449. Estate Grown & Climate Controlled: The Innovative Spirit of Minden Mill

In this episode of the Bourbon Road podcast, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are joined by Joe O'Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, for an in-depth exploration of their unique Nevada-born spirits. This episode offers a fascinating look into the world of estate distilling, where Minden Mill grows 85% of its own grains right in the challenging high-altitude climate of Nevada, just a stone's throw from Lake Tahoe .

The conversation kicks off with a tasting of the Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye. O'Sullivan details its 80% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% barley grain bill, all grown on-site . A standout feature of Minden Mill's process is their innovative solution to Nevada's harsh aging climate. Due to a staggering 3% angel's share loss per month in the dry local environment, they employ a climate-controlled rickhouse that precisely mimics the temperature and humidity of Bardstown, Kentucky. This 94-proof, 4-year-old rye delivers a distinct "candied orange" flavor profile, a direct result of its unique terroir and estate-grown winter rye . The hosts are immediately impressed by its sweetness and complexity, noting it drinks well beyond its age .

Next, they dive into the Nevada Straight Bourbon, a four-grain whiskey featuring a special heirloom "earth tones" corn. Unlike the sweet yellow dent corn, this starchy variety is compared to a potato raw but transforms through the distilling process to produce a remarkable "cherry cola" note . This bourbon, also 4 years old and 94 proof, is aged in the same Kentucky-mimicking conditions and utilizes wooden foeders for fermentation, which adds a layer of complexity similar to a sourdough starter. The hosts praise its unique, cool, and fresh sweetness that coats the palate.

The final tasting features the 5-year-old American Single Malt, a category O'Sullivan is deeply passionate about, having been mentored by Steve McCarthy, the pioneer of the first American single malt. This expression is a testament to technological and traditional craftsmanship. It's produced using custom Forsyth stills and a thermal oil calandria heating system that achieves a Maillard reaction, creating high-ester, flavorful whiskey right off the still. The aging process is just as intricate, taking place in a rickhouse that emulates the chilly, coastal climate of Ballindalloch, Scotland, and uses a combination of new American oak, used bourbon barrels, STRs, and Oloroso sherry casks . The result is a whiskey with a nose of deep, sweet honey-pear and butterscotch apricot.

Throughout the episode, O'Sullivan shares insights into their water source from the Sierra Nevada snowpack, their in-house malting facility, and the collaborative spirit of the American whiskey industry. He also gives a glimpse into the future of Minden Mill, including experimental heirloom corns like Jimmy Red and upcoming special releases finished in unique casks like orange wine barrels .

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