Oak & Grist Distilling Company will release one of the oldest whiskeys in its history on Friday, September 4: a nine-year American Single Malt Whiskey drawn from one of the earliest barrels filled by the Black Mountain distillery.

Only 192 bottles will be available. This 9-year release also makes it one of the oldest whiskies currently available from a North Carolina distillery. 

Barrel #09 was filled on May 29, 2017, in a 53-gallon ex-Four Roses bourbon barrel and tucked away at ground level in Oak & Grist's warehouse. There it remained largely undisturbed for nine years and 63 days. Its position exposed the barrel to a cooler environment than many of the distillery's other barrels, slowing maturation and allowing softer, more nuanced barrel influence to develop over almost a decade.

The release offers a rare chance to taste Oak & Grist's earliest work at a moment when the distillery itself is approaching a major milestone. Founded in 2017, Oak & Grist will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027.

Oak & Grist is a 100% grain to glass distillery: brewing, fermenting, distilling and aging its whiskey in Western North Carolina and sourcing most of its ingredients within 60 miles of their production. Founder William Goldberg studied sustainable agriculture at Warren Wilson College before spending roughly a decade as a small batch cheesemaker. His interest in value-added agriculture eventually led him to distilling, with training and mentorship rooted in Scotland's Speyside region.

The nine-year release is made from 100% local pale and heritage malted barley from Riverbend Malt House. Oak & Grist sources its barley from Shelby, North Carolina, about 60 miles from the distillery, before it is malted locally at Riverbend.

At 92.5 proof and 46.25% ABV, the whiskey opens with notes of baked apple pie, tangerine, vanilla bean, worn leather, macadamia nut and toffee. The palate brings lemon meringue, pipe tobacco, apple tart, honeyed herbs, black tea and cacao, followed by a prolonged, palate-coating finish with warming spice and black tea.

“Our nine year-old whiskey celebrates the influence this region has on our craft,” said Goldberg. “It is a rich and expressive spirit brewed, fermented, distilled and aged to honor our roots and distinguish our vision for American single malt whiskey.”

Bottle: Oak & Grist 9-Year American Single Malt Whiskey, Barrel #09
Age: 9 years, 63 days
Proof: 92.5
ABV: 46.25%
Mash Bill: 100% local pale and heritage malted barley from Riverbend Malt House
Cask: 53 gallon ex-Four Roses bourbon barrel
Quantity: 192 bottles
Retail Price: $122.95

Oak & Grist Distilling Company is located at 1556 Grovestone Road, Black Mountain.

Source: Oak & Grist Distilling Company