Noah's Mill vs Rowan's Creek: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:00 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 Noah’s Mill vs Rowan’s Creek 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 Rowan’s Creek: Comparison

Noah’s Mill Bourbon: A bold blend of dark fruit, cinnamon, and vanilla with a creamy texture and rich, complex palate. Perfect for those who love a high-proof, flavorful bourbon.

Rowan’s Creek Bourbon: Sweet caramel and brown sugar on the nose, with a palate of dark fruit and vanilla. Ideal for a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon experience.

Verdict: Both Noah’s Mill and Rowan’s Creek offer distinct bourbon experiences, appealing to those who appreciate either bold, complex flavors or smooth, sweet sipping, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Bourbons under $50

Noah’s Mill Bourbon: A Warming Journey of Bold Flavors

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

Intriguing Nose: Take a deep breath and you’ll encounter a bold wave of alcohol at first, but don’t worry, it settles down quickly. As it opens up, delightful notes of dark fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak emerge, promising a flavorful adventure.

Creamy & Warming: Your first sip glides across the tongue with a luxurious, creamy texture that elevates the tasting experience. Expect a noticeable warmth, but it’s not harsh, just a comforting embrace.

Rich & Complex: Get ready for a party on your palate! Roasted nuts, citrus, cinnamon, burnt caramel, and dark fruit join forces, expertly balanced by oak, for an explosion of deliciousness.

Lingering Delight: The finish lingers long and warm, leaving you with sweet reminiscences of burnt caramel, dark fruit, and a touch of oak. Want to unlock even more complexity? Add a drop of water. It tames the heat, intensifies the sweetness, and brings out hints of roasted nuts in the finish.

Verdict: If you enjoy bold, flavorful bourbons with a warming presence, Noah’s Mill hits the spot. The dark fruit, caramel sweetness, oaky depth, and hints of cinnamon and roasted nuts create a truly delightful experience. It’s smooth, enjoyable, and perfect for those seeking unique character in their spirits.

Bonus Facts:

The secret mash bill adds to the mystique!
This bourbon used to be 15 years old, but now it’s a blend of 4-15 year-old whiskeys.
Only 20 carefully chosen casks make it into the final blend.
While bottled at Willett, it’s sourced from other Kentucky distilleries.
It’s award-winning, having scored a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 93 points from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Remember: The undisclosed mash bill and sourcing might leave some bourbon enthusiasts seeking more transparency. However, if you prioritize bold flavors and a memorable tasting experience, Noah’s Mill is definitely worth exploring.

Rowan’s Creek Bourbon: Sweet Sipping Surprise

Nose: Caramel, brown sugar, oak
Palate: Dark fruit, vanilla, rye spice, brown sugar, oak
Finish: Dry, oak, apple peel
Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Willett Pot Still

Aromatic Delight: Rowan’s Creek charms the nose with delicate sweetness. Think swirls of caramel, brown sugar, and a touch of oak whispering promises of a pleasant sip.

Flavorful Journey: First sip unveils a wave of fruity sweetness, like a summer orchard condensed into your glass. Vanilla and brown sugar join the party, playfully balanced by a touch of rye spice and oak for added depth.

Lingering Warmth: The finish hangs around for a satisfying length, offering a dry whisper of oak and apple peel with a gentle, warming embrace.

Easy Does It: No need for complexity here! Rowan’s Creek shines with its light and pleasing profile, making it a breeze to sip neat or on the rocks. The sweetness wins hearts, with a touch of rye spice adding character without overwhelming.

Smooth Operator: Don’t let the 100-proof fool you. This bourbon drinks surprisingly smooth, hiding its higher alcohol content behind its charm.

Beyond Basil Hayden’s: Fans of Basil Hayden’s will find similarities, but Rowan’s Creek boasts a fuller body and higher proof for a more robust experience. Plus, it ditches the traditional peanut note found in other Jim Beam whiskeys, offering a unique twist.

Verdict: Seeking a straightforward, enjoyable bourbon? Rowan’s Creek delivers. Perfect for those who appreciate a smooth, easy-drinking experience without complex layers.

Bonus Facts:

Originally boasting a 12-year age statement, Rowan’s Creek is now unaged to ensure wider availability.
It’s a blend of 4 whiskeys, each with its own unique mash bill.
Whiskeys are sourced from other distilleries, allowing for a curated blend.

What do Noah’s Mill and Rowan’s Creek have in common?

Both Rowan’s Creek, Noah’s Mill, along Willett are part of the portfolio owned by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD), a privately-owned and family-operated company.

It’s important to note that these bourbons are not distilled at their own facility, but rather sourced from various distilleries located in Kentucky.