Posts by Amanda Koehler
Beyond the Mash Bill: Using Unconventional Grains in Whiskey Production
When most people think about whiskey, they picture a handful of familiar grains—corn, rye, barley, and wheat. Together, these staples form the “mash bill,” the recipe that defines a whiskey’s flavor, texture, and style. But in distilleries across the country, an increasing number of whiskey makers are looking beyond these four staples, experimenting with less…
Read MoreThe Hard Knocks of Farming
Farming is more than planting seeds and hoping for rain—it’s a daily test of grit, patience, and deep respect for the land. At Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, these challenges aren’t just part of the job. They shape who we are, guiding every decision from seed to sip. Weather: Nature Holds All the Cards From unpredictable…
Read MoreCocktail of the Month: Campfire Season
Smoky, Sweet, and Just a Little Bit Wild As you start to stretch your summer nights a little longer, and cooler breezes hint at the season ahead, it’s time for a cocktail that captures that golden hour magic. Meet Eight Oaks’ Campfire Season, our August Cocktail of the Month—a bold and nostalgic blend that channels…
Read MoreDistilling with Honey, Molasses, and Other Sugars: A Sweet Twist on Tradition
When we think of distillation, we often picture grains like corn, rye, or barley as the foundation. But throughout history, spirits have been born from a wide variety of sugar sources—not just from fields of grain, but also from beehives, sugarcane fields, and even orchards. Distilling with alternative sugars like honey, molasses, maple syrup, and…
Read MoreThe Changing Seasons on a Farm Distillery: How Weather Affects Crops and Spirits
At Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, every bottle of spirits begins in the soil. As a true field-to-glass operation, we’re deeply connected to the rhythms of the land—and those rhythms are guided by the changing seasons. From spring planting to winter barrel aging, weather plays a powerful role in shaping the quality of both our crops…
Read MoreCocktail of the Month: Cherry Rye Smash
At Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, we love cocktails that highlight both the flavor of our spirits and the history that surrounds them. This month, we’re celebrating the Cherry Rye Smash—a bold, refreshing cocktail that brings together the spiced warmth of our Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey with the juicy sweetness of fresh cherries and the brightness…
Read MoreGas Chromatography in Distilling: A Peek Behind the Scenes
In the world of craft distilling, what you taste in your glass is the product of countless decisions—about grain, fermentation, distillation, aging, and more. But behind the artistry of creating spirits lies a layer of science that’s just as important, and one of the most powerful tools in that scientific toolbox is gas chromatography (GC).…
Read MoreThe Hidden Heroes of the Soil: How Microorganisms Support Regenerative Farming
Beneath the surface of every healthy, living farm lies an invisible but essential world. This underground community of microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and more—plays a central role in the success of regenerative agriculture. While they may be too small to see, these organisms are responsible for supporting plant health, cycling nutrients, and building soil structure.…
Read MoreCocktail of the Month: Hibiscus Gin Sour
As we turn toward longer days and warmer evenings, it’s the perfect time for a cocktail that’s equal parts vibrant, floral, and refreshing. This month, we’re spotlighting a drink that brings brightness to your glass with a stunning color and a lively flavor: the Hibiscus Gin Sour. Crafted with Eight Oaks American Gin, fresh lemon…
Read MoreLost Grains and Spirits: Rediscovering Forgotten Traditions
In the ever-evolving world of craft spirits, a quiet revolution is underway—one that looks back to move forward. Distillers around the world are turning to the past, reviving heirloom grains and historic recipes to bring depth, diversity, and authenticity back to the glass. From nearly forgotten varieties of rye and corn to centuries-old methods of…
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