ABOUT US
The Training Company’s Story
In his pursuit of whiskey and spirits knowledge, Founder and Director Mike Foti quickly noticed a frustrating gap between cost and value. Having attended numerous programs—often priced at $750 a day or more—he saw how education in this field was frequently out of reach for many due to geographic and financial barriers. Whether seeking personal enrichment, professional development, or simply a deeper appreciation of fine spirits, learners were being underserved.
Mike also discovered just how difficult it was to find truly helpful Independent guidance in retail outlets. Most employees lacked training, and existing resources—ratings, medals, blogs, reviews, chat groups, YouTube videos—were often skewed by paid corporate tasting events or personal biases, leaving curious consumers no better informed.
That’s why he founded the Bison Bourbon and Spirits Training Company: to bridge these gaps by offering Independent accessible, down-to-earth spirits education at a fair price for anyone with the passion to learn. Mike provides unbiased education as he is NOT sponsored by any firm.
We’re dedicated to sharing our love of whiskey and spirits with enthusiasts, beginners, retail employees, and industry professionals alike. Led by a seasoned instructor with deep expertise and a genuine desire to help, our workshops blend production knowledge, tasting technique, and spirited discovery—with plenty of laughs along the way.
Mike brings over 45 years of real-world experience—as a salesman, instructor, police officer, farmer, and father—to everything he teaches. His sharp sense of humor, shaped by a lifetime of travel and encounters, makes learning with him entertaining and refreshingly insightful. He shares his home with two mischievous Border Collies, Jax and Rip, who keep things lively. Once Mike gets rolling, it’s nearly impossible not to laugh, enjoy the ride, and walk away with a newfound nugget of wisdom.
About the Founder & Director
Michael (Mike) A. Foti, CLS, MBA, CNP
Founder & Director, Bison Bourbon & Spirits Training Company
Mike Foti is a nationally recognized spirits educator with decades of experience spanning distillation, blending, maturation, and sensory analysis. As the founder of the Bison Bourbon & Spirits Training Company, he brings technical expertise and engaging instruction to a wide range of learners—from enthusiasts to professionals.
Mike holds certifications from premier institutions including the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, Edinburgh Whisky Academy, Highland Whisky Academy, Council of Whiskey Masters, and The Stave & Thief Society. His credentials include Certified Spirits Judge, Executive Bourbon Steward, and United Kingdom Whisky Ambassador.
Mike has advanced training from the Moonshine University (KY), Springbank Distillery School (Campbeltown), the Spirit of Speyside Academy (Dufftown, UK), and The Society of Wine Educators -Certified Spirits Program, reinforcing his mastery in fermentation, cask aging & general spirits knowledge..
His industry roles include Ambassador and Tasting Specialist at Buffalo Distilling Company and Hartman's Distilling Co., where he led immersive tours and sensory workshops. With 40+ years in pharmaceutical marketing and sales, a BS in Medical Technology & Biology, and an MBA in Marketing from SUNY Buffalo, Mike bridges science, branding, and real-world teaching to craft fun and impactful educational experiences. He is also a certified adult instructor with more than 15 years of teaching experience.
The Bison Bourbon & Spirits Training Company, founded by Michael Foti, joins forces with Buffalo Distilling Company to create an epic fusion of education, exploration, and whiskey wonder—where knowledge meets craft in the heart of Buffalo. This partnership unites a nationally and internationally credentialed spirits educator with a heritage-rich distillery whose roots trace back to the 1890s. Nestled inside the historic Old Dutchman’s Carriage Factory, this collaboration brings the story of whiskey full circle: from grain to glass, from past to present, from passion to pour.
ABOUT THE BUFFALO DISTILLING COMPANY: A DISTILLERY 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING
In 1883, Buffalo was recognized nation-wide for its innovation. It was during this time that an ambitious businessman named Gustav Fleischmann took control of the E.N. Cook & Co Distillers company and started the Buffalo Distilling Company. Spirits were high and BDC made some of the best, including Golden Grain Whiskey, 4C's Canadian Style Whiskey, Old Monongahela Whiskey, Old Tom Gin and Maple Gin. The Bar Room has ephemera sharing the story of our name sakes original roots and an unopened bottle of the original golden grain whiskey, thought to be the only one left in existence.
In 1914 Mr. Fleischman put the company to rest, presumably retiring ahead of prohibition. Buffalo Distilling Company went into a 98 year sleep before being formally re-established almost 100 years later on a farm distillery in Bennington, NY. and finally ending up in the Queen City. (Click pictures to view full size)
The Bison Bourbon & Spirits Training Company and The Buffalo Distilling Company unite to create an epic fusion of education, exploration, and whiskey-soaked wonder—where knowledge meets craft in the heart of Buffalo, New York.