Established in 2015 by owners Jason Havens and Dave Johnson, Rusty Nickel Brewing was one of the first farm breweries in Erie County; it has been a leader in connecting farm breweries and local agriculture ever since. New York Farm Breweries must create their brews with at least 60% of their ingredients coming from NY growers; Rusty Nickel strives for 90%. In fact, it sources most of its ingredients, including fruit and grain, from local growers and maltsters, and their hops from the New York Hop Guild.
It only takes the distance from Rusty Nickel Brewing’s front door to its outdoor dining area to be transported from city suburbs to a cabin in the woods. The outdoor space is filled with barn wood tables and planters. Everything is in bloom from hanging flowers to blossom-covered planters to flowering greenery around the koi pond and trellis, thanks to Bengert Greenhouses of West Seneca. Much of this quiet hideaway (ranked #2 for outdoor patio spaces in WNY) is open air, with seating sheltered by a high clear corrugated roof which lets the light filter in. Tiki torches and firepits promise the fun will continue even after the sun goes down.
As it grows, Rusty Nickel Brewing continues to draw people to West Seneca, synergistically benefiting the community. In fact, Rusty Nickel is community focused, from local businesses to local families. The brewery supports local musicians, artists, crafters, food purveyors, wine, spirits and mead producers, apparel and merchandise suppliers, sausage makers, and even local cigars for its Cigars & Whiskey events. Rusty Nickel also hosts a family-friendly Harvest Festival each year (with pumpkin beer for the grownups), and all the carving and beer pumpkins are provided by Zittles Farms of Eden, NY. Their can art design is even created by a West Seneca artist.
Ecology is also very important to Dave, Jason and Katie, and Rusty Nickel grows its own tomatoes, peppers, grapes, herbs, and more! Its lush greenery has attracted many animals and birds for greater biodiversity and has created a park-like atmosphere. “We want to embrace nature and engage it, not be wasteful.” In fact, even dogs, who are very welcome here, benefit from this no-waste mindset, enjoying specialty dog treats produced by 2 Sister Dog Biscuits from Rusty Nickel’s spent grains.
Moving through 2021, Rusty Nickel is available to host parties, weddings, showers, off-site events, and all kinds of in-house events, seating up to 180 guests in its outdoor hideaway. This space is expanding with more sheltered outdoor seating and a second firepit area, a giant new pond, more beer garden space, and yard games, even yoga! Rusty Nickel will also add made-from-scratch American fare, cheeses, charcuterie boards, and more. Alongside its mouthwatering beers, the brewery now offers hard ciders and seltzers made in-house as well as spirits, mead, and wines sourced from NY wineries and distilleries.
Masked Defenders: Caramelized Pineapple Sour Berliner Weiss | 4.5% ABV
Tasting Notes: Ultra juicy, refreshing, and 100% real fruit! One sip and suddenly you’re waiting for the bartender to answer your rooftop call for another round. Brewed in honor of all Front Line Workers
Slice O’ Havens: Imperial Orange Vanilla Cream Ale | 9.8% ABV
NYS Beer Competition - Silver Medal Award
Tasting Notes: Indulge in heavenly layers of navel orange and vanilla, reminiscent of the famous ice cream novelty. An adult treat that’s smooth, creamy, and drinks real easy. Try it with a fresh peel of orange zest. Over 60% New York ingredients.
Honey Nut Beerios: American Ale | 5.2% ABV
Buffalo, NY has no shortage of unique characteristics, and these qualities stitch together the pride of our city. Chicken wings, the greatest sports fans, snow drifts, 20-minute travel to anywhere, and...the sweet smell of cereal wafting through the air of downtown. Brewed to embody the sensational aroma cascading through the First Ward and Harbor District, Honey Nut Beerios has become one of our most (forcefully) requested beers. Fermented oat O’s and real decadent, golden honey come together in this one-of-a-kind ale.
Drift Hard Seltzer (Blackberry Lime) | 3.9% ABV
Our house brand of Hard Seltzers! Real blackberry and lime purees provide a balance of light aroma and flavors. Incredibly refreshing!
Stop in, grab a cold drink, and unwind or grab some cans to go!
Don’t forget to say hello!
4350 Seneca St., West Seneca | 716.608.6155
