Unveiling the Legacy: The Tale of Cook’s Mill Bourbon Whiskey
In the heart of North Carolina’s verdant countryside lies a piece of history waiting to be rediscovered. It’s a story that begins with a humble grist mill standing proudly amidst the rolling hills of Alamance County and ends with the birth of a new legend in the world of bourbon – Cook’s Mill Bourbon Whiskey.
The Origins: A Journey Through Time
Imagine a time before the American Revolution when the land was untamed, and the spirit of rebellion simmered just beneath the surface. This is where our tale begins, with Cook’s Mill. This pre-Revolutionary grist mill, in the bustling hub of Alamance County, once served as a beacon of commerce and community and a gathering spot for the Regulator Movement. This armed insurrection surged in the 1760s and is often hailed by historians as a pivotal spark igniting the flames of the American Revolution.
In a poignant gesture of love and shared passion, Jason Queen, a realtor from Raleigh, North Carolina, bestowed upon his wife Jeanne an extraordinary gift for their tenth wedding anniversary— the abandoned grist mill. This relic of the past, imbued with history and potential, spoke to Jeanne’s fervent dedication to historic preservation, igniting a shared vision between the couple for its restoration and revival.
The initial idea was to make it a weekend getaway, an excellent spot to hang out, but once they realized what a special place it was, they decided that wasn’t the right move.
During the process of cleaning and refurbishing the Mill, the couple stumbled upon a hidden treasure – several sacks of corn, presumably stowed away during the Mill’s closure half a century prior.
While the corn they found was not extraordinary, a revelation dawned upon them. They envisioned a bold new venture—harnessing locally cultivated heirloom corn to craft their own distinctive bourbon.
A Legacy Reborn: Restoring the Past, Crafting the Future
Cook’s Mill is now more than just a relic of the past; it’s a living testament to the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defines North Carolina. As Queen set out on a mission to revive this ancient treasure, he knew that its restoration would require more than just bricks and mortar – it would require a commitment to preserving the very essence of what made Cook’s Mill so special.
In a gesture of reverence to the Mill’s heritage, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Cook’s Mill Whiskey is dedicated to its ongoing restoration and preservation.
Crafting the Perfect Pour: The Art of Distillation
A commitment to quality and tradition lies at the heart of Cook’s Mill Bourbon Whiskey. Each batch is meticulously crafted using only the finest North Carolina corn, sourced directly from local farmers who share the passion for excellence. Distilled in small batches and aged in new white oak barrels, the bourbon embodies the true essence of Carolina craftsmanship.
But it’s not just about the ingredients but the story it tells. With every sip of Cook’s Mill Whiskey, you’re transported back to an era when hard work and dedication were the cornerstones of life in the South. It’s a taste of history in every glass, a tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for us all.
Cook’s Mill Whiskey has recently received accolades, such as North Carolina’s Best Bourbon in the Heartland Whiskey Competition and the third highest-scoring bourbon in America in the 2023 CHILLED Tasting Competition.
Embracing the Future: A Toast to Tomorrow
So, as we raise our glasses to toast the Mill’s legacy, we do so with an eye toward the future. With each passing year, Queen strives to honor the traditions of our past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. From the fields to your glass, they remain committed to crafting the finest bourbon whiskey North Carolina has to offer.
So here’s to Cook’s Mill – a testament to the enduring spirit of the Tar Heel State and a reminder that some things are worth preserving for generations to come. Cheers to the past, the present, and the future of bourbon in North Carolina.
COOK’S MILL WHISKEY TO LAUNCH CAROLINA SUPPER SERIES
Cook’s Mill Whiskey is set to launch an exhilarating series of whiskey dinners across North and South Carolina. The inaugural event will be a lavish 5-course whiskey dinner held at the iconic Angus Barn in Raleigh, NC, on Saturday, April 27th.
Attendees will savor a unique culinary experience curated by Angus Barn’s Executive Chef Jordan Scott, highlighting the local corn and grains that form the essence of this craft spirit. This April feast marks the beginning of an engaging whiskey supper series by Cook’s Mill Whiskey. Collaborating with restaurants and chefs who share a fervor for locally sourced ingredients and support for regional farmers, this series promises to celebrate the essence of Carolina cuisine.
Guests will be greeted at 6PM with a welcoming cocktail and passed appetizers, followed by seating promptly at 6:30PM in Angus Barn’s intimate cellar. Here, they will delve into the story of Cook’s Mill Whiskey, intertwined with North Carolina’s pivotal role in shaping American whiskey history as its original birthplace.
“We are privileged to launch our Carolina Supper Series at the iconic Angus Barn, a cornerstone of North Carolina’s culinary landscape, echoing our commitment to responsible sourcing and preservation of our Carolinian heritage,” says Jason Queen, founder and proprietor of Cook’s Mill Whiskey. “It has been a true honor collaborating with Chef Scott and his team to craft a distinctive, North Carolina-centric menu complemented by perfectly paired whiskeys for each course.”
This 5-course pairing dinner is $195 per person and includes tax and gratuity, as well as a special gift for attendees. 21+ only. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased via Eventbrite. Sorry, no walk-ins. For more information, please contact kelly@cooksmillwhiskey.com.
The Southern Blueprint 