Sips & Sites & Bites

Foley Family Wines & Spirits, a California-based, family-owned company, continues to make waves in the spirits industry with the launch of Minden Mill single estate whiskeys. 

This marks a bold step into the world of American whiskey, as FFWS expands its portfolio beyond wine and into handcrafted spirits. The Minden Mill Distillery, which FFWS began operating in May 2023, is home to an innovative approach to whiskey-making, centered around estate distilling.

What sets Minden Mill apart is its commitment to controlling every aspect of production, from farm to glass, at a single estate. The distillery sources all of its grains within five miles of the facility, which is situated in the heart of Nevada’s Carson Valley. 

By using only locally grown grains and pure snowmelt from the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, Minden Mill brings out the distinct terroir of this high-desert region. Very few distilleries can claim such a close relationship with their raw materials, making Minden Mill a true standout in the growing American craft whiskey scene.

Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan, who also plays an active role in the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, elevates the standard for estate distilling. According to O’Sullivan, the Carson Valley’s extreme climate … marked by hot summers and freezing winters … shapes the grains into unique flavors, adding a layer of complexity to the whiskey that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. 

“What you’ll find in our whiskey is a flavor that appeals to the new drinker looking to explore the category as well as the experienced spirit hound,” O’Sullivan says.

Minden Mill’s whiskey collection currently includes three expressions, each showcasing the high desert terroir and innovative distillation techniques:

1. Nevada Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($44.99): This bourbon blends 60% Earth Tone heirloom corn with rye, barley, and oats. The result is a smooth, well-rounded whiskey with notes of cherry cola, vanilla, and a long, sweet finish. Aged for four years in both American and French oak barrels.
2. Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey ($44.99): Crafted with 80% rye, this rye whiskey has a spicier profile, with hints of candied orange peel that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Aged for four years in charred oak barrels, it’s rich in flavor with a warm, inviting finish.
3. American Single Malt ($59.99): Made with 100% estate-grown barley, this expression is the pinnacle of innovation. Crafted using rare Forsyth stills and aged for five years in a combination of Oloroso sherry, ex-bourbon, and American oak casks, it boasts rich flavors of coffee and almond, ideal for those seeking something new from American whiskey.

These whiskeys are distilled in state-of-the-art Christian CARL hybrid stills and aged in climate-controlled rickhouses inspired by whiskey regions like Speyside and Kentucky. The attention to detail extends to bottling, which is done in-house, ensuring the integrity of every bottle.

Minden Mill’s commitment to craftsmanship is reflected in its physical setting as well. The distillery occupies two historic buildings, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The extensive renovation of these buildings earned them LEED Gold certification, further reinforcing FFWS’s dedication to sustainability and heritage.

With the Minden Mill single estate whiskeys now available in select states and online, these exceptional spirits are ready to take their place in the pantheon of American craft whiskey.