Unlock the secrets behind New Hampshire’s only certified organic distillery, where rugged tradition meets the stunning backdrop of the White Mountains. In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we take a deep dive into the journey of Cathedral Ledge Distillery. Founded in North Conway in late 2020 by Christopher and Tracy Burk, this operation is a masterclass in the “grain-to-glass” philosophy—prioritizing transparency, local heritage grains, and the gold standard of distilling: the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
Discover how the Burks transitioned from finance to farming-focused spirits, using a handcrafted 300-gallon pot still from Bridgetown Brew to preserve the delicate character of heritage Danko Rye. We explore their rigorous maturation process—including their unique “50/50” blending method of char #3 and char #4 barrels—and why they refuse to take shortcuts with artificial additives or cold filtration.
From their award-winning Barrel-Rested Gin (ranked 2nd best in the world at the 2025 SFWSC) to their nuanced, “civil” Rye and rich, maple-noted Bourbon, Cathedral Ledge is proving that patience and integrity are the most vital ingredients in craft distilling. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a whiskey collector, or a fan of sustainable craftsmanship, this conversation highlights how a distillery can honor its environment while shaping the future of American spirits.
In this episode, we break down:
- Nature as Inspiration: The story behind the Cathedral Ledge name and their 108-acre White Mountain mission.
- The Bonded Standard: Why every bottle of their 4-year-old spirits honors the historic 1897 quality act.
- Heritage Grains: The impact of using varietals like Danko Rye to create a nuanced, fruit-forward profile.
- Award-Winning Innovation: Insights into their 2025/2026 accolades, including Double Gold for their Barrel-Rested Gin.
- Navigating the Market: How they’ve expanded to ship direct-to-consumer (DTC) in 41+ states while advocating for local legislation.
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- Ep 373: The Organic Standard — Cathedral Ledge Distillery’s Quest for Pure Spirits
- 372: How Onyx & Amber is Redefining Whiskey in Colorado
- 371: High West Distillery Celebrates 20 Years of Innovative Whiskey Craftsmanship
- 370: What are the Best Whiskeys for Winter?
- 369: Exploring the Best Whiskey Finishes for Winter
- 368: How Southern Distilleries Are Changing the Whiskey Landscape: ASW Distillery Leads Georgia’s Rise
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