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

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy bourbon in Buffalo, NY?

Buffalo House Liquor & Wines at 1230 Colvin Blvd, Tonawanda NY 14223 carries 200+ bourbons — flagship, craft, and allocated releases. Free same-day delivery on $49+ across Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda, and Cheektowaga.

Do you get Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, or Weller in stock?

Yes — we receive weekly allocations of Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller (Special Reserve, Antique, Full Proof), Blanton's, and similar releases. They sell at MSRP, first-come-first-served. The Allocated Bourbons page is updated as stock arrives.

What's the difference between bourbon and rye?

By federal law, bourbon must be at least 51% corn (most are 60–80%), which makes it sweeter and smoother. Rye whiskey must be at least 51% rye grain, which gives it a sharper, spicier, drier finish. Same distilleries often make both.

Do you offer same-day bourbon delivery in Buffalo?

Yes. Order by 6pm and we deliver same-day to Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda, Cheektowaga, Williamsville, Kenmore, and Snyder. Free on orders $49+; flat-fee under. See our delivery page.