Oaklore Bloody Butcher Corn Bourbon – The Storyteller Series
Oaklore Distilling
Welcome back to Tortured Bourbon, where Heather and B sip, argue, and philosophize their way through the best (and occasionally worst) bottles in bourbon.
This week’s pour comes straight from the heart of Matthews, North Carolina — Oaklore Distilling Co., a small but mighty grain-to-glass operation that’s turning heads across the bourbon world. Their Storyteller Series: Bloody Butcher Corn Bourbon is exactly what we love to feature — local grain, authentic craft, and a story as bold as the spirit itself.
We recorded this one with no script, no retakes, and no filters — just a couple of honest bourbon nerds chasing flavor and conversation.
The Grain That Started the Legend
Before we even poured, we had to talk about Bloody Butcher corn — the heirloom red dent corn that gives this bourbon its name and its character. Dating back to the 1800s, Bloody Butcher is known for its deep crimson kernels, rich texture, and bold, nutty sweetness. Farmers said the red kernels looked like a butcher’s apron, and the name stuck.
Unlike modern high-yield hybrids, this old-school grain brings complexity and a rustic depth that’s perfect for bourbon. It’s harder to grow, but the flavor payoff is undeniable — earthy, slightly sweet, with a hint of spice that hits right through the mash.
The Oaklore Story
Oaklore Distilling is one of North Carolina’s rising stars in the craft whiskey scene. Based just outside Charlotte, they focus on small-batch, grain-to-glass bourbon with an emphasis on local sourcing and patient aging. Every Storyteller release celebrates a specific ingredient or tale, tying together the art of whiskey-making and the stories behind it.
Their Bloody Butcher Corn Bourbon is released each October, bottled in limited quantities, and always sells out quickly. The attention to detail — from mash to barrel to bottle — is exactly what defines true craft bourbon.
Tasting and Tortured Ratings
Heather picked up waves of caramel, roasted corn, and a subtle dry spice that built toward the finish.
B caught oak, honey, and that unmistakable grain-rich backbone that Bloody Butcher corn delivers.
In Katie’s Corner, our resident tasting whisperer described it best: “It’s a bourbon with old-soul flavor and a new-world finish — balanced, layered, and confidently Southern.”
So where did it land in our Tortured Bourbon Rating System? You’ll have to watch to find out, but let’s just say this pour made the short list for a second glass.
🎥 Watch the full episode: Oaklore Bloody Butcher Corn Bourbon | Tortured Bourbon on YouTube
Final Thoughts
If you love discovering new craft bourbon, heirloom grains, and small-batch stories that hit close to home, Oaklore’s Bloody Butcher Corn Bourbon belongs on your radar — and maybe on your shelf.
Whether you sip neat, debate mash bills, or just enjoy watching Heather and B bicker their way through another pour, this episode delivers everything we love about bourbon culture: flavor, story, and soul.
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