In late August I posted about the Barrel Factory: A Maker’s Market coming to the Old First Ward (see here). At the time I mentioned that the 110-year old building was landing a distillery. Now an announcement has been made that Queen City Malting will come onboard as an official tenant.
The start-up will be Buffalo’s first active maltster that Buffalo has seen since its brewing heyday. Traditionally, maltsters prepare grains such as barley, wheat, and oats, that are used by brewers and distillers to make beer and spirits. With the brewery and distillery scene growing each and every day in Buffalo, Queen City Malting anticipates that its products will be in high demand. “Queen City Malting represents another important return to the grain-based heritage here in Buffalo and its Old First Ward,” said Steve Bystran, Managing Member of Lazarus Properties, the development team that is tackling the project.
Queen City Malting will be the first official tenant in the The Barrel Factory. Keeping with the local spirit of the operation, Bob Patterson of Queen City Malting will be sourcing sustainable grains from local New York State farms, adding a respectable regional edge to the process. “Queen City Malting is proud to continue the great tradition of craft malting grains to help rediscover the great brewing history of Buffalo,” stated Patterson.
It is reported that the Barrel Factory will be home to a new micro-distillery as well. The synergy between the distillery and the malting operation is exactly the type of partnership that will add to the success of the enterprise. Lazarus Properties is also in talks with a number of breweries that have expressed an interest in joining the makers’ market. The development team hopes that by bringing maltsters, distillers, and brewers together, an unprecedented market concept in Buffalo will become a reality.
To add to the makers’ market dynamic, the Barrel Factory team has also been in discussions with additional artisans and local producers including a coffee roaster, cheese maker, special event caterer, and a perfumery. It appears as if the floodgates have been opened for the 45,000 square foot building. This is great news for the Old First Ward and anyone who has been hoping for an artisanal food-brewery-esque market to open in close proximity to the waterfront.
More information on The Barrel Factory can be found at www.BarrelFactory.com and www.Facebook.com/BarrelFactory.