BriarBrothers Brewing has launched Lock Tender Lager, a commemorative craft beer created exclusively for Lockport’s The Lock Tender taproom in celebration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial and the taproom’s first anniversary.
The clean, crisp lager, available on tap solely at The Lock Tender, represents a perfect marriage of brewing craftsmanship and deeply rooted canal heritage. At 5% ABV, this easy-drinking lager delivers a refreshingly balanced flavor profile that pays homage to traditional brewing methods while celebrating the waterways that shaped Western New York’s identity.
The collaboration carries special significance given BriarBrothers’ unique location in a historic grain silo near the Buffalo River, positioned at the convergence of the original Erie Canal terminus and Lake Erie. The brewery’s building served as a malting house for decades, making it an integral part of the region’s brewing heritage that predates the canal’s bicentennial celebration.
“We’re honored to craft a beer that celebrates such an important milestone in New York’s history from a building that was literally part of that brewing story,” said Joel Betti, co-owner of BriarBrothers Brewing. “Our brewery sits where the canal met the Great Lakes, in silos that once supplied brewers malt to breweries throughout the region from Syracuse to Cleveland—a network that wouldn’t have been possible without the Erie Canal. Lock Tender Lager embodies the same values of tradition, community, and craftsmanship that have flowed through these waterways for two centuries.”
The beer’s exclusive availability at The Lock Tender reinforces the taproom’s commitment to showcasing unique, locally-crafted beverages that reflect the character of Lockport and its rich canal heritage. As both a taproom and craft beer bottle shop, The Lock Tender has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the local craft beer community during its inaugural year of operation.
Lock Tender Lager is designed to be enjoyed alongside good conversation and a genuine sense of place – qualities that have made The Lock Tender a gathering spot for beer enthusiasts and history lovers alike. The beer’s approachable character makes it perfect for both craft beer newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts looking to toast to local history and community.
Lock Tender Lager will make its debut on tap at Lock Tender on Friday, June 13 with a special tasting event. Brewery representatives will be on-hand to sample some of their other craft beers as well. It will be on tap throughout the summer, exclusively at The Lock Tender.
