Distilling in the U.S. usually begins with Kentucky, and then moves onto Tennessee, Colorado, Indiana, and maybe California, but Oklahoma doesn’t usually make a short list. A handful of distillers scattered around the state are trying to further Oklahoma’s reputation as a distiller state, and we sat down with two of our local luminaries: Jeffrey Cole, master distiller for Guthrie-based WanderFolk Spirits, and David Wood, owner and founder of OKC-based Woodworks Distilling in the Britton District. The two have become friends with a shared goal of increasging the size and influence of the Oklahoma Distillers Guild. We talked about their brands, their work, the guild, distilling in the state, and then the products from their line they have a strong affection for.

Jeffrey Cole

Cole has been a “first call” for me for years when I need to knock out a booze story with not enough information or experience to say something meaningful. Cole has always been willing to catch me up on what I need to know, and he’s transitioned from a topnotch bar manager and bartender to the state’s best distiller. His clear spirits at Wanderfolk are the equal of nearly any product you’ll find in a liquor store in the same category, and blind tests and awards bear that out.

Wood’s background has been an odd combination of bookstore, book publishing, and booze. I first met him in my previous life as a pastor, because his family’s bookstore had the city’s best selection of theology, philosophy and pyschology books. He has created a solid brand with Woodworks, and the tasting room is one of the most beautiful community spaces in the city. He’s also my collaboration partner on Woodworks Chef Series, an every other month dinner in the tasting room with some of the city’s best chefs and cocktails from his bar team

Wood with distiller David Alexander