Noah’s Mill is a bourbon produced by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. (KBD), better known as Willett Distilling Company or simply “Willett.” Established in 1935, Willett has a storied history that includes a shift to ethanol production in the 1970s and a complete halt in distilling by the 1980s. The company resumed distilling spirits in 2012, and since then, its own distillate has slowly replaced sourced whiskey in their various products.
Noah’s Mill was first introduced in the mid-1990s with a 15-year age statement, later removed in the early 2000s. For much of its history, Noah’s Mill was a sourced product, with whiskey likely originating from a number of distilleries. However, as Willett’s distillate reached sufficient age, the company transitioned Noah’s Mill to include their own whiskey starting with batches from 2022–2023.
The review you’re reading today was recorded in 2021 and features the older, sourced version of Noah’s Mill. This whiskey is bottled at 114.3 proof and is a blend of bourbons ranging from 4 to 20 years old. It’s known for being bold and high-octane, making it a staple for bourbon enthusiasts.
Let’s dive into Bob and Brad’s review to see how this iteration of Noah’s Mill measures up.
This review is taken from our episode "A League of Their Own / Noah's Mill feat. Bourbon and Blondes." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The nose opens with strong spices that remind me of a slightly younger rye. Past that, I get hints of vanilla and caramel. It’s intriguing, but it’s not super complex. I’d give it a 7/10.
Bob: There’s something about Willett products—even their sourced ones—that always have this unique funk. To me, it smells like opening an old book, that dusty, musty warehouse smell. You can tell there’s some really aged whiskey in here. I love the nose on this. I’d give it an 8.5/10.
The nose features spices, sweetness, and a distinctive dusty funk, giving it an old-world charm.
Taste
Brad: The spices hit immediately, and I get that younger rye character again. On the back end, it’s oak-forward with hints of vanilla and caramel, but it doesn’t blow me away. I’m giving it a 6.5/10.
Bob: It’s not the most complex whiskey, but I enjoy the sweetness at the start. The rye spice comes through, and that dusty character lingers. I’d call it a 7.5/10.
The palate emphasizes spice and oak, with some sweetness balancing the flavor. Complexity is limited but enjoyable.
Finish
Bob: For such a high-proof bourbon, the finish is surprisingly smooth. It stays sweet and gives a nice Kentucky hug. It’s not remarkable, but it’s pleasant. I’d give it a 6.5/10.
Brad: The finish is the standout for me. It’s approachable at this proof and brings out unique notes of dark chocolate and coffee. I’d give it an 8/10.
The finish is smooth and approachable, with standout dark chocolate and coffee notes adding depth.
Balance
Brad: It’s decently balanced. The finish is stronger than the palate, but nothing really stands out in a bad way. I’d give it a 6.5/10.
Bob: I think this is a solid whiskey all around. The nose and palate are the highlights, but everything ties together nicely. I’d give it an 8/10.
While Brad found the balance unremarkable, Bob appreciated the cohesiveness across the categories.
Value
Bob: At $57.99, I think this is a solid value, especially since there’s 20-year-old bourbon in the blend. I enjoy it for its uniqueness, and I’d give it a 7/10.
Brad: For $58, it’s not a bad whiskey, but there are better options at a lower price. Wild Turkey Rare Breed, for example, delivers more for less. I’d give it a 4/10.
The value score reflects differing opinions: Bob finds it worth the price for its uniqueness, while Brad sees better options in the same price range.
Final Scores
Bob: 37.5/50
Brad: 32/50
Average: 34.75/50
Noah’s Mill falls just shy of the 35/50 threshold where we typically recommend buying a bottle. This iteration is a solid bourbon worth trying at a bar, especially for fans of Willett’s signature flavor profile. However, its price-to-quality ratio may not make it a go-to purchase for everyone.
For those who appreciate bold, high-proof bourbons with an aged character, Noah’s Mill offers a unique experience. But for others, there may be more compelling options at a similar or lower price point.
FAQ
What is the price of Noah’s Mill bourbon?
Noah’s Mill typically costs between $55 and $60.
What are the flavor notes of Noah’s Mill?
The whiskey features spice, oak, vanilla, caramel, and a distinctive dusty funk, with dark chocolate and coffee on the finish.
Is Noah’s Mill worth buying?
It’s worth trying at a bar. Whether it’s worth buying depends on your preference for unique, high-proof bourbons.
What is the proof of Noah’s Mill?
Noah’s Mill is bottled at 114.3 proof.
What is the history of Noah’s Mill?
Originally released in the 1990s, Noah’s Mill was a sourced product until recent years. The version reviewed here is from before Willett began using their own distillate.
