Noah’s Mill is one of a number of whiskies produced by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, a Bardstown-based distillery. From what I can make out of their remarkably comprehensive history, the distillery in it’s current form dates from the 1980s, when it took over the old Willetts distillery – which explains the heavy use of the Willetts name on much of their whiskey.

Noah’s Mill Bourbon is a dark, small batch bourbon, bottled at a cask strength 57.2% ABV.

The nose is rich with dark vanilla toffee, blackcurrant and old, leather-bound books. With water the aroma becomes lighter, hints of cold burnt wood and green, sharp fruit – gooseberries perhaps?

In the mouth, you can certainly taste the cask strength! Behind all that alcohol is sweet creamy fudge, little touches of salted caramel and a tingling light spice finish that lingers wonderfully.

Watered, the strength is reined in enough to allow the flavours to come through properly. Chewy toffee is slowly joined by a sharp, almost sour undertone which balances the sweetness nicely. Over time, salty notes appear along with a long, warming alcohol finish.

Smooth throughout, this is a bourbon to enjoyed slowly, in small sips and most definitely with water. There’s a lot to enjoy about it – 4 stars!

Many thanks to Master of Malt for providing their excellent Bourbon Advent Calendar this year.