Noah's Mill Bourbon

I'm continuing to explore whiskies from my collection that I haven't yet documented. It's been a considerable time since I last sampled Noah's Mill. I remember enjoying it at a gathering, which led me to purchase a bottle (though I'm unsure if the bottle I bought matches the one I tasted at the party, as there seem to be different releases). With so many other bourbons and whiskies vying for my attention, I haven't had any in ages. Its color is Pantone 144. The aroma is intriguing: initially, I detected Balsam Fir, which evolved into notes of fruitcake, corn syrup, Heath bar, a hint of rye, a touch of vanilla, and a strong coolness of spearmint. The texture is smooth and creamy with pleasant viscosity. Some of the Heath bar toffee reappears on the palate, alongside dried orange peel. The warmth is noticeable at the finish, but it integrates well. The finish is medium to just under long, with vanilla, some char, and a subtle rye spice. There's much to appreciate about Noah's Mill. Similar to the Jefferson's Ocean Voyage 17 I reviewed earlier, Noah's Mill displays more rye than anticipated, consequently lacking some typical bourbon characteristics (though far less than the Jefferson's Ocean). After multiple tastings of Noah's Mill, I poured some Maker's Mark (a wheated bourbon) as a comparison point; this particular batch of Noah's Mill is undoubtedly high-rye. Wild Turkey also uses a high-rye mashbill, which I enjoy; so the rye content itself isn't the issue. It simply doesn't possess overt bourbon typicity. The overall impression is a smooth, creamy, high-proof, high-rye bourbon, but I recall preferring it much more in the past. This is not a spirit I would enjoy sipping, nor would I use it in cocktails. There are more affordable high-proof bourbons for cocktails (like Benchmark Full Proof or Old Grand Dad 114); alternatively, I'd rather spend an additional $20-30 on something like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It boasts an age statement of 12 years, averages about 15 more proof points, and is vastly superior in every aspect, regardless of which of its three annual releases you encounter. Or, if I'm looking for rye, there are numerous rye options available. Knowing it might be a different release, would I purchase Noah's Mill again? No. Batch 18-36. 114.3 proof. 3.0.

A significant admirer of this bourbon, I've consistently viewed it as very similar to another offering from the same distillery, perhaps slightly more mature. While both expressions once carried age statements, suggesting this was once accurate, this is the current bottling. I'm hopeful it continues the distillery's success. This particular sample is from Batch 22-25. Nose: It presents toasted almond and pecan, alongside a distinct pistachio note found in certain ryes, including those from this distillery. There are also hints of cocoa, fudge, and caramel, with some dried apricot. A mentholated note, reminiscent of Vick's Vapor Rub, is present, along with black cherry, a touch of vanilla and toffee, pipe smoke, and orange peel. A complex spice profile includes cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, and prominent oak. Palate: The pistachio flavor is pronounced, complemented by toasted almond, pecan, and walnut. The mentholated note returns, alongside black cherry and apple cider. Flavors of cocoa, fudge, milk chocolate, and caramel are present, with vanilla. Pipe smoke and orange peel emerge, followed by barrel smoke and a strong hit of black pepper, with notes of clove, nutmeg, allspice, and a powerful oak presence. Finish: Intensely hot. Flavors of cocoa, fudge, and caramel dominate, with vanilla, pipe smoke, and orange peel. Dried apricot, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and, naturally, oak. The finish is extended. This is a highly distinctive bourbon. Its flavor profile is unconventional in the most positive way. It's a potent whiskey with few parallels, particularly given its price. It offers a bitter, smoky, and spicy experience, yet it also features dark fruit, rich sweetness, and high-proof intensity that could impress even seasoned bourbon enthusiasts. Regarding value for money, finding a better bourbon is difficult. It cost me $60 and can stand against premium offerings. I rate this underappreciated gem 4.5 out of 5.

A fine dining establishment in Loisville, Kentucky, was the setting for my discovery of this long-sought-after whiskey: Noah's Mill. Its label, adorned with an "old paper" aesthetic, sits atop a brown bottle that evokes a vintage feel. This pour presents at an engaging 57.15% ABV. The aroma is distinctly saline, reminiscent of salted caramel, with an overall salty character. It conjures images of a fish market and barbecue sauce, creating a beautiful scent profile. The palate offers notes of lemon, toffee, potent pepper and corn, and a rich caramel. The finish echoes the palate's themes: caramel, toffee, coffee with milk, and a touch of smoke. In conclusion, this was a remarkably balanced and potent yet pleasing drink. The bottle's attractive appearance is a significant plus. While the flavors and aromas are somewhat traditional, they are executed with skill. I rate it 88 out of 100.

My partner needed a bottle of bourbon for a high-quality cocktail, so I suggested this one. The primary reasons were the reasonable cost and, more importantly, that I hadn't tried it before. 😁 I have to say, this was an impressive pour. The scent offered sweet fruit, baking spice, and leather. Upon my first sip, I experienced a pleasant warm kick from the alcohol content, which mellowed over time. The flavors were a nice blend of cinnamon red hot candy and leather. Oak wood notes appeared periodically. The mouthfeel was somewhat oily/creamy, allowing the finish to linger, which I greatly appreciated. After noticing bottles of this available for some time, I wonder why I waited so long to acquire one for myself. It's better to do it late than never, I always say!

Perhaps it's from tasting other whiskeys today (only two prior), but I'm not detecting any aroma other than alcohol. Maybe a faint hint of bitter coffee? The taste has an herbal bitterness. After a few sips, a leathery flavor emerges. The finish is moderately long and not particularly pleasant. Overall, I found nothing redeeming about it.

Total Score: 2.75 [English] [Nose] - Smooth and sweet - Milk chocolate - A subtle but present fruit scent. [Palate] - Smooth - Sweet, becoming spicier towards the end. [Finish] - A slight alcohol aroma. - Sweet scent. [Korean] [Nose] - Smooth and sweet - Milk chocolate - A fruit scent that isn't strong but has a presence. [Palate] - Smooth. - Sweet, then spicier towards the end. [Finish] - A slight smell of alcohol. - Sweet scent.