Weldon Mills Distillery Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: Highlighting North Carolina Grains

What hallmarks do you look for in small distilleries? Is there something you gravitate toward without realizing its importance until the pattern is established? Perhaps you seek out pot-still production, for example, or you look for a brand's commitment to preserving the historical ways of crafting whiskey, or you enjoy a passionate focus on local ingredients. Whatever the reason, I wonder: are consumers being too hard on the little guys who are pursuing their passions?

I don't think so. Committing to a bottle of whiskey from a micro or craft distillery is an investment that comes with a higher price tag than, say, a bigger distillery. I'm certainly not a numbers person or an expert on profit margins and losses, but I can speak as a small distillery enthusiast who is intentional about my purchases and pours.

Weldon Mills Distillery, located in Weldon, North Carolina, is a micro-distillery that both distills and crafts unique blends of whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka. That may seem redundant to read, but many small distilleries start out with sourced whiskey that they bottle themselves while their own stock is aging. So, it is important to note.

Founded in 2018, Weldon Mills has two locations on the Roanoke River and offers both a distillery open to the public and a historic corn mill that serves as an event venue. In addition to the idyllic river views of the North Carolina landscape, the distillery proudly sources everything locally, from the water to the corn to the wheat and barley, directly from their home state. If you'd like to learn more about Weldon Mills Distillery, please visit their website.

Our mission is to elevate life's moments, both big and small, by delivering the world's finest bourbon experience through a portfolio of elegant spirits defined by unmatched quality and craftsmanship

Thank you to the folks at Weldon Mills for reaching out and providing the opportunity to try their whiskey. With certain hallmarks in mind and a palate ready to taste, I hope to offer a well-rounded review of a smaller distillery you may have never heard of before, so you can be a more informed and intentional consumer. Now, onward to the fun part!

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Company on Label: Weldon Mills Distillery

Whiskey Type: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys

Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed

Proof: 114.9°

Age: At least 2 years

MSRP: $64.95

Further Identification: Weldon Mills uses a three-grain mashbill with locally grown North Carolina corn, malted wheat, and barley

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Nose: Before I even lift the glass to my nose, I can smell the whiskey wafting from the table next to me. Once the rim of my glencarin is nestled cozily under my nostrils, I inhale robust and oily aromas that initially lean quite doughy. A second inhale ushers in pronounced cinnamon spice and rich caramel, and it has my mind relaxing into the familiarity of bourbon. Swirling the liquid releases additional wood spice, notably clove, with flashes of candied orange and baked apple pie. Digging my nose in deeper, which is quite easy even at this proof, I find subtle vanilla tones and the slightest hint of pepper. After a bit of rest, the welcome back has taken on richer tones of cinnamon buns, glazed donuts, and flaky pastry dough. Returning to the nose after several sips deepens the aromas into notes of steamed cappuccino and milk chocolate-covered orange slices. As the liquid disappears in my glass, the aromas hold steady, where each whiff is a reminder of what consistency smells like during a long sit with a dram. The empty glass smells of sweetened tea and damp hookah ash.

Palate: The first flash of liquid on my tongue has my eyes widening ever so slightly—this is silky! Steaming pour-over coffee, vanilla biscotti, and cream cheese coffee cake overwhelm my taste buds in a surprising and enjoyable way. The mid palate presents a nuanced flavor of hay and "craft", standing tall and proud as a lovely heat and cinnamon sugar spiced finish rounds out my first sip. The linger is medium in length with flavors that remind me of ginger tea and melted sugar cubes. Another sip isn't as coffee-forward as the first and now welcomes in fruit tones: orange marmalade, and stewed plums drizzled with vanilla frosting. Additional sips blend the flavors already tasted while offering new ones along the way, with pops of root beer, hot chocolate, and semi-sweet whipped cream. The cinnamon and underlying orange tones remain the common thread among the other mingling notes. The lingering layers, with each sip, leave behind earth tones, like corn husks and spring rain. As I approach my final sip, the flavors begin to join as one, tying a lovely bow on this tasting experience.

TL;DR: Expect a comfortable and enticing flavor profile with a silky smooth palate

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Rating: 3.5/5

Good enough. There's something to enjoy here.

This is an excellent dram to liven up your taste buds while not overextending your palate into unfamiliar territory. The smell and taste of North Carolina grains are not masked or hidden, which may pose a challenge for some. With additional aging, I do think the aromas and flavors will shine in ways that could make this a wow-worthy whiskey. For that reason, Weldon Mills is absolutely on my radar!

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WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH

With what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

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