Oaklore Distilling Co. sits in Matthews, North Carolina, where founders John and Julie Oakley turned their shared passion for craft spirits into a small-batch operation focused on bourbon and rye whiskey. The husband-and-wife team opened their doors in 2019 after years of planning and perfecting their recipes, with John bringing his background in engineering to the precise art of distillation while Julie handles the business side and customer experience. Their facility combines modern equipment with traditional techniques, housing a custom copper still that produces around 200 gallons per batch. The Oakleys didn’t stumble into distilling by accident. After years of home brewing and spirits experimentation, they decided to leave their corporate careers behind and dive into the craft distilling world full-time. The journey from concept to opening took nearly three years, involving everything from navigating local regulations to perfecting their mash bills. John’s engineering background shows in their meticulous approach to every aspect of production, from temperature control during fermentation to the precise cuts they make during distillation. Julie’s hospitality experience shines in how they’ve designed the visitor experience, making sure everyone who walks through feels welcome whether they’re whiskey novices or bourbon enthusiasts. Visitors get an intimate look at small-batch production in action, with tours that often include John or Julie personally walking you through their process. The tasting room has a relaxed, approachable vibe where you can sample their current releases while learning about their approach to whiskey making. What makes Oaklore stand out is the personal touch – you’re not just visiting a distillery, you’re meeting the people who actually make the spirits you’re tasting.