West Coast Inspired Beer
Like many great ideas before it, the idea to open a brewery of our own was conceived after a long night of beers. Karl, who would years later become our head brewer, began homebrewing while living in California a decade ago.
After homebrewing for a couple of years, he decided (over one too many beers) that his ambitions were bigger than his current setup. Karl’s time crafting brews on the West Coast, both at home and in California’s craft brewery scene, shape the beer we brew in Buffalo.
Why Pressure Drop?
We chose to name our brewery Pressure Drop Brewing for two reasons. Our name references the barometric pressure changes that must occur for lake effect snow to form. When low-pressure system sweeps across Lake Erie, it makes room for the frigid air necessary for Buffalo’s infamous winter weather. Secondly, when we transfer beer from one tank to another, there is a drop in pressure. And we transfer a lot of beer here!
Brewed and Served in Buffalo
We brew beer for craft enthusiasts and domestic drinkers alike. Over the last few years, Western New Yorkers have gotten to know the unique flavors, experimental collaborations and fun one-offs Pressure Drop Brewing gets excited about.
Our beers are always on tap at our Elmwood Ave. pub, located in vibrant Black Rock. We continue to brew our beers in Buffalo’s Old First Ward, just as we have since Pressure Drop Brewing began. The neighborhoods we call home are a testament to Buffalo’s industrial past and exciting future!
The Brains Behind the Beer.
It takes a team to brew this much beer. We weren’t always in the business of good beer, but we’re glad we made the switch.
Karl Kolbe
CEO and Head Brewer
Karl began his journey brewing beer at home. He gained recognition as a homebrewer, crafting award-winning beers in his driveway. Before setting out on his own, he wanted to gain experience from some of the best West Coast brewers.
Karl spent the years immediately following his decision to open a brewery of his own learning how to brew beer on a much larger scale at a California craft brewery. After two years, he began looking for a place for his own brewery to call home.
Just like many other Western New York natives, Karl was drawn to the resurging city he left more than a decade earlier. He decided Buffalo was the perfect place to open a craft brewery that embodies both West Coast flavors and East Coast grit.
Lexi Craine
COO
Lexi joined Pressure Drop Brewing to manage the day-to-day details of running a business. Her experience in finance is the perfect complement to Karl’s creative background. Born and raised in Buffalo, Lexi is proud to be building a company that supports her family and her city.
Karl and Lexi are supported by our entire team, which also includes Gabe Maloney, Matt Miller and Jim Kolbe.
Contact Us
Please fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as we can. In the meantime, join us for a cold beer at our Elmwood Ave. pub!