What does 250 years of history taste like? In a sip, warm molasses, sweet corn, and raisins in a southern-born bourbon spirit. Cook’s Mill Whiskey is inspired by the centuries-old tradition of farming and distillation in North Carolina–and whether it’s enjoyed neat or on rocks, it is a time capsule into the region’s pre-revolutionary history.
Rooted in heritage and finished with hints of grains and honey, this 88-proof bourbon is distilled from North Carolina corn, and aged for three years in American white oak barrels before it teases the palate with complex flavors. Historical preservationists, Jason and Jeanne Queen, oversaw the repurposing of many structures across the Carolinas before they discovered Cook’s Old Mill, located in Alamance, which was once a trading post for farmers, distillers, and early settlers. It was a gathering place for the community before America was born and then became known for its markedly notable battle during the Revolutionary War. Re-imagining this distillery now pays homage to North Carolina’s past and seeds it through to the future. It’s a local landmark that supports agriculture and the community today.
“We’re sourcing farmers and ingredients, as locally as possible, and seeking to eventually reintroduce heirloom grains into Carolina soil in partnership with agriculture experts across the Carolinas. We’re taking our product from seed to bottle and tending to the entire process as mindfully as we can, as generations of Carolina whiskey makers did before us.” – Jason & Jeanne Queen
Together, they not only launched a conservation project, but also created the best whiskey in North Carolina, and one that is now ranked as the 3rd best in America. Today, a portion of Cook’s Mill Whiskey’s proceeds are used in the restoration and preservation of the historic mill–so, responsibly, you can taste one of the best whiskeys in America and savor what 250 years of history tastes like.
