Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:07 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Booker’s vs Noah’s Mill in this head-to-head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Booker’s vs Noah’s Mill: Comparison
Booker’s Bourbon: A powerhouse of vanilla, oak, and leather on the nose, with a palate rich in vanilla, tobacco, stone fruit, and caramel. The finish is satisfying with cherry and oak, perfect for those brave enough to take it neat, but a few drops of water unveil its complexity.
Noah’s Mill: Begins with a mix of ethanol, dark fruit, and cinnamon, leading to a palate of nuts, citrus, and burnt caramel, with a long finish of caramel and dark fruit. Its high proof invites a splash of water or rocks to smooth out the warmth, revealing a deep richness.
Verdict: Both Booker’s Bourbon and Noah’s Mill offer exceptional bourbon experiences, but they cater to different palates. Booker’s, with its uncut and unfiltered boldness, is perfect for those who appreciate a robust, barrel-strength bourbon with a balanced profile. Noah’s Mill, on the other hand, provides a complex and layered journey and a rich blend of flavors that may appeal to a broad audience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Bourbons under $100
Booker’s Bourbon: Barrel-Strength Boldness, Balanced Beauty
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, leather
- Palate: Vanilla, tobacco, stone fruit, caramel
- Finish: Cherry, oak
- Alcohol content: 126 proof (63% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Knob Creek 15
Hold onto your taste buds, Booker’s is here! This barrel-proof behemoth promises a powerful punch with surprising finesse. Let’s see if it delivers.
Aroma: Deeply enticing with vanilla, leather, tobacco, and oak, all balanced by a subtle whiff of ethanol. Take a deep breath and enjoy the complexity.
Palate: Don’t underestimate its body! It starts sharp, but soon unfolds into a rich tapestry of flavors: vanilla, tobacco, stone fruit, caramel, baking spice, and the signature peanut note of Beam distilleries.
Finish: A satisfying linger of cherry and oak, leaving a pleasant warmth that avoids harshness.
Hot or Not? It can be, due to its high proof. But here’s the beauty:
- Neat: Enjoy the full-bodied experience (if your taste buds are bold enough!).
- Water: A few drops tame the heat and bring out the sweetness and oak.
- Ice: A large ice ball cools things down, but the sweetness might be less prominent.
The Verdict: Booker’s takes its place among single barrel royalty, like E.H. Taylor and Blanton’s. Its rich, balanced profile of vanilla, tobacco, leather, and caramel avoids excessive sweetness, making it perfect for those who prefer a complex yet approachable pour. And, with a slightly more affordable price point, it offers excellent value for the money.
Booker’s Facts:
- Aged 6-8 years.
- Uncut, unfiltered, single barrel.
- 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley mash bill.
- Named after Fredrick Booker Noe II, Jim Beam’s grandson and former master distiller.
Ready to embark on a barrel-strength adventure? Booker’s awaits, promising a bold yet balanced experience for your taste buds. Remember, a little water or ice can be your friend if you prefer a cooler journey.
Noah’s Mill: A Journey Through Richness and Spice
- Nose: Ethanol, dark fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, oak
- Palate: Nuts, citrus, cinnamon, burnt caramel, dark fruit
- Finish: Long, caramel, dark fruit
- Alcohol content: 114 proof (57% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, rocks
- Similar to: Blanton’s Single Barrel
Noah’s Mill promises a complex and characterful journey for your taste buds. Let’s embark and see if it delivers!
Aroma: Initially, a bold statement of ethanol takes center stage, but patience unlocks a treasure trove of dark fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak. Breathe it in deeply for the full experience.
Palate: A creamy body welcomes you, followed by a noticeable warmth that remains surprisingly smooth. Roasted nuts, citrus, cinnamon, burnt caramel, dark fruit, and a balanced oak influence dance on your tongue.
Finish: Hold on! The finish is a lingering hug of warmth, leaning towards sweetness with notes of burnt caramel, dark fruit, and a whisper of oak. It lasts, leaving you wanting more.
Ice or Neat? While enjoyable neat, a touch of water tames the heat and allows the sweetness and roasted nuts to shine brighter. Choose your adventure!
The Verdict: This bourbon is undeniably warm but never harsh. Rich dark fruit takes center stage, intertwined with caramel sweetness, and a balanced symphony of wood, cinnamon, and roasted nuts. It’s complex, intriguing, and incredibly enjoyable, making it a true gem for those seeking a unique and characterful experience.
Bonus Facts:
- Mash bill: Undisclosed (adds to the mystique!).
- Blend of 4 to 15-year-old whiskeys.
- 20 casks used in the blend.
- Bottled at Willett’s Distillery but sourced from other Kentucky distilleries.
- 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal.
- 93 points from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2012.
Ready to take the plunge? Noah’s Mill awaits, offering a journey your taste buds won’t forget.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Booker’s | $100 |
| Noah’s Mill | $60 |