Oak & Grist Releases a Nine Year Single Malt From One of Its First Barrels

Oak & Grist is releasing the oldest whiskey in its history this Labor Day weekend, and the story behind it starts almost a decade ago.

Barrel #09 was filled on May 29, 2017, in a 53 gallon ex-Four Roses bourbon barrel and set at ground level in the distillery's warehouse. It sat there largely undisturbed for nine years and 63 days. That spot kept it cooler than many of the barrels around it, which slowed maturation and allowed softer, more nuanced barrel influence to develop over almost a decade.

Only 192 bottles exist, and they go on sale Friday, September 4.

At nine years, this is one of the oldest whiskeys currently available from a North Carolina distillery. It is also a chance to taste Oak & Grist's earliest work right as the distillery approaches a milestone of its own. Founded in 2015 and opened in 2017, Oak & Grist turns ten in 2027.

Everything about this bottle is local. The barley is pale and heritage malt sourced from Shelby, North Carolina, about 60 miles from the distillery, then malted locally at Riverbend Malt House. Oak & Grist brews, ferments, distills, and ages everything in Western North Carolina, which makes them one of the state's only true grain to glass distilleries.

Founder William Goldberg studied sustainable agriculture at Warren Wilson College and spent roughly a decade as a small batch cheesemaker before his interest in value-added agriculture led him to distilling, with training and mentorship rooted in Scotland's Speyside region.

"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."

Tasting notes

At 92.5 proof, the whiskey opens with 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.

At a glance

• 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

• Where: Oak & Grist Distilling Company, 1556 Grovestone Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711