Three guys walking their kids to the bus stop in Charlotte probably didn't expect their casual conversations about whiskey to eventually challenge Kentucky's bourbon dominance. But that's exactly what happened when neighbors Thomas Bogan and Matt Simpkins struck up a friendship that would evolve into Oaklore Distilling Co., now shipping their award-winning flagship bourbon to 42 states nationwide.
What started as a shared passion project in 2017 has transformed into something much bigger. Bogan, Simpkins, and their friend Travis Masters have spent years perfecting their craft, and the results speak for themselves. Their Four Grain Bourbon recently earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2024 Barleycorn Awards, proving that exceptional American whiskey doesn't have to come from the usual suspects.
Why North Carolina's Piedmont Region Creates Better Bourbon Than You'd Expect
The secret weapon? North Carolina's Piedmont region offers ideal barrel-aging conditions that most whiskey drinkers have never considered. While Kentucky gets all the attention, the humid subtropical environment of the North Carolina Piedmont avoids the dramatic temperature swings found elsewhere. This creates a more consistent aging process year after year, resulting in whiskey with truly developed character and richer taste profiles.
Oaklore's approach combines traditional techniques with innovative processes that set them apart. They craft their bourbon using "the big four" American whiskey grains on 24-inch Vendome all-copper column stills. The final product combines the best five to six-year-old barrels of wheated bourbon and rye bourbon mash bills, aged separately and hand-selected before batching.
What Makes Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon Unique:
- Double aging process - First aged 5-6 years, then re-barreled for an additional 8-12 months in North Carolina's ideal climate
- Four grain complexity - 72% corn, 11% wheat, 10% rye, 7% malted barley for layered flavor profiles
- Hand-selected batching - Thomas Bogan personally selects the most exceptional barrels
- Multiple char levels - Uses #2, #3, and #4 char barrels from different cooperages for consistency
- Non-chill filtered - Preserves natural oils and flavors at 92 proof
- Regional advantage - North Carolina's consistent climate creates more uniform aging than traditional bourbon regions
The finished product delivers aromas of toasted pecans and honey butter cake, with a palate showcasing silky toffee and vanilla crème brûlée. The finish brings butterscotch notes with a light spice that lingers just long enough.
From Bus Stop Conversations to Award-Winning Distillery with Full Spirit Portfolio
While the Four Grain Bourbon serves as their flagship, Oaklore has expanded their lineup to include gin, vodka, rum, and other whiskey expressions. This diversification shows their commitment to mastering multiple spirit categories while maintaining their focus on quality and North Carolina craftsmanship.
The distillery earned recognition as the No. 1 distillery by the Charlotte Observer's Best in both 2023 and 2024, cementing their reputation in their home state before taking their show nationwide.
The name Oaklore itself tells the story. It refers to the oak staves of each handcrafted barrel essential to the whiskey aging process. Each tree, each stave, and each barrel carries its own unique history, much like the friendship that started this entire operation. Their mission centers on creating spirits of character, depth, and story.
At $69.99 for a 750ml bottle, Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon represents solid value for a craft bourbon with this level of complexity and recognition. The nationwide shipping through their website makes it accessible regardless of location, though availability spans 42 states currently.
For guys building a home bar or looking for a distinctive gift that supports American craft distilling, this North Carolina bourbon offers something different from the usual Kentucky selections. It's proof that innovation and quality can emerge from unexpected places when passionate people commit to doing things right.
Whether you're hosting friends or expanding your whiskey knowledge, Oaklore represents the kind of authentic American craft spirit worth supporting and savoring.
Learn more and order online at oakloredistilling.com
