The Erie Canal, opened in 1825, forged a vital connection between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. When first proposed, skeptics dismissed the idea, mockingly calling it "Clinton’s Big Ditch" after New York State Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, once the canal was completed and filled with water, it transformed Buffalo forever, ushering in over a century of prosperity for the city.
Today, the spirit of the Big Ditch lives on. The resilience and determination of the workers who built the canal by hand are mirrored in the energy of Buffalo’s modern rebirth. Big Ditch Brewing Company brews beer for the visionaries and doers shaping the city’s future, just as those who built the canal paved the way for Buffalo’s original prosperity.
Crafted from the finest ingredients with a perfect balance of art and science, Big Ditch beers are a tribute to our city’s legacy. They’re innovative, flavorful, and endlessly drinkable—glass after glass. Cheers to the strength, pride, and ambition that built Buffalo, past and present.
Craft Beer
Wine
Spirits
Restaurant Menu
Craft beer to go
Large parties
