Sips & Sites & Bites

In an age when whiskey enthusiasts crave authenticity and craftsmanship, few distilleries can claim the distinction of being truly “estate-grown.”

But Minden Mill Distillery, a new gem in Nevada’s Carson Valley, is doing just that. With a commitment to the farm-to-glass philosophy, Minden Mill is raising the bar in the world of American whiskey, introducing three ultra-premium single estate whiskeys that offer a unique glimpse into the high desert terroir.

A Bold Vision from the Heart of the High Desert

Launched by Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) in May of 2023, Minden Mill stands out not only for its location … nestled in the Nevada high desert … but for its meticulous commitment to estate distilling. Estate distilleries are rare, and to meet the criteria, a distillery must control every aspect of production, sourcing at least 85% of its raw materials from its own land.

Minden Mill goes a step further. All of its grains are grown within a five-mile radius of the distillery, sourced from land under the distillery’s direct control. The grains are then paired with pure snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains, distilled and aged in the innovative facility nestled in the Carson Valley.

Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan, who is also a leader in the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, spearheads this bold new venture. “The high desert terroir is distinct,” O’Sullivan explains. “The demanding climate of the Carson Valley has shaped our grain through heat and frost into a raw material we work hard to honor.”

The result is a whiskey that speaks to both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers alike, whiskeys that are as much about the place as the process.

Craftsmanship Meets Terroir

The three Minden Mill expressions are a study in both innovation and tradition, each with a distinct character that reflects the unique environment of their creation.

Nevada Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($44.99) – This bourbon takes a modern approach to a classic American style. Crafted with 60% Earth Tone heirloom corn, 20% rye, 10% barley, and 10% oats, this bourbon features a bold nose of cherry cola, vanilla, and a touch of light spices. Aged for four years in new charred American and French oak barrels, it offers a long, sweet finish that will appeal to fans of both traditional and contemporary expressions. At 47% ABV, it’s a well-balanced pour, non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavors derived from the terroir.

Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey ($44.99) – With a higher rye content (80%), this rye whiskey delivers a spicier, more robust profile, with a noticeable sweetness that complements the heat of the rye. The addition of 10% wheat and 10% barley results in a harmonious blend that highlights the candied orange peel and fruit-forward notes tied directly to the high desert environment. Like the bourbon, it’s aged four years in a combination of American and French oak and bottled at 47% ABV.

American Single Malt Whiskey ($59.99) – Perhaps the most innovative of the trio, this single malt is crafted with 100% estate-grown barley, malted on-site in a process that mirrors the best practices of Scotland’s whisky-making traditions. The whiskey is distilled in rare Forsyth stills, prized for their ability to create a pure, nuanced spirit. Aged for five years in a unique barrel regimen that includes Oloroso sherry casks, ex-bourbon barrels, and American oak, the American Single Malt is a complex offering with notes of coffee, almond, and dried fruits. It’s a revelation for anyone seeking a new, elevated experience in American whiskey. At 47% ABV and non-chill filtered, it maintains a rich mouthfeel and depth of flavor.

A Nod to Tradition, a Leap into Innovation

The production process at Minden Mill is one of the most cutting-edge in the world. The distillery utilizes a hybrid still from Christian CARL, known for its precision and ability to extract the purest flavors from the grain. The American Single Malt, in particular, benefits from the rare Forsyth stills. Each of these spirits is aged in climate-controlled rickhouses that mimic the conditions found in legendary whiskey regions: the bourbon and rye in rickhouses modeled after those in Kentucky, and the single malt after those in Speyside, Scotland.

The Minden Mill team, with their commitment to quality and innovation, makes these whiskeys not only an exploration of flavor but a tribute to a place that has shaped them. “These whiskeys could only come from here,” says Jason Daniel, Chief Marketing Officer for FFWS, encapsulating the essence of Minden Mill’s mission. “From the high desert terroir to the meticulous craftsmanship, these whiskeys are a bold new chapter in the story of American whiskey.”

A Destination for Whiskey Lovers

Beyond the bottle, Minden Mill offers a sensory experience that goes beyond what’s in your glass. The estate itself is a historical site, featuring two buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places: a flour mill and a creamery, both of which have been carefully restored to meet LEED Gold standards. Visitors can take part in tastings and tours at the distillery’s bar and tasting room, getting a closer look at the heritage and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

For collectors and connoisseurs, Minden Mill’s whiskeys are now available in select states including Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, and Illinois, as well as online with prices ranging from $44.99 to $59.99.

The Future of Estate Distilling

Minden Mill’s debut marks the beginning of a new era in American whiskey. As a member of both the Estate Whiskey Alliance and the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, Minden Mill is part of an emerging movement that emphasizes the importance of terroir and estate-grown ingredients.

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Discover Minden Mill’s full collection of whiskeys at your local retailer or online at mindenmill.com.