Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS), a family-owned business based in Sonoma County, has taken a bold step forward in the spirits market with the debut of Minden Mill, a collection of single estate whiskeys. These high-quality whiskeys are crafted at the newly operational Minden Mill Distillery, located in Nevada’s Carson Valley. Opened in May 2023, the distillery integrates state-of-the-art technology with local resources to create a unique product that reflects the distinct terroir of the high desert.
What Makes Minden Mill Unique?
Minden Mill sets itself apart as a single estate distillery. This means every part of the whiskey-making process—from cultivating grains to bottling—is controlled by the distillery itself, with at least 85% of raw materials sourced from its estate. Minden Mill takes this concept a step further by ensuring that all grains are grown within five miles of the distillery, on land directly under its stewardship.
The result? A whiskey that embodies the unique climate and soil of the Carson Valley, where hot days and frosty nights influence the grains’ development. These characteristics, combined with Sierra Nevada snowmelt water and cutting-edge distillation techniques, create a product deeply rooted in its environment.
Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan, a leading figure in the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, emphasizes the importance of honoring the high desert terroir. “The climate here pushes our grains to their limits,” O’Sullivan explains. “Our goal is to create whiskeys that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs.”
Three Flagship Whiskeys
The Minden Mill collection includes three distinct offerings, each with its own character:
Nevada Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($44.99)
A modern twist on a classic, this bourbon features a blend of 60% heirloom corn, 20% rye, 10% barley, and 10% oats. Tasting notes include cherry cola, vanilla, and light spices, with a smooth, sweet finish. It is aged for four years in charred American and French oak barrels.
Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey ($44.99)
This spicier option contains 80% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% barley, offering hints of candied orange peel and warm spices. The rye’s flavor profile reflects the Carson Valley’s unique environment and is aged for four years in charred American and French oak barrels.
American Single Malt Whiskey ($59.99)
Made exclusively from 100% estate-grown barley, this single malt incorporates innovative heating systems and Forsyth stills imported from Scotland. It’s aged for five years in a combination of Oloroso sherry, ex-bourbon, and American oak casks, resulting in notes of coffee and almond.
All whiskeys are non-chill filtered and feature a robust 47% ABV.
A State-of-the-Art Facility in a Historic Setting
The Minden Mill Distillery is as much about preserving history as it is about innovation. The distillery is housed in two historic buildings, a flour mill and a creamery, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These structures underwent extensive renovations to become LEED Gold-certified, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
Inside, cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role. Bourbon and rye are distilled using a Christian CARL hybrid still, while the single malt is crafted in rare Forsyth stills, one of the few of its kind in the United States. Aging takes place in climate-controlled rickhouses, monitored using weather data from regions that inspired the distiller, such as Speyside in Scotland and Nelson County in Kentucky.
The Importance of Terroir in American Whiskey
Minden Mill’s dedication to terroir sets it apart in the increasingly crowded American whiskey market. From the grains cultivated in the high desert’s extreme climate to the water sourced from Sierra Nevada snowmelt, every element contributes to the whiskey’s distinctive flavor profile.
“High desert terroir is unique and deserves recognition in the craft whiskey world,” says O’Sullivan. FFWS hopes that Minden Mill will establish Carson Valley as a notable region for premium whiskey production.
Available Now in Select Markets
The Minden Mill collection is available for purchase in Nevada, California, Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois, with prices ranging from $44.99 to $59.99. Consumers can also order directly through mindenmill.com. Visitors to the distillery can enjoy tastings and tours, experiencing firsthand the passion and precision behind these whiskeys.
Foley Family Wines & Spirits: A Growing Portfolio
The launch of Minden Mill marks an important milestone in Foley Family Wines & Spirits’ expansion into the spirits industry. Originally founded in 1996 by Bill Foley as a wine-focused business, the company now boasts a diverse portfolio that includes vodka, gin, tequila, Scotch, and Irish whiskey. The addition of Minden Mill complements its existing offerings, reflecting a strategic push into craft spirits.
With its innovative approach to whiskey-making and a deep respect for the Carson Valley’s unique environment, Minden Mill has positioned itself as a leader in the American craft whiskey movement. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a whiskey aficionado, the Minden Mill collection offers a glimpse into the future of estate-distilled spirits.
