LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Big Ditch Brewing Company upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup
for Best Craft Brewery in New York State at the TAP NY Craft Beer
Festival

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Big Ditch Brewing Company upon the occasion of its designation as recip-
ient of the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup for Best Craft Brewery in New York
State at the TAP NY Craft Beer Festival held on Saturday, April 23,
2016, in Hunter Mountain, New York; and
WHEREAS, The TAP NY Craft Beer Festival is New York State's largest
craft beer festival and food event; during its tasting competition, beer
experts and guest judges rate brewers in a number of categories includ-
ing "Best Beer" and "Best Brewery," and present such prestigious brewing
awards as the Matthew Vassar Brewers' Cup, the F. X. Matt Memorial Cup
and the Governors' Brewers Cup; and
WHEREAS, Big Ditch Brewing Company, a craft beer brewery located in
downtown Buffalo, New York, was awarded the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup for
Best Craft Brewery in recognition of its dedication to providing quali-
ty, delicious, and innovative craft beers to the people of Western New
York and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Named after an early nickname for the Erie Canal, the histor-
ic waterway that forever altered the trajectory of the Buffalo area, Big
Ditch Brewing Company was developed by founders Matt Kahn and Corey
Catalano, two aspiring scientists and beer lovers, who decided to start
a new business in 2011 with the help of former brewery co-owner Wes
Froebel and principal investor, Paul Iskalo; and
WHEREAS, Since opening in October of 2014, this esteemed local busi-
ness has produced an outstanding variety of beers on site made from the
best ingredients available, and crafted with just the right balance of
art and science; its exceptional products can now be found at fine
establishments throughout the Western New York Region; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 2015, Big Ditch Brewing Company opened their
own Tap Room in a fantastic downtown setting, further contributing to
the vitality of its local culinary scene by offering their innovative,
flavorful and highly drinkable beers alongside the freshest food; and
WHEREAS, With a dedication to embodying the spirit of the men who
built the Erie Canal, Big Ditch Brewing Company celebrates the roots of
its community, and serves as a reminder that the future prosperity of
Buffalo is being built with the same strength, pride and ambition which
created this important waterway nearly two centuries ago; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Big Ditch Brewing
Company; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional small business and its contributions to the local
and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend its designation as recipient of the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup for
Best Craft Brewery in New York State at the TAP NY Craft Beer Festival;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matt Kahn, Corey Catalano, Wes Froebel, and Paul Iskalo, Big
Ditch Brewing Company, Buffalo, New York.