A little background
Oaklore Distilling Co., a Charlotte, North Carolina-based craft spirits producer founded in 2017 by Matt Simpkins, Thomas Bogan, and Travis Masters, crafts its whiskeys with a focus on community, quality ingredients, and the stories behind each expression. Recognized as the No. 1 distillery by the Charlotte Observer in both 2023 and 2024, Oaklore sources its spirits from 100% Carolina craftsmanship, utilizing sister distilleries in North Carolina and Kentucky equipped with 24-inch Vendome all-copper column stills. The brand’s Story Series highlights innovative takes on its core lineup, blending tradition with creative finishing techniques to explore new dimensions in American whiskey.
The Oaklore Story Series Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Four Grain Bourbon is a non-chill filtered small batch release bottled at 95 proof, with a suggested retail price of $99.95 for a 750ml bottle. This expression starts with Oaklore’s traditional Four Grain Bourbon, featuring a mash bill of 70% corn, 10% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% malted barley—now the standard for all future Four Grain releases. It combines hand-selected barrels of five- to six-year-old wheated and rye bourbons aged separately, followed by batching and an additional six to eight months of maturation in non-temperature-controlled warehouses in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, before finishing for 12 to 18 months in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks. Limited to just 750 bottles, it is available through Oaklore’s online shop, tasting room, and select North Carolina retailers.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Amber
Nose
Raisins, orange peel, toffee, vanilla, baking spice, dried figs, and toasted oak.
Palate
Caramel, dark cherry, raisins, figs, walnut, clove, milk chocolate, leather, and nutmeg.
Finish
Cocoa, black tea, raisins, figs, baking spice, and a hint of smoke.
In closing
Oaklore Story Series Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Four Grain Bourbon stands out as a compelling expression that masterfully integrates the robust Oloroso sherry influence with its balanced four-grain foundation, delivering a viscous and warming mouthfeel that elevates the overall experience. The nose unfolds with dominant sherry-driven dried fruits like raisins, figs, plums, and dates, accented by citrus notes of orange peel and candied orange, alongside sweet toffee, molasses, honey, vanilla, toasted oak, subtle corn sweetness, faint spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and occasional walnut hints, though it may require some patience to fully appreciate amid mild heat from the proof. On the palate, a velvety, full-bodied profile emerges with sherry-infused caramel, dark cherry, leather, nutty walnut, hazelnut, and almond elements, building to baking spices including clove, nutmeg, ginger, and black pepper, softened by wheat and gently bitten by rye, while chocolate and fruit cake notes add depth. The medium-to-long finish offers a dry, tannic close with lingering cocoa, espresso, baking spice, black tea, subtle smoke, and fruit echoes, though it can veer astringent or grippy with occasional warmth that hints at youthfulness. While the strong, authentic sherry notes—praised for their dried fig, raisin, and vintage-wine depth—are a highlight, drawbacks like the effort needed to coax the nose, subtle immature undertones, pronounced tannic grip, and limited availability temper enthusiasm, making this a worthwhile pour for sherry finish enthusiasts willing to seek it out.
Oaklore Story Series Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Four Grain Bourbon
The Good
- Good Sherry integration
- Viscous
The Bad
- Limited
- A bit tannic
