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Buffalo distillery expands, will open new space in Cobblestone District

Buffalo has been home to numerous micro breweries for many years. More recently, state laws have allowed distilleries to go into business. The first one to open in Buffalo since Prohibition is expanding and will soon open its new space in the neighborhood where the city's original distilleries once stood.

Lockhouse Distillery, which opened in 2012 and put its first spirits on the market a year later, will formally open its new space in Buffalo's Cobblestone District on Friday, September 25. Having moved out of its original space at Great Arrow and Elmwood in North Buffalo, the location on Columbia Street will also include a bar.

"Since (2012) some state laws have changed which allow us to open a full bar with service in addition to the distillery," said partner Thomas Jablonski. "In recognition of that, and the fact we needed more space, we recently moved down to a new facility in the historic Cobblestone District."

It's a location that Jablonski says makes sense, as it's the neighborhood where spirits were once made in Buffalo, pre-Prohibition. Business partners also like the center's proximity to First Niagara Center, Riverworks and other venues where customers could make a short trip to their establishment.

By state law, most of the ingredients involved are locally produced. Grapes used in their vodka come from a vineyard in Lockport. Food and beverages, including beer, will come from vendors in Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Michael Mroziak is an experienced, award-winning reporter whose career includes work in broadcast and print media. When he joined the WBFO news staff in April 2015, it was a return to both the radio station and to Horizons Plaza.