Overview: The Town of Black Mountain has ordered Oak & Grist Distilling Co. to cease production and maturation operations following a fire inspection. Officials discovered 4,000 gallons of combustible liquid were improperly stored alongside deficiencies in fire suppression systems. The distillery must relocate whiskey barrels outside the building within 90 days to reach full compliance.
The Full Story
On July 14, the Town of Black Mountain issued a directive for Oak & Grist Distilling Co., located on Grovestone Road, to discontinue public access to the interior of the property. The ruling followed an annual fire inspection conducted on June 1, which identified significant safety concerns regarding the storage of distilled spirits. A four-page report signed by the planning director, building code inspector, fire marshal, and fire chief alleged that the whiskey was improperly stored as a Class II combustible liquid.
Cofounder William Goldberg addressed customers and supporters via email, describing the ruling as surprising despite nearly 10 years of operation without prior reason to believe otherwise. “I have always run the distillery to the letter of the law and to what I understand is required by applicable building and fire code,” Goldberg stated. To continue operations, the business will be required to move its whiskey barrels to a location outside of the building until an alternate location is found. Until compliance is reached, public access to the indoor tasting room remains prohibited.
Brand & Industry History
Oak & Grist Distilling Co. has operated in its current location on Grovestone Road since 2016. According to Planning Director Michelle Kennedy, conversations regarding combustion materials on the site have been ongoing since about 2023. However, the June 1 fire inspection found 4,000 gallons of combustible liquids and not appropriate documentation related to fire suppression, the fire alarm and sprinkler system, prompting immediate action by town officials.
What This Means
The impact of this ruling on the distillery could very well determine its survival. Goldberg noted that overcoming this new challenge will require resources currently unavailable to the business. Town officials indicated they would allow 90 days for the company to reach full compliance rather than a shorter timeframe recommended by the state fire marshal. The business is offering outdoor service while the owner determines the long-term viability of the operation.
Consumer Takeaway
Supporters are encouraged to help sustain the operation through direct purchase or local ABC store acquisition. Goldberg requested that patrons buy a bottle, ask bar owners to carry the spirits, and visit for outdoor cocktails if they love the space created. The distillery remains open for outdoor service while considering how to proceed with the compliance requirements.
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