Willet: Noah’s Mill Vs. Pinhook Bohemian

The instant I tasted Bohemian - the first bourbon distilled and aged at Castle and Key distillery - I knew I wanted to put it up against Noah’s Mill. Both are 114 proof, both are around $50, and both are fairly young (3yrs for Bohemian, no age statement for Noah’s Mill - used to have a 15yr age statement but now thought to be a blend of ages from 4-15yrs).

Noah’s Mill) This is one of my favorite bottles, I love the uniqueness of the flavors. The nose is fruit, leather, vanilla, and oak. The palate is like drinking a Jolly-Rancher candy that is made from fruit aged in oak. Tart-apple, pear, vanilla, caramel, oak, and baking spices in a delicious mix. The finish is medium and a little spicy with more vanilla, and mild alcohol burn.

Bohemian) This is an interesting bottle that is getting very mixed reviews. The nose is very bright and citrusy along with alcohol burn. The first sip tastes decedent on the tongue with a pleasant oily mouthfeel and full flavor. It’s immediately obvious that this is a young bourbon, with flavors of young oak, cinnamon, and alcohol burn. But there is a depth here once you get beyond the alcohol that reveals layers of citrus, vanilla, leather, and rye-spice. The finish is fairly long and fruity, but also suffers due to the young age and has a lot of alcohol burn.

Verdict) While I actually really like Bohemian, and think I will love it after another 2-4 years in a barrel, right now it just doesn’t hold up to Noah’s Mill. There is no substitute for time in the barrel. I ALWAYS have a bottle of Noah’s Mill around. However if I saw Bohemian on the shelf for $50, I would buy it. It has some great qualities and will be interesting to compare to later, older releases.

PS: Could @willettdistillery please update the horribly dated bottle and label on Noah’s Mill? ;)