In a world where whiskey shelves are crowded with big-name brands, a small distillery from North Carolina is making waves with a bourbon that’s as bold as it is unique. Oaklore Distilling Co., based in Charlotte, has just rolled out its flagship Four Grain Bourbon to 42 states across the U.S., and it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves a good sip of whiskey. This isn’t just another bottle to add to the collection—it’s a story of friendship, craftsmanship, and a region that’s proving it can hang with the bourbon giants.
A Bourbon Born from Friendship
Oaklore’s story started back in 2017, when neighbors Thomas Bogan and Matt Simpkins struck up a conversation while walking their kids to the bus stop in Matthews, North Carolina. What began as casual chats about their shared love for whiskey turned into a full-blown passion project. They weren’t content just sipping the stuff—they wanted to make it. With their friend Travis Masters joining the crew, the trio poured their hearts, time, and savings into building Oaklore Distilling Co. from the ground up. Their goal? To craft a whiskey that could put North Carolina on the map alongside Kentucky’s heavyweights.
The name “Oaklore” comes from the oak staves that make up the barrels where whiskey ages. Each stave, each tree, carries its own history, and Oaklore’s founders believe every bottle tells a story. For them, it’s about more than just making booze—it’s about creating something that brings people together, whether it’s over a glass at their distillery or in a bar halfway across the country.
What Makes Oaklore’s Four Grain Bourbon Special?
Oaklore’s Four Grain Bourbon isn’t your run-of-the-mill whiskey. It’s a carefully crafted blend of corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley—72% corn, 11% wheat, 10% rye, and 7% malted barley, to be exact. These grains come together to create a flavor profile that’s rich, smooth, and approachable for everyone, from first-time bourbon drinkers to seasoned enthusiasts.
The bourbon starts with five- to six-year-old barrels of wheated and rye bourbon, distilled at Oaklore’s sister facilities in North Carolina and Kentucky using 24-inch Vendome all-copper column stills. These barrels are hand-picked by Bogan and Simpkins, who know exactly what they’re looking for. Once selected, the barrels are blended and re-barreled for an extra eight to twelve months of aging in non-temperature-controlled warehouses in North Carolina’s Piedmont region. This second round of aging is where the magic happens, giving the bourbon its distinct character.
At 92 proof and non-chill filtered, this bourbon delivers a full, unfiltered taste that’s meant to be savored. On the nose, you’ll catch toasted pecans and honey butter cake—warm and inviting. Take a sip, and it’s like biting into a silky toffee bar, with notes of vanilla crème brûlée dancing on your tongue. The finish lingers with butterscotch and just a hint of spice, leaving you ready for another pour. It’s the kind of whiskey that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re drinking it neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail.
The North Carolina Advantage
One of the biggest reasons Oaklore’s bourbon stands out is where it’s aged. North Carolina’s Piedmont region, a plateau of rolling hills between the coast and the mountains, has a humid, sub-tropical climate that’s perfect for whiskey. Unlike Kentucky, where temperatures can swing wildly, the Piedmont’s steady weather creates a consistent aging process. This means the whiskey matures evenly, year after year, developing a deeper, richer flavor without the harsh ups and downs.
Oaklore takes full advantage of this natural gift. Their warehouses aren’t climate-controlled, letting the bourbon breathe and interact with the oak barrels in a way that’s unique to the region. They also use a mix of #2, #3, and #4 char level barrels from different cooperages to strike a balance—plenty of flavor from the wood, but not so much that it overpowers the grains. It’s a labor-intensive process, but for Oaklore, it’s worth every second.
A Whiskey with a Mission
Oaklore’s Four Grain Bourbon isn’t just about tasting good (though it does that in spades). It’s about proving that smaller, regional distilleries can compete with the big dogs. “Being a craft spirits producer is not for the faint of heart,” Bogan said in a recent statement. “But we feel confident that our bourbon perfectly represents the great state of North Carolina.” He’s not wrong—this whiskey is a love letter to the Tar Heel State, from the local grains to the Piedmont’s ideal aging conditions.
The bourbon’s nationwide release is a big deal for Oaklore. After winning a Double Gold Medal at the 2024 Barleycorn Awards, it’s now available for $69.99 per 750 ml bottle through Oaklore’s website, powered by Speakeasy, and ships to 42 states. That’s a steal for a craft bourbon of this quality, especially one that’s already turning heads in the whiskey world.
A Distillery Built on Community
Oaklore’s home base in Charlotte is more than just a place to make whiskey—it’s a gathering spot. The distillery, tasting room, and patio at 11136 Monroe Road are designed to bring people together. Whether it’s a casual visit for a cocktail, a tasting event, or a private party, Oaklore wants every guest to feel like part of the story. They even host events like Pumpkinfest, complete with live music, food, and limited-release whiskeys like their Bloody Butcher Corn bourbon.
The distillery’s small size—originally just 1,000 square feet—hasn’t stopped it from making a big impact. In 2023, The Charlotte Observer named Oaklore the #1 Distillery in the area, and demand has only grown since. To keep up, Oaklore recently bought a 6,000-square-foot building next door, boosting their production space by over 600%. This expansion will let them bottle more whiskey, ship to more places, and welcome even more visitors. They’re already in over 50 ABC stores and 60 bars and restaurants across North Carolina, with plans to go beyond state lines by the end of 2025.
More Than Just Bourbon
While the Four Grain Bourbon is the star of the show, Oaklore’s lineup doesn’t stop there. They also craft a North Carolina Straight Rye Whiskey, aged six years and made with local grains, that’s a favorite among rye fans. Their Story Series offers small-batch, experimental releases like bourbons finished in port, merlot, or honey barrels, available only at the distillery. And for those who aren’t whiskey drinkers, Oaklore makes vodka, gin, and rum, plus ready-to-drink cocktails like their barrel-aged Old Fashioned.
Every product reflects Oaklore’s commitment to quality and community. Their Angel Barrel releases, for example, are single-barrel whiskeys chosen in partnership with local nonprofits to raise funds for charities. It’s just one more way Oaklore weaves storytelling and connection into everything they do.
Why You Should Try Oaklore’s Four Grain Bourbon
Oaklore’s Four Grain Bourbon is more than a drink—it’s a testament to what happens when passion, patience, and a great location come together. For $69.99, you’re getting a bourbon that rivals pricier bottles, with a flavor that’s approachable yet complex. Whether you’re new to whiskey or a collector hunting for the next big thing, this bourbon deserves a spot on your shelf.
North Carolina may not be the first place you think of for bourbon, but Oaklore is changing that, one bottle at a time. Their Four Grain Bourbon is a celebration of the state’s unique climate, the founders’ friendship, and a shared dream to create something extraordinary. So grab a glass, pour a dram, and taste the story of Oaklore. You won’t be disappointed.
