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 Buffalo

Whether 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.

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 Hour

Subscribe for more conversations with Buffalo entrepreneurs, creators, and local businesses.

#BuffaloNY #VintageFurniture #Thrifting #VinylRecords #BuffaloHappyHour #VintageShop #BuffaloBusiness #Antiques

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 #WhiskeyAdventCalendar

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 #WhiskeyAdventCalendar

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 #BuffaloHappyHour

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 #WhiskeyAdventCalendar

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 #WhiskeyAdventCalendar

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, and final rating. We explore what makes Finvara unique in the Irish whiskey category, how blending plays a role in its identity, and where it fits compared to classic Irish styles.

This episode is perfect if you’re searching for Irish whiskey reviews, Finvara whiskey, modern Irish blends, or world whiskey education. Our Advent Calendar series continues daily until Christmas with bottles from the Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar and beyond.

👉 Let us know:

Is Irish whiskey underrated?

#FinvaraWhiskey #IrishWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #WorldWhiskey #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendar