Review: Noah's Mill
Vitals: Noah’s Mill has traveled through numerous distilleries, landing most recently in Bardstown at Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD, also known as Willett). Until recently, Noah’s Mill held a fifteen-year age statement, but due to diminished stocks because of the bourbon boom, the age statement was removed. Widely believed to be a blend of 4-20 year barrels, Noah’s Mill comes in at 57.15 % ABV (114.3 proof). I
Nose: 18 (out of 25 possible points)
The nose is rather subtle, but there’s a true complexity hiding in the glass. The most prevalent aspect of the nose is the spice that reminds me of baking a pumpkin pie. There’s a nuttiness that also is quite prevalent that is reminiscent of cashews. Oak and extremely light vanilla come out next, followed lastly by raisins.TaPalate: 21 (out of 25 possible points)
Wow! The palate is an explosion of flavors and is much more pronounced than the nose. Oak and vanilla hit immediately on the tongue, followed by the nuttiness found on the nose. To be more specific, it’s like a green walnut that still has some maturing to do. How do I know what a green walnut tastes like? Eh, I don’t, but I can imagine. As the nose suggests, I also get some raisins and dates, but they are more subtle. The other nutty flavor I get is a cashew, but that could be due to the fact that I’ve been eating them like they’re going out of style.
Finish: 22 (out of 25 possible points)
The finish is full roasted nuts, but the green walnut from the palate dissipated quite a bit. There’s quite a bit of oak and some vanilla, but the predominant flavor remains the nuts. It’s is a long-lasting bourbon that I would save for last in a line up as it totally blazes your palate.
Price: 8(out of 10 possible points)
$50-$60 is a reasonable price for the proof. I would compare this to a Bookers or Wild Turkey Rare Breed and put it in the middle of the two.
Availability: 6 (out of 10 possible points)
I’m slightly jaded as I can’t buy this in Michigan. It’s not the easiest to find, but popping into a store or two south of Michigan should provide you a couple bottles.
Presentation: 5 (out of 5 possible points)
The bottle is dark green, similar to that of a wine bottle. The label is rustic and yellowed, leaving you to believe it’s an older, dusty bottle.
Final Report: 75 (out of 100 possible points)
While the score isn’t entirely reflective of how much I like this bourbon, Noah’s Mill is an experienced drinker’s bourbon. It’s not for the faint of heart and it is polarizing; you either love it or hate it. The first time I tried Noah’s Mill I was in Kentucky overlooking the Daniel Boone National Forest with my wife. It may hold sentimental value to me as this trip to Kentucky was the one that led me into my bourbon journey; however, I truly believe Noah’s Mill is an outstanding bourbon. I was instantly drawn to the label and unique bottle, and the liquid inside the bottle didn’t disappoint. It’s one of the most unique bourbons I’ve ever had with flavor profiles not found in traditional bourbons. It stands in a class shared by Bookers and Rare Breed of non-traditional profiles and I will always keep a bottle in the bar. This is a very solid pour and if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, I would highly recommend Noah’s Mill.
Blake Johnson