Bourbon
Bourbon Buyer's Guide & Staff Picks
How to Pick the Right Bourbon
Three things tell you almost everything about a bourbon: mash bill, proof, and age.
- High-rye mash (Bulleit, Four Roses, Old Forester) — spicier, drier, perfect for an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
- Wheated mash (Maker's, Weller, Larceny) — softer, sweeter, dangerously easy sipping.
- Standard / corn-forward (Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Wild Turkey) — balanced, the all-purpose bourbon profile.
- Proof: 90–100 is the sweet spot for cocktails. 100+ for sipping with a single ice cube. Barrel-strength (110+) for the experienced palate.
- Age: 4–6 years for cocktails, 8–12 for neat sipping. Beyond 12 is more about cachet than always being "better."
Buffalo House Bourbon Picks
- Under $30 — everyday pour: Buffalo Trace, Old Forester 100, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Bulleit.
- $30–$60 — upgrade pour: Knob Creek 9, Eagle Rare 10, Russell's Reserve 10, Maker's Mark Cask Strength, Four Roses Single Barrel.
- $60+ — special occasion: Woodford Double Oaked, Booker's, 1792 Full Proof, Old Forester 1920.
- Allocated (waitlist): Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Pappy, Weller, Stagg, EH Taylor.
Cocktails & Pairings
Read the bartender breakdowns: Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned (12 bottles tested), Best Bourbon Under $50, A Beginner's Guide to Bourbon, and How to Appreciate Bourbon Like a Pro. Pair with grilled steak, smoked brisket, dark chocolate, or pecan pie.
Buy Bourbon in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo House Liquor & Wines (1230 Colvin Blvd, Buffalo NY) carries one of WNY's deepest bourbon selections. Our buyers — Vee, Ish, and Ayla — taste every release and post staff picks throughout the collection. Looking for something we don't show online? Call us; allocated and rare bottles often live behind the counter.
Same-day delivery across Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville, Kenmore, Tonawanda, Hamburg, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls & beyond — free over $49. (716) 770-1230
