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.
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly discussions, tastings, and bourbon insights from the Bourbon Lens community.
📸 Follow on Instagram: @bourbonlens
🌐 Visit: www.bourbonlens.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/pd6ys5nRSU
- 402: Limestone Branch’s Steve Beam Details the 2026 Yellowstone 101 and a Sharper Focus on Core Bourbons
- 401: Your Next Stop On The Bourbon Trail – A Sit Down With Whitney Rye Of The Parlor Room
- 400: Diageo Unveils Blade and Bow 12-Year Solera Bourbon at Historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery
- 399: Inside New Riff Distillery’s American Single Malt Whiskey: Blending, Barrel Care & Flavor Innovation
- 398: Penelope Bourbon’s Danny Polise Talks Classic Series, Cooper Series Growth in Bourbon Lens Return
- 397: Wild Turkey’s Bruce Russell Talks Record Summer, Russell’s 13, and Three Generations of Whiskey Making
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.