The Fine People at Oaklore Distilling Are Back At Helping North Carolina
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CHARLOTTE, NC (May 30, 2025) – Oaklore Distilling Co., a rising name in North Carolina’s premium craft spirits scene, is proud to announce a charitable initiative to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. From June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025, for every Oaklore cocktail sold at select participating bars and restaurants in the Charlotte area, the company will donate $5 to the Community Foundation of Henderson County, up to a total of $10,000.
Raise a Glass for a Cause
The American Whiskey brand invites patrons across Charlotte to raise a glass for a cause, knowing that every sip makes a difference. This fundraising effort will directly aid in rebuilding communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, with a special focus on the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas—a region integral to Oaklore’s future.
Participating Charlotte Bars and Restaurants
The following establishments are joining Oaklore in this charitable initiative:
- Catalina Kitchen + Bar @catalinakitchenandbar
- CharBar7 (Matthews, Mint Hill, Carmel) @CharBarNo7
- Dram & Draught @dramanddraughtclt
- Dressler’s @dresslersrestaurant
- Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews, Steele Creek, Southend, Lake Norman, Concord) @macspeedshop
- Napa on Providence @napaonprovclt
- O-Ku @okucharlotte
- Oak Steakhouse @oakcharlotte
- Reid’s Fine Foods (Southpark, Dilworth) @reidsfinefoods
- Scissors & Scotch @scissorsscotchclt
- Vintage Whiskey & Cigar @thevintageclt
- Yunta @yuntanikkei
Oaklore’s Commitment to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock
The Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas are significant to Oaklore Distilling Co., as the company is developing Oaklore Ridge, an 87-acre mountain property in the region. This future destination will feature:
- Over six miles of ATV trails
- Premium mini cabins
- A communal home for gatherings
- Mountain-climate warehousing to age bourbon and rye whiskey barrels
“We believe great whiskey should bring people together—not just to share a drink, but to lift each other up when it matters most,” said Matt Simpkins, Co-Founder of Oaklore Distilling Co. “The Lake Lure region is an integral part of our future, and we’re honored to contribute to its recovery and resilience.”
Building on Past Success
In October 2024, shortly after Hurricane Helene devastated the North Carolina mountain towns of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, Oaklore Distilling Co. raised over $50,000 through its “Clear the Shelves for Carolina” campaign, donating 200% of the cost of every bottle sold from its distillery retail shop in Charlotte. “That campaign showed us what’s possible when a community rallies around a cause—and good whiskey,” said Oaklore Co-Founder Matt Simpkins.
About Oaklore Distilling Co.
Built on the idea of community, Oaklore Distilling Co. in Charlotte, NC, celebrates great spirits and the stories that come with them. Founded in 2017 by Matt Simpkins, Thomas Bogan, and Travis Masters, Oaklore has spent years perfecting the art of distilling and crafting its signature line of 100% Carolina-crafted spirits. The distillery is dedicated to quality in process, ingredients, and presentation. Oaklore was named the No. 1 distillery by the Charlotte Observer in both 2023 and 2024.
For more information, visit www.oakloredistilling.com and follow @oakloredistillingco on Instagram and Facebook.
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