In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Camolots, America's largest military surplus outlet, to hear how the business was built from the ground up with their father and grew into a global operation sourcing authentic military surplus from over 26 countries.

We also dig into some of the most surreal moments from years in the business, including stories about celebrity customers like Michael Jackson, Wu-Tang Clan, and Steven Spielberg who've all come through their doors.

 In this episode:

How the family business got started

Sourcing military surplus gear from around the world

The story behind Michael Jackson, Wu-Tang Clan, and Steven Spielberg visiting Camolots

What makes Camolots America's largest military surplus outlet

 Camolots

Visit: camoLOTS.com

https://www.instagram.com/camolots/

#Camolots #MilitarySurplus #Podcast #FamilyBusiness #Buffalo #MichaelJackson #WuTangClan #StevenSpielberg

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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 Marquis

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Johnnie Walker Black Cask

Bulleit Mesquite Smoke

Lagavulin Sweet Peat

Lagavulin 16

Follow 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 #CanadianWhisky

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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 releases

Events and parties at Hartman’s Distilling

Sourced whiskey vs. Hartman’s own distillate

How their whiskey profile is evolving

The Buffalo craft spirits scene

What’s next for Hartman’s Distilling

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#HartmansDistilling #BuffaloNY #BuffaloWhiskey #WhiskeyPodcast #BourbonPodcast #CraftDistillery #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyTube

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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.

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#BuffaloNY #DJRanKan #BuffaloMusic #Podcast #Entrepreneur #BuffaloBusiness

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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.

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Welcome back to the Buffalo Happy Hour Whiskey Advent Calendar! Today’s pour takes us to Finland with Kyro Wood Smoke Rye Whiskey, a bold and unconventional rye that brings Nordic influence into the whiskey world. Kyro is known for pushing boundaries, and this wood-smoked rye stands out immediately among global rye whiskey offerings.

In this review, we break down Kyro Wood Smoke using our full rating system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final score. We discuss how wood smoking impacts rye whiskey, how Kyro compares to American rye styles, and why international rye whiskies are gaining serious attention among enthusiasts and collectors.

If you’re searching for Kyro Whiskey review, wood smoked whiskey, rye whiskey education, or world whiskey discoveries, this episode delivers. As part of our Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar, we’re posting a new whiskey review every day until Christmas — covering bourbon, rye, Scotch, and world whisky.

👉 Comment below:

Have you tried smoked whiskey before?

#KyroWhiskey #RyeWhiskey #WorldWhiskey #SmokedWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #WhiskeyEducation #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendar

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Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar bottle is the highly anticipated New Riff Malted Rye, a fan-favorite release from one of America’s most respected craft distilleries. New Riff has built a massive following for their bottled-in-bond philosophy and innovative mashbills — and their malted rye is no exception.

We break down this whiskey with our Advent scoring system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final score. We highlight how malted rye differs from traditional rye, why New Riff’s approach stands out, and whether this release deserves a place in your whiskey rotation.

If you're searching for New Riff whiskey reviews, rye whiskey education, or malted rye tasting notes, this video delivers.

👉 Join the conversation:

Are you a classic rye fan or a malted rye fan?

#NewRiff #MaltedRye #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendar #CraftWhiskey

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Today’s Advent Calendar pick is the innovative Hai Seas San Oaks Whiskey, one of the most unique world-whisky blends on the market. Known for its international mashbill and creative aging techniques, San Oaks is gaining traction among whiskey fans looking for something truly different.

We review San Oaks using our Advent scoring method: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final rating. We also discuss what makes Hai Seas such a fascinating emerging brand, and how their global approach to blending sets them apart.

If you’re searching for world whisky, experimental whiskey, or new distilleries to explore, this episode will give you everything you need. Follow along as we continue releasing one whiskey review every day until Christmas!

👉 Sound off in the comments:

Do you enjoy world whisky blends?

#HaiSeasWhiskey #SanOaks #WorldWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendar

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Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar bottle takes us to Japan for Akashi Japanese Blended Whisky — an accessible, easy-drinking expression from White Oak Distillery. Known for their balance and craftsmanship, Akashi whiskies offer a gateway into the world of Japanese blended whisky.

We break down Akashi using our full Advent rating system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final rating. We also discuss the history of White Oak Distillery, their blending approach, and how Akashi compares to other popular Japanese whiskies at a similar price point.

If you're searching for Japanese whisky reviews, Akashi tasting notes, or affordable Japanese whisky recommendations, this episode is for you.

👉 Comment below:

What’s your favorite Japanese whisky?

#AkashiWhisky #JapaneseWhisky #WhiteOakDistillery #WhiskeyReview #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendar #WorldWhisky

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Today’s Advent Calendar pour is the Oregon Spirit Bottled-In-Bond Wheat Whiskey, a unique BiB release showcasing the softer, sweeter side of American grain. Oregon Spirit Distillers has made a name for itself with grain-forward whiskeys, and this wheat expression really captures the heart of their distilling style.

We rate this whiskey using our Advent scoring system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final rating. We explore what makes wheat whiskey special, how Bottled-in-Bond rules influence flavor, and how Oregon Spirit compares to larger BiB wheat whiskey brands across the U.S.

If you're researching Bottled-in-Bond whiskey, wheat whiskey reviews, or craft whiskey from Oregon, this episode is perfect for you. Our Flaviar Advent Calendar journey continues with a new whiskey every day until Christmas!

👉 Let us know:

Are you team bourbon, rye, or wheat?

#OregonSpirit #WheatWhiskey #BottledInBond #BiBWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #WhiskeyTube #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendar

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Today’s Whiskey Advent Calendar bottle comes from Virginia’s world-class distillery: Courage & Conviction Double Cask. This American single malt combines bourbon casks and sherry casks to create a layered, sophisticated whiskey that has gained massive respect in the U.S. craft scene.

In today’s episode, we score it using our full Advent system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final rating. We talk about the origin of Courage & Conviction, the influence of their unique climate, and how their Double Cask expression compares to other American single malts.

If you're searching for American single malt, sherry cask whiskey, or new world whisky recommendations, this review is for you. Our Advent Calendar journey continues with daily whiskey content all the way to Christmas!

👉 What do you think:

Is American Single Malt the future of whiskey?

#CourageAndConviction #VirginiaDistillery #AmericanSingleMalt #DoubleCaskWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #WhiskeyTube #BuffaloHappyHour

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Welcome back to the Buffalo Happy Hour Whiskey Advent Calendar! Today’s pour is the bold and innovative Westward Single Malt Stout Cask, a Pacific Northwest whiskey that represents Portland’s craft beer culture colliding with American single malt tradition. If you’re a fan of beer-finished whiskey, American single malt, or unique cask experiments, this bottle is going to be right up your alley.

In this episode, we break down Westward Stout Cask with our full Advent rating system: nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final score. We explore how Westward’s brewing-first philosophy shapes their whiskey, the impact of stout beer casks, and how American single malt continues to evolve into one of the most exciting categories in modern whiskey.

This review is perfect for anyone searching for:

• Westward Whiskey reviews

• American Single Malt education

• Stout cask finished whiskey

• Craft distillery recommendations

• Flaviar Advent Calendar whiskey reviews

We’re releasing a new whiskey every day until Christmas, featuring bourbon, rye, Scotch, Japanese whisky, and craft single malt from around the world.

👉 Comment below:

What’s your favorite American single malt?

#WestwardWhiskey #AmericanSingleMalt #StoutCask #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyReview #BuffaloHappyHour #WhiskeyAdventCalendar #WestwardStoutCask

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Today’s Advent Calendar bottle is The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, an exciting blended malt from Eden Mill that brings together character, craftsmanship, and a fresh take on modern Scotch. Blended malt fans and Scotch newcomers alike will find plenty to appreciate in this pour.

In our review, we break down The Guard Bridge across nose, initial taste, ending notes, collection worthiness, and final rating. We also explore Eden Mill’s distilling philosophy and what makes their blended malt approach stand out in the evolving Scotch landscape.

If you love Scotch whisky, blended malts, or discovering new distilleries outside the mainstream, this episode is for you. Our Whiskey Advent Calendar rolls on with daily tastings until Christmas — featuring bourbon, rye, Scotch, and world whisky.

👉 Drop your thoughts:

Do you prefer single malts or blended malts?

#TheGuardBridge #BlendedMaltScotch #EdenMill #ScotchReview #WhiskeyTube #WhiskeyAdventCalendar #BuffaloHappyHour #ScotchWhisky

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