Our Story

From the rural hills to The City of Good Neighbors

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.

In the rural hills of Wyoming County, where the pavement turns to dirt and the corn fields line the road, we set up shop in a small barn to distill craft spirits. This humble endeavor began by chance with the arrival of a homemade pot-still via family friend and southern moonshiner “Cowboy Bob”. It was here that Bob taught us the basics of distilling.

In 2012, we filed for our DSP and NYS Class D Farm permit. This newly created license required at least 75% New York State grown produce to be used for production of Spirits (we use 100%). This law allows for the direct sale to consumers, liquor stores, bars and restaurants without having to sell through a distributor. Thus making it possible to compete with large producers and promote local agriculture.

By 2016 we decided to bring the Buffalo Distilling Company back to where its’ original name sake was founded in 1883 “The City Of Good Neighbors”, Buffalo.

As luck would have it we were able to work with a group of developers revitalizing the historical Larkin district within the city. The Larkin Development group leased and eventually sold us the old Duchmann and Son’s carriage factory built in 1890. Located at 860 Seneca St, less than one mile from the original Buffalo Distilling Co. of yesteryear, we were able to participate in the slow rebuilding of a once thriving area.

Staying true to Buffalo's tradition of hard-working, roll-up your sleeves ingenuity, we designed, engineered and installed our custom pot stills, mash tank and steam system. We take pride in continuously growing and building our distillery, now complete with a cocktail bar and tasting room.


Buffalo Distilling Company 860 Seneca Street Buffalo, New York

Buffalo Distilling Company 860 Seneca Street Buffalo, New York

A DISTILLERY 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING.

In 1883, Buffalo was recognized nation-wide for its innovation. It was during this time that an ambitious businessman named Gustav Fleischmann took control of the E.N. Cook & Co Distillers company and started the Buffalo Distilling Company. Spirits were high and BDC made some of the best, including Golden Grain Whiskey, 4C's Canadian Style Whiskey, Old Monongahela Whiskey, Old Tom Gin and Maple Gin. Our Bar Room has ephemera sharing the story of our name sakes original roots and an unopened bottle of the original golden grain whiskey, thought to be the only one left in existence.

In 1914 Mr. Fleischman put the company to rest, presumably retiring ahead of prohibition. Buffalo Distilling Company went into a 98 year sleep before being formally re-established 98 years later on a farm distillery in Bennington, NY.

Founding partners Andy, Frank, and Eric.

Founding partners Andy, Frank, and Eric.


Whats with the name ?

Clever marketing ploy? Family Curse? Good Luck Charm?

Nope, just a simple decorative rooster on the side of a barn.

In the beginning we wanted our brand to coincide with the company name “Buffalo Distilling”. But, when we registered the name “Buffalo Bourbon” as a brand, we quickly received objectionable letters from Buffalo Trace lawyers. We were strongly urged to forgo using our city's name sake and prized animal in our branding. So we decided to looked at another popular animal that happened to grace the side of our little moonshine shack, the rooster. And this particular rooster only had one leg.

The image of the rooster and brand name thread together the agricultural roots of our humble beginning, and the true nature of what consuming alcohol is all about. Having a laugh and some fun after the work is done. This story is true and we hope it…

The image of the rooster and brand name thread together the agricultural roots of our humble beginning, and the true nature of what consuming alcohol is all about. Having a laugh and some fun after the work is done. This story is true and we hope it puts a smile on your face.