Raspberry | Candy apple | Toasted oak | Red wine

Black raspberry | Dense raisin | Dark cherry | Almond | Slightly Dry | Savory | Intense flavors

Candied fruit | Strawberry Bon Bons | Tobacco | Alternating sweet & dry notes | Incredibly long

Oaklore Distilling surprised me last year with their 2025 release of their Port Finished Rye, offering intensely deep flavors with a strong port finish that was dialed in very effectively. Like the rye, Oaklore Story Series Port Finished Bourbon Batch 003 is packed with flavor, which is evident right away based on its deep, red-toned amber color.

The combination of lesser-known distillery sources, a four grain bourbon base, and lengthy finishing time makes for a potentially remarkable whiskey, and Oaklore Distilling doesn’t disappoint with Port Finishing Bourbon Batch 003. It’s incredibly flavorful at only 92 proof, albeit a bit heavy-handed in the midpalate. A fairly fruit-forward aroma of raspberry, candy apple, toasted oak, and red wine gives way to an intensely flavorful palate. Black raspberry combines with a dense raisin, dark cherry, and almond in a slightly dry, surprisingly savory, intense midpoint. Candied fruit, tobacco, and a notable Strawberry Bon Bons flavor comes out on the long finish, which alternates between sweet and dry.

Oaklore Story Series Port Finished Bourbon Batch 003 walks the fine line between overly finished and just right. It takes a few pours to dial it in, but once you do, the result is rewarding. Expect intense port flavors with a nice sweet-dry balance, long finish, and uniquely memorable flavor profile. For a small batch release from a boutique whiskey company, that’s just right.