We're "Made in Buffalo!"

"The newly opened Lakeward Spirits in the up-and-coming First Ward neighborhood makes its own vodka and infusions and will soon be adding gins and Scottish-style whiskys to the mix. Everything is made with New York State produce, and the huge, airy loft space also hosts events."

​- Condé Nast Traveler, Oct. 20, 2016

Lakeward Spirits' Inland Sea Rum, Western New York's FIRST authentic rum,
2019 Bronze Medal winner
​from the American Distilling Institute!

About Lakeward Spirits!

Buffalo's largest craft distillery became fully operational at The Barrel Factory with the launching of Lakeward Spirits in the fall of 2016.  The family-owned start-up has been serving as the anchor business since it began distillery operations at the historic, newly-restored, 116-year-old landmark factory in the city’s legendary Old First Ward.   

​Lakeward Spirits specializes in making high-quality, artisanal vodkas, gins, rums and infusions always from scratch.  Currently, their new FATHOMS BELOW SPICED RUM, WILD GIN, INLAND SEA RUM, EVERGREEN GIN plus their signature, all-grain vodka, called GRAIN CANYON VODKA, are available!  Dark rum is being aged now in American oak.  Whiskey and other liquors are in the planning stages. 

Lakeward uses local New York State farm products, grains and malts, for its liquors, except for their rums.  No NYS molasses and cane sugar are produced, so these ingredients are USA-sourced.  Their rums are the FIRST EVER made in Buffalo! 

The craft distillery has a TASTING ROOM AND FACTORY STORE overlooking the distillery, featuring a bar and lounge area and double-sided fireplace.  Their new, 2-level outdoor patio also has opened, as well as the new four-season cigar porch.  Liquor samples, craft cocktails, and bottles of their liquors are available.  The tasting room is now shared with Pressure Drop Brewing, also located in The Barrel Factory.  In addition, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery supplies the tasting room with its Western New York wines and SteamPunk hard cider.  Reclaimed wood & other materials from the original factory were used heavily in the tasting room's construction.  Distillery tours are also being offered by Lakeward Spirits!

Lakeward Spirits' products are also available at numerous area liquor stores, and many restaurants and clubs feature craft cocktails made with Lakeward vodka, gins, and rums. 

Lakeward also operates an EVENT CENTER on The Barrel Factory's second floor.  The unique facility can be reserved for weddings, banquets, corporate meetings, and other special affairs!

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The distillery features Made-In-USA equipment, including their custom, hand-crafted copper stills and unique spirit safe, along with a keen eye for sustainable practices.

​"We’re excited to be a key player in the re-birth of Buffalo’s Old First Ward, as well as in the growing brewing-distilling culture here," said Adam Bystran, Head Distiller for Lakeward Spirits.

"At The Barrel Factory, Lakeward Spirits
mills the local grain and malt themselves onsite, and then mashes, ferments, distills, and bottles their craft spirits. Our liquors are made right here,
always from scratch to ensure quality!" 

​-  Adam Bystran, Head Distiller

​Our name, Lakeward Spirits,
celebrates our area's strong Great Lakes maritime,
industrial, and transportation heritage!

#lookLakeward

Above, local pics taken nearby Lakeward Spirits on the legendary Buffalo River and Lake Erie.  Aerial shots taken from Lakeward Spirits and courtesy of Elevator Alley Kayak at The Barrel Factory.

Lakeward Spirits
craft distillery

We're "Made in Buffalo!"
​
Creation - Stewardship - Community

at The Bar​rel Factory
65 Vandalia St.,
​Old First Ward
Buffalo, NY  14204

Our values:

​Creation
The creation of quality spirits to accompany
​your daily adventures.

​Stewardship
The responsible use of natural resources, and continued stewardship over our local watershed.

​Community
Investment in our local community, to keep our neighborhood, region, and country strong.

Our team:

Steve Bystran, President

Andi Bystran, Exec. Vice President

Adam Bystran, VP/Distilling

Whitney Bystran, Event Center

NYC-based Cool Hunting, March 16, 2018:
"Buffalo’s Lakeward Spirits craft distillery  
Repurposing the 115-year old Barrel Factory for a spirituous operation"