Oaklore Distilling North Carolina Straight Rye Review

Distillery: Undisclosed—Distilled in North Carolina

Proof: 92.0 (46.0% ABV)

Age: Six Years+

Mashbill: Undisclosed

MSRP: $80

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Place.  Patience.  Delicate.

Oaklore Distilling’s North Carolina Straight Rye Whiskey is their commitment to maintaining a regional identity from grain to glass.  Though contract distilled, it qualifies as a true North Carolina rye—with its grain, distillation, and maturation all rooted within North Carolina.  Aged more than six years in the Piedmont Triad, the whiskey reflects that area’s balanced climate:  warm summers, cool winters, and a humidity that coaxes depth out of the barrel.  At 92 proof, it’s an expression that leans on maturity. 

Oaklore Distilling North Carolina Straight Rye Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.3/5

Baked apple.  Honey drizzled toasted rye bread.  Light spearmint.

Strengths:  Subtle herbal rise right out of the bottle.  Aromas drift out of the glass making for strong anticipation of flavors to come.
Why It’s Not Higher:  A touch more intensity would add increased dimension.
Rating Justification:  Polished and decadent.  Warm, not hot.

Palate – 4.5/5

Monk fruit.  Roasted pecan.  Lemon zest.  Sweet mint.

Strengths:  Soft rye spice supported by a gentle and muted sweetness.  Supple, rounded texture that feels almost creamy.  Notes are more graceful than sharp.
Why It’s Not Higher:  On the delicate side for a rye—another few proof points might have broadened its intensity.
Rating Justification:  Silky.  Flavorful.  Mature.  The sweetness and spice hold hands all the way through.

Finish – 4.4/5

Lingering warmth.  Mint.  Honey oak.  Medium-to-long with slow fade.

Strengths:  Soft warmth.  Sweet wood notes return.
Why It’s Not Higher:  A hint more spice could lift the final note.
Rating Justification:  Easy and elegant.  The kind of Finish that provokes conversation.

Value – 4.2/5

At $80, this rye is a strong value for drinkers seeking a whiskey defined not by punch but by its origin.  The six-plus years in North Carolina’s Piedmont region gives this rye a character that is noticeably different from Kentucky ryes.  Oaklore captures attention by moving along a rye that is less driven by proof and more defined by texture, place and time.

Oaklore Distilling North Carolina Straight Rye Review: The Verdict

Oaklore’s North Carolina Straight Rye Whiskey is a testament to regionality.  The Piedmont’s climate seems to temper the natural sharpness that occurs in many ryes.  Oaklore has created a whiskey that is graceful, honeyed, and quietly powerful.  It’s a rye that lets the notes speak for themselves rather than being driven by a proof intensity that overwhelms the notes.  Maturity, patience and place have clearly left their mark of quality on this expression.

Verdict – 4.4/5

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