Oaklore Distilling Co. Four Grain Bourbon Review

Distillery: Undisclosed—Distilled in North Carolina and Kentucky

Proof: 92.0 (46.0% ABV)

Age: Four to Six Years

Mashbill: 72% Corn, 11% Wheat, 10% Rye, 7% Malted Barley

MSRP: $70

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Four Grains:  No Gimmicks, All Substance, Just Goodness

The world of American craft whiskey continues to flourish.  There are very few new distilleries that have made a first impression quite like Oaklore Distilling Co.  Founded in Matthews, North Carolina—a location not typically associated with top-tier bourbon—Oaklore is proving that great bourbon doesn’t have to come from Kentucky. Their flagship Four Grain Bourbon is their first nationally released expression.  And if this is their first national release, then we can expect more goodness to come.

Distilled and aged in-house, Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon blends 72% corn with 11% wheat, 10% rye, and 7% malted barley, forming a foundation that balances sweetness, grain, and spice. Bottled at 92 proof and aged between four and six years, this whiskey is in the sweet spot for a neat sipper. At $70, Oaklore is placing its bourbon squarely in the premium-but-accessible space—a move that creates just enough invitation to adequately tempt a seasoned enthusiast.  After this review, temptation may give way to action.

New Release: Oaklore Distilling Co. Four Grain Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.1/5

The Nose opens with warm, nutty aromas—imagine a freshly cracked walnut shell or almond butter—followed by rich oak and the unmistakable scent of a Snickers bar: chocolate, nougat, and a hint of roasted peanut. It’s a friendly yet layered invitation into the pour.

Palate – 4.2/5

On the first sip, a smooth chocolate note settles in, accented by soft baking spice and just a brush of cinnamon.  Mid-palate is quiet citrus—muted orange peel—mingled with brown sugar. It’s flavorful while offering a comforting richness rather than sharp intensity.

Finish – 4.4/5

The Finish begins as a long, flowing warmth—then surprisingly vanishes with a quick fade. Notes of black pepper and dry oak are followed by a fleeting tang serves as a punctuation mark on the Finish. That flash of brightness gives the Finish a memorable personality.

Value – 4.2/5

At $70, Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon competes in a crowded category—but it does so with confidence. The proof point, the in-house production, and the nuanced profile combine to justify the price. It’s a bottle that will appeal to craft whiskey fans and traditional bourbon drinkers alike.

Oaklore Distilling Co. Four Grain Bourbon is a strong national debut—charming and complex. While it’s approachable for newcomers, this is an expression that is most rewarding and for enthusiasts. This is a whiskey that doesn’t demand attention with high proof or flashy finishes—it earns it with balance and structure.  For a first national release, that’s a confident beginning.

New Release: Oaklore Distilling Co. Four Grain Bourbon Review: The Verdict

Oaklore Distilling Co. Four Grain Bourbon is a strong national debut—charming and complex. While it’s approachable for newcomers, this is an expression that is most rewarding for enthusiasts. This is a whiskey that doesn’t demand attention with high proof or flashy finishes—it earns it with balance and structure.  For a first national release, that’s a confident beginning.

Verdict – 4.2/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3