The craft beer business is booming in Western New York, and 42 North in East Aurora is looking to take advantage by taking a fresh look at an old method of brewing beer.
The "42 Below" Barrel House is a new facility near the brewery which will house barrel aged cask beer.The beer is initially brewed like most others, the process to get that beer ready for your glass can take some extra time.
"It can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on what we're trying to do," said 42 North chief brewer, Clay Keel.
Keel says it's tough to be patient while waiting for the beers "but lucky us as brewers, we get to sample the barrels monthly and keep track of how they're doing."
Breweries across the region have been finding unique ways to spur growth, not only in the brewing industry, but also industries you might not think would be helped by beer.
"It's all local, says Tim Herzog, founder of the Flying Bison Brewing Company. "A local carpenter built our counter and tables. We bought all the wood from a local lumber yard. It goes on and on and on."
If you're looking for a reason to check out these local breweries for yourself, the Buffalo Niagara Brewers Association's Buffalo Beer Week kicks off Friday, with special events happening throughout Western New York.
