Buffalo Happy Hour

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About the show

The Buffalo Happy Hour Podcast is a podcast that uploads "Episodes" every Monday, "Wednesday Whiskey Reviews" every Wednesday, and "Interviews" every Friday at 8am. Interviews consist of promoting local businesses by interviewing the owners and rating their products. Episodes generally consist of Derek and Mike explore virtually whatever is on their minds while enjoying and rating a glass of Whiskey discussing the history of the company, and giving cocktail recommendations. Please Like, Comment, and Subscribe so you are notified when a new episode gets posted!

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60 recent

54 min

Inside the Diageo Portfolio with Alex Hunnell | Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, Bulleit & Lagavulin

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 Black Cask, Bulleit Mesquite Smoke, Lagavulin Sweet Peat, and Lagavulin 16.We get into brand development, the differences across the portfolio, how each whiskey fits into the broader category, and what makes these bottles stand out for both casual drinkers and whiskey enthusiasts.Whether you’re into Canadian whisky, blended Scotch, bourbon, or Islay single malts, this episode has a little something for everyone.Pours featured in this episode:Crown Royal MarquisJohnnie Walker Black LabelJohnnie Walker Black CaskBulleit Mesquite SmokeLagavulin Sweet PeatLagavulin 16Follow Buffalo Happy Hour for more whiskey reviews, interviews, and conversations with people shaping the spirits industry.#Whiskey #Scotch #Diageo #CrownRoyal #JohnnieWalker #Bulleit #Lagavulin #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyPodcast #Bourbon #SingleMalt #CanadianWhiskyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 1 min

Hartman’s Distilling Is Growing: Justin Hartman Talks New Whiskey, Events & What’s Next

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 juice has been tasting compared to some of the previous sourced releases.It’s a great behind-the-scenes conversation about building a local distillery, developing whiskey over time, and continuing to create experiences for the Buffalo community.Pour yourself something good and enjoy the episode.Topics we cover:Upcoming Hartman’s releasesEvents and parties at Hartman’s DistillingSourced whiskey vs. Hartman’s own distillateHow their whiskey profile is evolvingThe Buffalo craft spirits sceneWhat’s next for Hartman’s DistillingFollow Hartman’s Distilling:https://www.instagram.com/hartmans_distilling/Follow Buffalo Happy Hour:https://www.instagram.com/officialbuffalohappyhour/Follow Neat Notes: https://www.instagram.com/neatnotesapp/#HartmansDistilling #BuffaloNY #BuffaloWhiskey #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonPodcast #CraftDistillery #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyTubeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 26 min

You’ve Heard the Name… But Not the Story (DJ RanKan Interview)

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 Events, we dive deep to understand his progression, what it takes to grow in music , and so much more. This conversation goes deeper than you’d expect.Whether you’re into music, business, or just supporting local—this one’s worth the watch.📍 Follow DJ RanKan:https://www.instagram.com/djrankan/📲 Follow us for more conversations with Buffalo creators and business owners:https://www.instagram.com/officialbuffalohappyhour/#BuffaloNY #DJRanKan #BuffaloMusic #Podcast #Entrepreneur #BuffaloBusinessAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 hr 14 min

You Could Be in a Movie… in Buffalo? | Casting Buffalo

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 got started• What productions look for in local talent• The reality of the casting process (and common misconceptions)• Opportunities for everyday people to get involved• The future of film and media in BuffaloWhether you’ve ever thought about being on screen or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, this episode gives you a whole new perspective on what’s happening right here in our city.Follow Casting Buffalo to stay updated on opportunities and casting calls.And as always — grab a drink, enjoy the conversation, and support local.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

4 min

This Buffalo Vintage Shop is FULL of Hidden Treasures | The Story Garage

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 local favorite for vintage hunters, collectors, and vinyl lovers, offering everything from mid-century furniture and antique décor to vintage clothing and rare records. Every visit is different, and that’s part of the fun.If you enjoy vintage shopping, thrifting, antique hunting, or discovering cool local Buffalo businesses, you’re going to love this episode.In this episode we discuss:• How The Story Garage started• Finding vintage furniture and rare items• Buffalo’s growing vintage culture• The stories behind unique pieces in the shop• Why vinyl records and vintage décor are booming again📍 The Story Garage — Buffalo, NY🎙 Podcast — Buffalo Happy HourSubscribe for more conversations with Buffalo entrepreneurs, creators, and local businesses.#BuffaloNY #VintageFurniture #Thrifting #VinylRecords #BuffaloHappyHour #VintageShop #BuffaloBusiness #AntiquesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

14 min

Martingale Rare Reserve Cognac Review - Advent Calendar Day 24

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 worthiness, and final rating. We discuss how cognac compares to whiskey, why whiskey drinkers should explore brandy, and how this bottle fits into a well-rounded spirits collection.Perfect for viewers searching for cognac review, spirits education, or whiskey drinker crossover bottles.👉 Question:Are you team whiskey only — or do you branch out?#MartingaleCognac #CognacReview #SpiritsEducation #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

12 min

Heaven's Door Revelation Double Barrel Whiskey Review - Advent Calendar Day 23

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 up to expectations for collectors and enthusiasts alike.If you’re searching for Heaven’s Door whiskey review, limited release bourbon, or collector whiskey, this episode gives you an honest breakdown.👉 Let us know:Hype bottle or must-have?#HeavensDoor #RevelationWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

14 min

Natterjack Blend No. 1 Review - Advent Calendar Day 22

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 apart from traditional Irish pours.This episode is perfect for viewers searching for Natterjack whiskey review, Irish whiskey education, or new Irish whiskey brands. We’re releasing daily reviews until Christmas, covering whiskey from around the world.👉 Comment below:Is Irish whiskey having a moment?#NatterjackWhiskey #IrishWhiskey #WorldWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BuffaloHappyHourAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

12 min

Woodinville Port Cask Bourbon Review - Advent Calendar Day 21

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, how port cask finishing influences bourbon, and how this bottle compares to other finished bourbons on the market.If you’re searching for Woodinville bourbon review, port cask finished bourbon, or craft American whiskey, this video is a must-watch. We’re counting down to Christmas with daily whiskey reviews from the Flaviar Advent Calendar.👉 Tell us:Do you enjoy finished bourbon?#WoodinvilleWhiskey #PortCask #BourbonReview #CraftWhiskey #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

14 min

Lodestar American Whiskey Review - Advent Calendar Day 20

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 discuss who this bottle is best for, how it compares to traditional bourbon and rye, and whether it earns a permanent spot on the shelf.If you’re researching American whiskey reviews, Lodestar whiskey, or approachable whiskeys for everyday sipping, this episode is made for you. We’re releasing a new whiskey review every day until Christmas as part of our Flaviar Advent Calendar journey.👉 Drop a comment:Do you prefer classic bourbon or modern American blends?#LodestarWhiskey #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #WhiskeyEducation #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy