Noah's Mill Small Batch Bourbon 750ML is a barrel-strength small batch bourbon bottled at 57.15% ABV (114.3 proof) in a 750ml bottle from Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. A Double Gold Medal winner at the 2011 and 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression has earned a 94-point rating from Whisky Advocate and 93 points from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, firmly establishing it among Kentucky's most decorated small batch releases.Quick Facts: ABV: 57.15% (114.3 Proof) | Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA | Small Batch, ~6-7 Year Old Stocks | Distillery: Willett DistilleryProduction & HeritageWillett Distillery, a family-owned operation in Bardstown, Kentucky, has deep roots in bourbon country stretching back generations. Noah's Mill is now produced entirely in-house at the Willett facility, drawing from the distillery's oldest available stocks — primarily whiskies aged between six and seven years. The mashbill of 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley runs through Willett's copper pot stills before aging in charred new American oak barrels, and the bourbon is bottled at its full barrel strength of 114.3 proof without dilution, preserving every ounce of character from the wood and grain.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a distinctly nutty quality — roasted walnuts lead the way, followed by stewed prunes and dried fruit. Deeper inhalation reveals floral lavender undertones layered with seasoned oak and a thread of dark caramel sweetness.Taste: The entry is rich and immediately full-bodied, with brown sugar sweetness coating the palate before giving way to earthy mid-palate notes of tobacco leaf and cigar box. Prunes intermingle with charred oak essence as warm baking spices push through, and the high proof delivers a gripping intensity without ever becoming harsh, balanced by a measured acidity that keeps the sweetness in check.Finish: The finish arrives with a spicy punch — a burst of cinnamon that transitions into deeply burnt caramel unfolding in waves. It lingers for an exceptionally long time, leaving behind walnut skin bitterness, toasted oak, and a faint trace of dark fruit that invites the next sip.How to Drink Noah's MillAt 114.3 proof, Noah's Mill rewards patience. Start neat in a Glencairn glass to appreciate the full aromatic complexity, then add a few drops of water to open up the floral and fruit layers hiding beneath the proof. A single large ice cube also works well, gradually softening the heat while amplifying the caramel and oak notes. Old Fashioned: The high proof stands up to sugar and bitters without losing its walnut-and-caramel backbone, making a robust, deeply flavored version of the classic. Kentucky Mule: The spice-forward profile pairs naturally with ginger beer, and the barrel strength cuts through the sweetness of lime and ginger. Boulevardier: Noah's Mill's tobacco and dark fruit notes match beautifully with sweet vermouth and Campari, creating a richer, more layered variation. Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who gravitates toward barrel-proof expressions Side-by-side tastings comparing Willett's small batch lineup After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or a fine cigar Building a Kentucky bourbon collection with award-winning bottles Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Noah's Mill taste like? Noah's Mill delivers a bold, walnut-forward profile layered with brown sugar, stewed prunes, tobacco, and charred oak, finishing with a long burst of cinnamon and burnt caramel. The barrel-strength proof amplifies every flavor, giving it a gripping intensity balanced by measured sweetness.How does Noah's Mill compare to Rowan's Creek? Both are small batch bourbons produced at Willett Distillery, but Noah's Mill is bottled at a significantly higher proof (114.3 vs. Rowan's Creek at 100.1 proof), resulting in a more intense and concentrated flavor experience. Rowan's Creek tends to be lighter and more approachable, while Noah's Mill leans into deeper oak, nut, and spice character driven by its older stocks and barrel strength.Is Noah's Mill good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its 114.3 proof, Noah's Mill is widely regarded as a rewarding neat pour thanks to its balanced sweetness and layered complexity. Adding a small amount of water can further open up floral and fruit notes for those sensitive to high-proof spirits.Where is Noah's Mill made? Noah's Mill is produced at the Willett Distillery, located in Bardstown, Kentucky — a town often referred to as the Bourbon Capital of the World. The bourbon is now distilled, aged, and bottled entirely on-site at the Willett facility.What foods pair well with Noah's Mill? Pecan pie complements the walnut and caramel notes naturally. Smoked brisket or barbecued pork shoulder matches the bourbon's charred oak and tobacco character. Dark chocolate truffles mirror its brown sugar sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère provides a savory counterpoint to the rich, spiced profile. Fig and prosciutto appetizers echo the dried fruit notes on the nose.What sizes does Noah's Mill come in? Noah's Mill Small Batch Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Noah's Mill worth the price? Noah's Mill positions as a premium small batch bourbon, and its barrel-strength potency, use of Willett's oldest stocks, and consistent critical acclaim — including a 94-point Whisky Advocate rating and multiple Double Gold Medals — place it in strong competitive standing within its price tier.Why Noah's Mill?What separates Noah's Mill from the crowded barrel-proof bourbon field is its origin: Willett Distillery's oldest available stocks, married together and bottled without dilution at 114.3 proof. The result is a bourbon that has earned a 94-point rating from Whisky Advocate and multiple Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — accolades that reflect genuine quality rather than marketing hype. Its mashbill of 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley produces a flavor profile that is simultaneously rich and nuanced, moving from walnut and dark fruit through tobacco and spice with uncommon coherence. For drinkers seeking a full-proof Kentucky bourbon with verified critical credentials and serious depth of flavor, Noah's Mill consistently delivers.
