Oaklore Distilling Unveils Limited Port Cask Finish Rye — A North Carolina Gem Just in Time for Father’s Day

With Father’s Day right around the corner, Oaklore has released its latest small-batch expression: Oaklore Story Series: Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey. Bottled at 92 proof and limited to just 90 bottles, this double gold medal-winning rye is the latest chapter in Oaklore’s growing reputation for craftsmanship and creative finishing.

The Oaklore Approach: Patience Meets Precision

Crafted in the heart of North Carolina, Oaklore’s Port Cask Finish Rye starts with a mash bill that’s already familiar to fans of their flagship straight rye: 70% rye, 20% corn, and 10% malted barley. The whiskey first ages for six years in a combination of char #2 and char #3 new American white oak barrels — a process that leans heavily into the unique climate of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Unlike Kentucky’s more predictable seasons, the Piedmont’s wide temperature swings and humid subtropical environment allow for deep and consistent barrel interaction, building complex flavors year after year.

After its initial maturation, the straight rye is transferred into freshly dumped port wine barrels that previously spent nearly two decades aging port in a Solera system. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the whiskey slowly absorbs layers of dark fruit and rich sweetness from the well-seasoned wood — adding a depth of character that earned it 96 points and a Double Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition.

Tasting Notes: A Sip of Storytelling

From the first pour, Oaklore’s Port Cask Finish Rye is a sensory experience. On the nose, expect dark cherry and a gentle rye spice, with warm brown sugar riding in behind. The palate opens thick and sweet with notes of fermented fruit, giving way to a subtle rye spice that lingers across the tongue. The finish is long and nuanced — with dark raisin, a hint of herbs, and a touch of white pepper that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Simply put: this is an exquisite sipper. One that rewards patience — both in how it was made, and in how it’s enjoyed.

A Distillery Built on Friendship & Craft

What makes Oaklore’s story even more compelling is the story behind the still. Co-founders Thomas Bogan and Matt Simpkins first met as neighbors walking their kids to the bus stop. A shared passion for whiskey turned casual conversations into a full-fledged craft distillery. Along with partner Travis Masters, the trio has built Oaklore Distilling into one of North Carolina’s standout whiskey producers, blending community, craftsmanship, and storytelling into every bottle.

The name Oaklore itself is a nod to the vital role oak barrels play in whiskey making — each stave, each barrel telling its own story as it helps shape the spirit within.

Limited Run — Don’t Wait

With only 90 bottles available for nationwide shipping through Oaklore’s website (powered by Speakeasy), and a limited amount in their Charlotte tasting room, this release won’t be around for long. At $99.95 for a 750ml bottle, it’s not only a perfect gift for Father’s Day — it’s a collectible that any whiskey lover will appreciate.

If you're looking for something truly special — and truly North Carolina — Oaklore’s Port Cask Finish Rye delivers.