In order to enjoy Buffalo winters, we must celebrate Buffalo winters. That means that we must take advantage of the snow-related activities that are presented to us.
When it comes to organizing popular winter events, 42 North Brewing gets a gold star. Brewery owner John Cimperman and his team are constantly coming up with engaging activities to entertain the Buffalo crowds.
One of the fan favorite annual winter events is the ‘Barrel Jam’ Barrel-Aged Beer Festival, which is now in its fifth year. The event celebrates “the art of barrel-aging beers, live music, and winter sports around the brewery ‘campus’ at 42 North.” The “Jam” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 25th in East Aurora, NY.
“Barrel Jam has a history of bringing nationally acclaimed breweries from across the United States, each bringing some very innovative barrel aged beers. The 2025 Barrel Jam Festival will be no different. Fifteen breweries, cideries, and distilleries will participate at the festival.” – 42 North
Popular features of the event include:
- Rail Jam ski/snowboard competition hosted by Holiday Valley with a ramp and rail set up in the alley behind the brewery.
- The event concludes with the upbeat, reggae sounds of Olmsted Dub System in the taproom beginning at 5 pm
Below some of the breweries and beers attendees can find at the Barrel Jam Festival:
Brewery Ardennes from Geneva, NY will feature a Rum Barrel Aged Quad and wood aged Wild Cherry Sour.
Brewery Ommegang from Cooperstown, NY will be sampling Barrel Aged Three Philosophers and a Boulevard Brewing Rye on Rye.
Jack’s Abby from Framingham, MA will bring along Expresso Barrel Aged Framinghammer and Coconut Rum Barrel Aged Framinghammer.
Eli Fish from Batavia, NY will feature a fruited tropical brett beer, Chateau Tropicale and Methodology #1, a traditional Koelschip ale.
Drowned Lands from Warwick, NY will join Barrel Jam for the first time with a Double Barrel Aged Imperial Stout and a Foeder Aged Black Lager.
Ellicottville Brewing Company will feature a Barrel Aged Platter’s Chocolate Cherry Stout and a Barrel Aged Blueberry Maple Pancake.
Meier’s Creek from Cazenovia, NY will bring along two beers including the Barrel Aged Octopus Slippers, a doppelbock aged in molasses.
Prison City, from Auburn, NY will bring along Barrel Aged Wham Whams and a few limited oak foeder releases, including Folsom Bluesberry and Cherry Poppins.
42 North Brewing Company, the festival host, will be sampling a Barrel Aged Treaty Saison and debut a new Barrel Aged Double Stout.
Additional barrel aged beverages from Big Ditch, 1927 Brewhouse, Strangebird, Buffalo Distilling, Wild East, and 1911 Cider will be part of this unique festival.
The event runs from 2 pm until 5 pm, with VIP ticket holders getting a special one-hour advance tasting window starting at 1 pm. Advance General Admission tickets are $40 and a limited number of VIP tickets will be available for $50. Tickets are available at both 42 North taprooms or by clicking here.
42 North Brewing Company | 25 Pine St, East Aurora, NY 14052