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New distillery in Buffalo's Old First Ward hopes to make the Queen City a bourbon hub

Posted at 4:53 AM, Jan 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-10 09:07:28-05

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Slow down, drink up.

That's the motto at the new Hartman's Distilling Co. on Chicago street in Buffalo's Old First Ward neighborhood.

"Enjoy life's finer moments, time is the most valuable asset we have," said owner Justin Hartman.

Time is what good bourbon needs. Straight bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka are all made in Buffalo, and gin will be on the way.

Specializing in bourbon, Justin Hartman has taken classes in Kentucky to learn the craft of creating the American-made beverage.

"Bourbon has caramel-like, vanilla notes and as you sip it it goes to the back of the palate more spicy and round," Hartman said.

Bourbon is something that has historical significance in the Queen City. Hartman says Buffalo used to be a bourbon hot spot back in the late 1800s.

And as much as we love to complain about the changing weather and the cold fronts, it's actually a perfect place for bourbon making.

"Those shifts in barometric pressure have a lot to do with really how a lot of how the water goes in and out of the wood," Hartman said. "That's where 50-80 percent of your flavor comes from."

You can come grab a drink at their full bar with a full menu of food items.

You may even catch Oliver the distillery dog!

"We see brewery trails popping up everywhere distilleries are kinda having their heyday now and the craft movement has allowed that," Hartman said.

Hartman's is also looking to hire bartenders, wait staff, and line cooks.

You can apply for those positions by heading to the distillery and dropping off your resumé.