Noah’s Mill vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:59 pm

Discover the differences between Noah’s Mill vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 in this in-depth 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

Noah’s Mill vs. Van Winkle 10: Two Bourbon Stars, Two Different Paths

Noah’s Mill: Starts with an ethanol note, evolving to dark fruit, cinnamon, and vanilla. The palate is a blend of nuts, citrus, and caramel, with a long, warm finish.

Van Winkle 10: Vanilla, ripe fruit on the nose, with caramel and cherry on the palate. The finish is long, emphasizing caramel and oak.

Verdict: Both bourbons are compelling in their own right, offering a rich array of flavors and a satisfying warmth. Ideal for those seeking depth and complexity in their whiskey experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Pappy Van Winkle Alternatives

Noah’s Mill: Beyond the Initial Heat, a Complex Gem Awaits

• 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: Booker’s

Initial Kick, Then Deep Delight: The first whiff might startle you with a noticeable ethanol presence, but don’t be discouraged. As it breathes, aromas of dark fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak emerge, hinting at the complexities within.

Creamy Embrace & Bold Flavors: Take a sip, and a delightful creaminess washes over your palate. An initial warmth hits, but it’s far from harsh. Roasted nuts, citrus, cinnamon, and burnt caramel mingle with dark fruit and subtle oak, creating a captivating flavor symphony.

Lingering Warmth & Enhanced with Water: The finish stretches out long and warm, leaving you with lingering notes of burnt caramel, dark fruit, and a touch of oak. Adding a dash of water can temper the heat while amplifying the sweetness and roasted nut character, offering a slightly different but equally enjoyable experience.

Verdict: Rich & Characterful Delight: This bourbon goes beyond simply “smooth.” It delivers a pleasant warmth and a rich flavor profile where dark fruit, caramel sweetness, and a balanced interplay of oak, cinnamon, and roasted nuts take center stage. Its complexity rewards slow savoring, making it ideal for those seeking a spirit with depth and character.

Bonus Bites:

• The exact mash bill remains a secret, adding to the mystique.
• While it previously carried a 15-year age statement, it’s now a blend of 4 to 15-year-old whiskeys, ensuring depth and maturity.
• Crafted in small batches of only 20 casks, contributing to its exclusivity and unique character.
• Though bottled at Willett Distillery, sources suggest it might be sourced from other Kentucky distilleries, adding to the intrigue.
• Recognized for its quality, earning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012 and 93 points from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible in the same year.

So, if you’re looking for a bourbon that ventures beyond standard smoothness and offers a warming journey of complex flavors, Noah’s Mill is worth exploring. Remember, its initial warmth might surprise, but it paves the way for a rewarding tasting experience.

Van Winkle 10: A Wheated Delight Worth the Hype?

• Nose: Vanilla, ripe fruit, honey, bread, oak
• Palate: Caramel, cherry, baking spice, red fruit
• Finish: Long, caramel, oak
• Alcohol content: 107 proof (53.5% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Weller Antique 107

Alluring Aroma: Uncap the bottle and inhale deeply. A captivating aroma unfolds, rich with vanilla and juicy fruit notes. Subtle whispers of warm spices and aged oak complete the picture, promising a truly delightful experience.

Creamy & Warm Embrace: Take a sip, and let the velvety texture caress your palate. A delightful warmth spreads, followed by a harmonious burst of flavor. Ripe cherries and honeyed caramel take center stage, creating a sweet and inviting profile.

Lingering Warmth & Subtle Spice: The finish lingers gracefully, warming you gently. As it fades, hints of delicate spices and oak emerge, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience. Adding a touch of water can enhance these spice notes and slightly tame the heat, but this bourbon shines even in its unadulterated form.

Verdict: Smoothness That Exceeds Expectations: This wheated bourbon lives up to its prestigious name. It’s undeniably smooth, with a slight warmth that adds character without overwhelming the palate. Despite its higher proof, it drinks surprisingly effortlessly, closer to a 90-proof experience.

Worth the Hype?

While “hype” can be subjective, Van Winkle 10 does deliver a remarkable sipping experience. Its smoothness, complexity, and wheated character are undeniable. However, its rarity and high price tag can be deterrents for some.

Ultimately:

• If you appreciate premium, wheated bourbons and prioritize exceptional smoothness, Van Winkle 10 is worth exploring, although you’ll need to be prepared for its exclusivity and cost.
• If you’re a casual bourbon drinker or prioritize value, there might be other wheated bourbons offering similar characteristics at a more accessible price point.

Bonus Bites:

• This expression uses a wheated mash bill, meaning wheat replaces rye grain, contributing to its smooth and sweet profile.
• It’s part of the prestigious Van Winkle line, crafted at the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery.
• Remember, it doesn’t bear the iconic “Pappy Van Winkle” label with Julian Van Winkle’s image.

Whether you choose to chase the legend or explore other wheated alternatives, remember that the most important factor is your personal preference and enjoyment. Cheers!

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Noah’s Mill	$60
Old Rip Van Winkle 10	$800