Buffalo Happy Hour

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Hunnell, Brand Development Manager for Diageo, to talk about his journey in the spirits industry, his past work, and what it’s like representing one of the most recognizable portfolios in whiskey and Scotch. Throughout the conversation, we explore several pours from the Diageo lineup, including Crown Royal Marquis, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker B...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Hartman from Hartman’s Distilling in Buffalo, NY to talk about what’s next for one of the area’s local distilleries. Justin shares insight into upcoming releases, events, parties, and how Hartman’s continues to grow within the Buffalo whiskey scene. We also talk about the evolution from sourced whiskey to their own distillate, including how Hartman’s own ju...

If you’re from Buffalo, you’ve probably heard the name. We sat down with DJ RanKan to talk about his journey through the local music scene, what it takes to build something real in this city, and the work that goes on behind the scenes that most people never see. From DJing to growing a presence in Buffalo’s nightlife , to completely crushing iTeen, to DJing Weddings, all the way to Corporate Even...

In this episode of Buffalo Happy Hour, we sit down with the team behind Casting Buffalo — a company helping connect local talent to film, television, and commercial opportunities right here in Western New York. We dive into how casting actually works, what it takes to land a role, and how Buffalo is continuing to grow as a destination for film production. We also talk about: • How Casting Buffalo...

We visited The Story Garage in Buffalo, NY, a vintage shop packed with hidden treasures, vintage furniture, retro clothing, vinyl records, and one-of-a-kind finds. In this episode of Buffalo Happy Hour, we sit down with the owner of The Story Garage to talk about how the shop started, how vintage items are sourced, and why thrifting culture is exploding right now. The Story Garage has become a loc...

We’re switching gears today with Martingale Rare Reserve Cognac, bringing something different into our Whiskey Advent Calendar lineup. While not a whiskey, cognac plays a huge role in barrel finishing and spirits education — making this a must-try for whiskey fans. In this episode, we review Martingale Rare Reserve using our familiar scoring system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection wo...

Today’s Advent Calendar spotlight is Heaven’s Door Revelation, a limited and high-profile release that has sparked major conversation in the whiskey world. In this review, we break down Revelation using our standard scoring method: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final score. We discuss Heaven’s Door as a brand, the hype surrounding this release, and whether it lives...

Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar takes us back to Ireland with Natterjack Irish Whiskey – Blend 1, a bold and contemporary take on Irish whiskey blending. In this review, we score Natterjack Blend 1 across nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final rating. We discuss Natterjack’s brand identity, how this blend fits into the modern Irish whiskey renaissance, and what sets it...

Today’s Advent Calendar pour is Woodinville Port Cask Finished Bourbon, a fan-favorite from Washington State that showcases how secondary maturation can elevate a bourbon experience. In this episode, we review Woodinville Port Cask using our full Advent scoring system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final rating. We discuss Woodinville’s grain-to-glass philosophy, ho...

Today on the Buffalo Happy Hour Whiskey Advent Calendar, we’re reviewing Lodestar American Whiskey — a rising name in the American whiskey space that focuses on balance, approachability, and versatility. Using our standard review process — nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final score — we break down how Lodestar fits into today’s American whiskey landscape. We also dis...

Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar feature is Finvara – The King’s Gambit, a modern Irish whiskey that blends tradition with innovation. Finvara is quickly building buzz among Irish whiskey fans, and The King’s Gambit has become one of their most talked-about releases. In this review, we walk through our full Buffalo Happy Hour scoring system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness,...

Welcome back to the Buffalo Happy Hour Whiskey Advent Calendar! Today’s pour takes us to Finland with Kyro Wood Smoke Rye Whiskey, a bold and unconventional rye that brings Nordic influence into the whiskey world. Kyro is known for pushing boundaries, and this wood-smoked rye stands out immediately among global rye whiskey offerings. In this review, we break down Kyro Wood Smoke using our full rat...

Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar bottle is the highly anticipated New Riff Malted Rye, a fan-favorite release from one of America’s most respected craft distilleries. New Riff has built a massive following for their bottled-in-bond philosophy and innovative mashbills — and their malted rye is no exception. We break down this whiskey with our Advent scoring system: nose, initial taste, ending notes,...

Today’s Advent Calendar pick is the innovative Hai Seas San Oaks Whiskey, one of the most unique world-whisky blends on the market. Known for its international mashbill and creative aging techniques, San Oaks is gaining traction among whiskey fans looking for something truly different. We review San Oaks using our Advent scoring method: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and...

Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar bottle takes us to Japan for Akashi Japanese Blended Whisky — an accessible, easy-drinking expression from White Oak Distillery. Known for their balance and craftsmanship, Akashi whiskies offer a gateway into the world of Japanese blended whisky. We break down Akashi using our full Advent rating system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and f...

Today’s Advent Calendar pour is the Oregon Spirit Bottled-In-Bond Wheat Whiskey, a unique BiB release showcasing the softer, sweeter side of American grain. Oregon Spirit Distillers has made a name for itself with grain-forward whiskeys, and this wheat expression really captures the heart of their distilling style. We rate this whiskey using our Advent scoring system: nose, initial taste, ending n...

Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar bottle comes from Virginia’s world-class distillery: Courage & Conviction Double Cask. This American single malt combines bourbon casks and sherry casks to create a layered, sophisticated whiskey that has gained massive respect in the U.S. craft scene. In today’s episode, we score it using our full Advent system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection wor...

Welcome back to the Buffalo Happy Hour Whiskey Advent Calendar! Today’s pour is the bold and innovative Westward Single Malt Stout Cask, a Pacific Northwest whiskey that represents Portland’s craft beer culture colliding with American single malt tradition. If you’re a fan of beer-finished whiskey, American single malt, or unique cask experiments, this bottle is going to be right up your alley. In...

Today’s Advent Calendar bottle is The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky , an exciting blended malt from Eden Mill that brings together character, craftsmanship, and a fresh take on modern Scotch. Blended malt fans and Scotch newcomers alike will find plenty to appreciate in this pour. In our review, we break down The Guard Bridge across nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthines...

Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar pour takes us to Ireland with Two Stacks The First Cut Irish Whiskey , one of the most exciting independent bottlings in the modern Irish whiskey revival. Known for blending grain, malt, and pot still whiskey, Two Stacks has become a fan favorite among world-whiskey explorers. We break down The First Cut using the Buffalo Happy Hour system: nose, initial taste, endi...

Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar bottle brings bourbon and tequila together in an unexpected way: Mary Dowling Tequila Barrel Finished Bourbon. This innovative finish blends classic Kentucky bourbon character with bright agave barrel influence, creating one of the most talked-about experimental finishes of the year. In today’s review, we score this bourbon across nose, initial taste, ending notes,...

Today we’re heading West to Nevada with Frey Ranch Bottled-In-Bond Rye — a farm-to-glass whiskey that has completely changed the craft rye game. Known for growing, harvesting, and distilling every grain on their ranch, Frey Ranch has become a cult favorite among rye enthusiasts and whiskey purists. We break down this Bottled-in-Bond rye using our signature Advent scoring system: nose, initial tast...

Today’s Advent Calendar bottle is 15 Stars First West Small Batch Bourbon, a luxury blend gaining massive momentum among high-end bourbon collectors and whiskey enthusiasts. Known for blending older barrels from across the country, 15 Stars has become a go-to brand for premium American whiskey. In this episode, we break down First West using our signature tasting system: nose, initial taste, endin...

Welcome back to the Buffalo Happy Hour Whiskey Advent Calendar! Today’s pour takes us to Japan — specifically Okinawa — with Kujira Kyojin Whisky, a unique expression crafted from long-grain rice and matured in tropical island climate. For fans of world whisky, Japanese whisky, and adventurous pours, this is an exciting bottle to explore. In this review, we break down Kujira Kyojin using our Adven...

We’re heading into the world of craft whiskey today with Oaklore Distillery Bourbon, a bold American expression that showcases what modern craft distilling can do. For our Whiskey Advent Calendar series, we’re exploring the hidden gems that whiskey enthusiasts and bourbon collectors might not know about, and Oaklore is one brand you shouldn’t overlook. In this episode, we use our standard Buffalo...