Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Minden Mill Distilling—Pembroke, KY

Proof: 94.0 (47.0% ABV)

Age: Four Years

Mashbill: 80% Corn, 10% Wheat, 10% Malted Barley

MSRP: $45

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100% Nevada Estate Rye Whiskey. High Value.

Minden Mill Distilling is carving its niche by focusing on estate-grown grain, traditional aging, and attention to distillation detail.  This straight rye expression is built from a mashbill of 80% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% malted barley—a combination that blends the spice-forward intensity of rye with softer wheat influence and malted complexity.  Aged four years in #3 char barrels, bottled at 94 proof, and priced at $45, it seems to aim for balance between grain character and oak structure.  

With production fully contained on-site in Minden, Nevada, this release offers a clear window into grain-to-glass authenticity.

Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.75/5

Cinnamon stick.  Fresh baked warm rye bread.  Light honey.  Fresh hay.
Strengths:  An inviting mix of sweet and savory.  Grain notes meet gentle sweetness.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Lacks a deeper layering or punch of spice that many higher-proof or older ryes often deliver.
Rating Justification:  Solid structure with approachable rye spice that enthusiasts can appreciate and those new to rye whiskey can enjoy.

Palate – 4/5

Brown sugar.  Toasted rye.  Clove.  Orange peel.
Strengths:  Balanced delivery—sweet appears first and leads into spice and oak, never overwhelming the Palate.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Some flavors are restrained.  The wheat seems to soften the intensity that could have otherwise showcased the rye’s sharper edges.
Rating Justification:  Flavorful.  A rye that trades sharpness for drinkability.

Finish – 3.75/5

Baking spice. Light cocoa. Black pepper. Dry oak.

Strengths:  Consistent with palate, carries rye spice into a clean conclusion.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Slightly short in duration, tapering off before secondary flavors can fully develop.
Rating Justification:  Satisfying, if somewhat modest in length and depth.

Value – 4.75/5

At $45, this whiskey offers a full grain-to-glass transparency, authentic craft production, and estate-grown identity at a standout price point.  Compared to other craft ryes at this proof and age, it represents excellent value—especially with the inclusion of wheat for a softer profile.  Few craft distilleries offer estate rye under $50, making this bottle easy to recommend.

Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey delivers an authentic craft rye experience.  While it doesn’t push into the layered intensity found in older or higher-proof ryes, it excels at offering an approachable showcase of what estate production can deliver.  

Compared to other craft ryes at this proof and age, it represents excellent value—especially with the inclusion of wheat for a softer profile.  Few craft distilleries offer estate rye under $50, making this bottle easy to recommend. Shop now.

Verdict – 4.1/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3