Oaklore Distilling's Matthew Simpkins and Jack Schute join the pod this week. Throughout their discussion, they delve into Oaklore's unique bourbon and whiskey production process, including their commitment to high quality, transparency, and North Carolina roots. They share insights into the distinct characteristics of their four-grain bourbon and honey-finished bourbon, and exciting future releases. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by distilleries in North Carolina. Matthew Simpkins also shares interesting anecdotes about his past as a pastor and their fun tastings. 00:48 Unveiling the Lore of the Oaks: Oaklore Distilling 01:23 The Taylor Swift Connection 04:02 The Birth of Oaklore Distilling 06:11 The Art of Whiskey Tasting 10:30 The Journey to Becoming a Distillery 12:01 The Role of Aging in Whiskey Production 16:17 The First Taste of Oak Lore Whiskey 17:17 The Process of Making Oak Lore Whiskey 23:30 The Importance of Being a North Carolina Company 24:44 Discussing Barrel Storage and Production Facilities 25:17 Exploring the Uniqueness of the Aging Process 25:35 The Art of Blending Whiskeys 26:24 The Role of North Carolina in Whiskey Production 26:44 Sharing Personal Experiences and Industry Relationships 29:04 The Distilling Process at the Distillery  29:26 Future Plans for the Distillery 29:46 The Role of the Bar in Expanding the Portfolio 32:59 Reflecting on Past Sales Experiences 33:20 Tasting and Discussing the Rye Whiskey 41:50 The Journey to Joining the Whiskey Industry 46:53 The Impact of Direct Shipping and E-commerce Subscribe to their YouTube page HERE On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!! Drink better coffee - get Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here Drink Lunazul Tequila Enjoy Duke's Mayo - It's Got Twang!