Special Sabres Bourbon Goes Viral in Buffalo

A local distillery has been saving a unique bourbon for the Sabres' long-awaited playoff return.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:06am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in shades of blue, gold, and white, capturing the raw emotion and excitement of a hockey playoff game.The long-awaited return of the Buffalo Sabres to the NHL playoffs has sparked a surge of local pride and enthusiasm, as exemplified by a unique Sabres-themed bourbon from a nearby distillery.Buffalo Today

As the Buffalo Sabres make their first playoff appearance in over 14 years, a local distillery called Hartman's Distilling Co. has been quietly holding onto a special bourbon they created in 2020 specifically for this occasion. The bourbon has been aging in a barrel painted in Sabres colors, and the distillery has vowed not to open it until the Sabres reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Why it matters

The Sabres' playoff run is a huge boost for local businesses across Western New York, and the unique Sabres-themed bourbon from Hartman's Distilling is capturing the excitement and pride of Buffalo fans who have waited years for their team to return to the postseason.

The details

Back in 2020, Justin Hartman and his team at Hartman's Distilling Co. placed a special bourbon into a barrel painted in Sabres colors. They made a rule that the barrel could not be opened until the Buffalo Sabres reached the Stanley Cup Final. For the past six years, the barrel has sat quietly inside the distillery's barrel room as Sabres fans eagerly awaited their team's return to the playoffs.

  • The Buffalo Sabres last made the playoffs over 14 years ago.
  • In 2020, Hartman's Distilling Co. placed a special Sabres-themed bourbon into a barrel.
  • The Sabres are now facing the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The players

Justin Hartman

The founder and owner of Hartman's Distilling Co., the local distillery that created the special Sabres bourbon.

Buffalo Sabres

The professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York, who are making their first playoff appearance in over 14 years.

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What’s next

If the Buffalo Sabres advance to the Stanley Cup Final, Hartman's Distilling Co. will finally open the special Sabres-themed bourbon barrel they have been saving for over 6 years.

The takeaway

The unique Sabres-themed bourbon from Hartman's Distilling has become a symbol of the Buffalo community's unwavering support for their hockey team, and it represents the excitement and pride that fans feel as the Sabres make their long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs.