The 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 and our spirits.
Spring: A Season of Renewal and Preparation
Spring on the farm is all about new beginnings. As the soil warms and the days lengthen, we begin planting essential grains like rye, wheat, corn, and barley. Spring weather is unpredictable, and timing is everything. Too much rain can delay planting or create soggy conditions that damage seeds. Too little, and we risk poor germination.
For regenerative farms like ours, we focus on practices that build healthy soil structure and retain moisture, helping our crops thrive regardless of the spring forecast.
Spring is also a critical time for cover crops. These are planted to improve soil health, control erosion, and encourage pollinator activity—all of which support stronger, more resilient crops later in the year.
Summer: Growth, Management, and Maintenance
By summer, our crops are well underway. Longer days and warm temperatures promote growth, but they also bring challenges, especially heat stress and drought. We monitor our fields closely, making sure the crops are thriving without over-reliance on irrigation.
Our regenerative practices, including diverse crop rotations, minimal tilling, and organic matter-rich soil, help retain water and reduce the need for external inputs.
At the distillery, summer is when fermentation and distillation speed up, and even inside the barrel barn, the weather still plays a role.
Hotter temperatures expand the wood in our barrels, drawing the spirit deep into the oak and extracting flavors. This process lays the foundation for the rich caramel, spice, and vanilla notes you’ll find in our aged whiskeys.
Fall: Harvest and Transition
Fall is our busiest time on the farm. It’s when we harvest grains and apples, assess yields, and prepare for the next planting cycle. The timing of the harvest is key—too early, and starches won’t be fully developed; too late, and we risk losing crops to frost or rot.
This is also the season of reflection and planning. We analyze soil health, crop performance, and weather trends to make decisions for the following year. In the barrel barns, cooler weather slows the aging process, offering a period of rest for our spirits after the heat-driven expansion of summer.
Winter: Rest, Repair, and Maturation
Winter may seem quiet, but it’s a vital season for both the farm and the distillery. The fields rest under a cover of mulch or cover crops, replenishing nutrients and improving soil structure. Our team uses this time for equipment maintenance, strategic planning, and recipe development.
In the barrel barns, the cold causes the spirit to contract in the barrel, drawing it back from the wood and helping balance extraction with oxygenation. These seasonal fluctuations—expansion in the summer, contraction in the winter—are what give our whiskey its unique, layered flavor over time.
A Year in Harmony
Operating a farm distillery means working with nature, not against it. Every season presents opportunities and obstacles, but through regenerative agriculture and careful craftsmanship, we create spirits that are a true reflection of time and place.
From farm to spirit, the land speaks—and we listen.
Cheers to the changing seasons, and to the beautiful spirits they help us create.
