History

Oak and Grist was founded in 2015 as one of Western North Carolina's few 100% grain-to-glass distilleries, focusing on creating regionally inspired whisky and gin from scratch in Black Mountain without compromising the craft's details. The distillery emphasizes being part of the local community and building relationships with North Carolina farmers and producers to highlight terroir and local ingredients. According to the company story, they started with a vision of a regionally inspired single malt and follow an in-depth, educational approach to spirits and the labeling around their products. They work closely with local partners such as Riverbend Malt House and other regional suppliers and uphold a commitment to the community by donating a portion of profits to local non-profit organizations.

Production / Manufacturing

Oak and Grist champions a full grain-to-glass approach and produces spirits entirely on-site in Black Mountain. They use 100% locally grown and malted barley malt (from Riverbend Malt House) and describe that the grain comes from within 60 miles of the distillery. Their fermentation and distillation processes follow classic spirit design, and their products include both whisky and genever-inspired gin. The aging of the whisky varies between used bourbon and American oak barrels and new American oak barrels depending on the release (for example Origin and Descendent), and some releases (such as Descendent) combine used and new barrels to balance the distillery's character with the influence of the wood. For certain products, single malt-based spirits are used, which are later redistilled and further processed; the company also emphasizes its commitment to documenting and educating consumers about whisky and gin definitions and discusses international standards and designations.

Products / Whisky Series

• Single Malt Whisky (Speyside-inspired, minimum 3 years, aged in used bourbon barrels)
• Descendent American Single Malt Whisky (100% locally grown and malted barley, Munich malt, aged in a combination of new American oak barrels and used barrels)
• Origin American Single Malt Whisky (100% locally malted barley, aged in previously used bourbon barrels)
• 5 Year – Single Barrel (American Single Malt, 5 years, 92.5 proof, aged in new American oak barrels for Batch 01 and Batch 02; limited release)
• SMŌK – Peach Wood Smoked American Single Malt Whisky (split-mash malt with peach wood smoke flavor, new American oak barrels)
• Rum Cask-Finished American Single Malt Whisky (Batch 02, moved from new oak to ex-rum casks, limited release)
• 5 Year Single Barrel (Batch 01 and Batch 02 listed on product pages)
• Note: In addition to whisky, Oak and Grist also produces genever-inspired gin and Barrel Reserve Genever; these are included in their spirits program but are not whisky releases.

Visits and Experiences

Visit Oak and Grist in Black Mountain and experience their distilling process through guided tours (O&G Distillery Tour, about 40 minutes) Wednesday through Saturday, ending with a free tasting. The tasting room and bar are open Monday to Thursday 1:00–8:00 PM and Friday–Saturday 1:00–9:00 PM (Sunday closed). Their facilities include outdoor garden and patio areas as well as a 12-foot copper distillation column and the option for private events and corporate tours. They also have a Jamaican food truck and offer private venues and corporate event options.

Philosophy

Oak and Grist builds their products on a 100% grain-to-glass approach and local sourcing of raw materials to reflect terroir in Western North Carolina. They work closely with farmers, maltsters and co-ops to maintain an authentic regional identity and sustain support for the local community through partnerships and donations of a portion of profits. The distillery emphasizes the importance of being transparent around definitions and methods for whisky and gin as well as an artistic approach to food and spirit production. They also emphasize their environmental responsibility by being certified carbon neutral by ClimateHound and by focusing on short-distance sourcing and sustainability.

Notes

Inspired by Scotland and Appalachian patterns, Oak and Grist blends traditional distillation methods with regional ingredients to produce spirits with a distinct North Carolina profile and a strong connection to the local community.