graphics: Silver winged buffalo pin
tifft nature preserve: Snowshoe rentals and hikes
elmwood village fabrics: DIY sewing classes
campus wheelworks: Unisex Mammut gloves
buffalo scooter company: 2013 Vespa LX-150
hyatt’s all things creative: Tiki head tissue holder and Pantone Universe
photographer and muralist max collins: A wheatpaste photo mural
farmer pirates cooperative: Compost pick up for one year
main hand wash & detail: Car wash and/or detail
ak&b: The Smeg Fridge
elmwood pet supplies: Buffalo dog collars and leads
urban roots: Fairy Gardens
the wisteria shop @ the darwin d. martin house: Umbrella and Pen Set
take home martin cooks: Gourmet Gift Basket
united men’s fashion: Hats
neo gift studio: Buffalo cutting and cheese boards
second chic: Consignment is Green
turnstyle designs: Vegan bomber jackets