It was only a matter of time before the craft beer scene in Buffalo became concentrated enough, before someone would put together a mapping component and tour operation. And that’s exactly what Kevin Klass, Founding Partner of Taptrails has done. He’s gone out and mapped all of the breweries, and put together a self-guided tour that showcases just how much Buffalo has to offer these days (with more to come). “We saw a desire for craft beer lovers to find local breweries and a need for the craft breweries to be found. We created Taptrails as a fun, interactive tool to solve both issues.” Said Kevin Klass, co-founder of Taptrails.
To add even more interest to this latest brewing news, it should be noted that while Taptrails was created by a Buffalo guy, it was designed to sweep the nation (operational cities, and those under works, are located in California, Arizona and Colorado).
The handheld maps (see PDF) will soon be available coinciding with the launch of Buffalo Beer Week (see here). At that time, the maps will be available at 17 Greater Buffalo locations. An app is also being created currently for those who want to tour the breweries via smart phone. “This is a great way for the 11 craft breweries in Buffalo to put themselves on the map, so to speak,” said Neil Kavanaugh, President of Consumers Beverages. “We’re excited to be a part of this creative initiative to help boost traffic, excitement, and business for the unique craft breweries that make Buffalo stand out.”
The maps will be available for $10, and will include bevy of discounts that can be redeemed at participating breweries. There is also a Tasting Log that can be filled out by tourists, as well as brewing info for the beer geeks. Beer lovers who tour the trail can catalog their visits and submit photos to prizes@taptrails.com for monthly drawings.
“Craft beer has become a cornerstone of the Buffalo visitor experience in recent years,” said Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. “The Taptrails map will help point visitors to the best craft beer options and microbreweries that Buffalo has to offer.”
The trail will include these (soon to be) 11 Buffalo-area Craft Breweries:
Big Ditch Brewing Company (targeted opening fall 2014)
Buffalo Brew Pub
Community Beer works
Flying Bison Brewing
Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant
Hamburg Brewing Company
Old First Ward Brewing Company
Pan American Grill Brewery
Pearl Street Grill Brewery
Resurgence Brewing Company
Rusty Nickel Brewing Company (targeted opening late 2014)
Regional breweries such as Ellicottville Brewing Company, Southern Tier Brewing Company, and Woodcock Brothers Brewing Company, will also be featured on the map in the “Side Trails” section.
Following are some accolades from the local brewing community:
“The Buffalo Taptrail map represents yet another step in the collective Embeering of Buffalo, highlighting the freshest beer Buffalo has to offer its thirsty locals and visitors!” – Ethan Cox, Owner Community Beer Works
“The Hamburg Brewing Company is proud to be a part of tap trails in the Western New York area as the beer scene continues to grow. Tap Trails provides a way for hometown folks and tourists alike to try some new beer and travel and experience some of the areas beautiful breweries.” – John Russo, Founder, Hamburg Brewing Company
“As a one of Buffalo’s newest breweries, we are excited to have a tool like Taptrails promoting our local craft beer scene and create awareness of our brewery outside the City limits. #craftbeer #drinklocal” – Jason Havens, President, Rusty Nickel Brewing Company
For more information about Taptrails, visit Taptrails.com, follow Taptrails on Facebook or send an email to info@taptrails.com.
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