Minden Mill Distilling — Local services in Minden

Minden Mill is a breath of fresh air in this quiet little town! This new(ish) spot captures the historical significance of the old flour mill to Minden while infusing trendy vibes, exquisitely crafted cocktails, and the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Aesthetic - 10/10 The Mill kept so many aspects of the original flour mill to allow you to feel immersed in history but with modern touches of a green Swarovski crystal chandelier, the most elegant staircase you've ever seen, and thoughtful bar touches just to name a few! Needless to say, I stole some ideas for my own home bar to liven it up! The Mill is broken down into three main visitor levels: The first floor is the check in area, merch, and the tasting area for post-tour liquor tastings. Don't forget to schedule a tour, it's so worth it! The second floor is dedicated to their craft cocktails with a beautifully welcoming bar, displays of the liquor made in-house, and the best mixologists in town. The third floor is dedicated to wine tasting since the Mill is owned by the Foley family who have a vast array of wineries throughout the west coast and this is a great spot to sample their offerings.

Staff - 10/10 I cannot say enough about the lovely team at Minden Mill. They are incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and knowledgeable about their wares. The bartenders on the second floor are experts in their craft, making delicious cocktails from scratch and always innovating. You may even get lucky enough to meet Elaine, the manager of Minden Mill who is one of the nicest people you'll meet!

Drinks: Sherry's Unthaied (10/10) - I LOVE a cocktail with an almond twist and this deliciously balanced citrusy, almond cocktail was to die for. Milk Punch (10/10) - WOW order this drink! The cheese foam may sound intimidating but let me tell you, it's like drinking an airy, light cheesecake! Not too sweet and boozy in all the right places. Camp (10/10) - My fiancé LOVED this spiced apple whiskey cocktail. We saw so many people coming back for more of these we just had to try it! James Gang (10/10) - A crowd favorite for sure! Boozy, balanced, and just so good.

If you've read this far in the review, I hope you want to go (back) to Minden Mill as much as I do! You...

A lesser known treasure, whether you want a first-time distillery tour, or a repeat-visit to just enjoy the 2 unique bars. Impressive renovation of a historic mill, keeping massive wood beams & lots of natural light blended with beautiful new flooring & open spiral staircases. There's also ample view areas from the bars of the distillery area, which showcase the crafted copper pot stills like works of art.

Main floor offers merchandising & starts tours, while floors 2 and 3 are separate bars. Spiral staircases separating them are fun to use, but elevator access is also available. Bar offerings include both whiskey flight tastings or drinks, but other distilled liquors are also served.

Service was great- thank you, Phoebe. She was cheerful and quick to greet, knowledgeable about tasting & cocktail choices, and able to handle other questions about the property.

Parking on the grounds can be limited during peak times, but street parking is also available. A suggestion would be to consider using some of the parking dedicated to only e-vehicles for general parking, and for some of those spaces to offer more handicapped parking that is closer to the building...

I was disappointed in our trip to Minden Mill. The spirits are young and harsh. The more we tasted them the more they all tasted alike. I think I will wait 5 years to go back when they have more years under their belt. There was also a mix up about the type of tour I booked. I realize I was at fault after booking on the website but the tours were not very well explained. It ended up that I booked a spirits tasting and not a tour and tasting as I had thought. I am not sure why the spirits tasting is a 90 minute experience. It certainly didn't take that long to taste the small squirt of the different spirits that they put in our glasses. I am sorry to have missed the tour at 4:00. (We arrived in time for our 4:30 tasting) It would have been nice if they were able to add us to the tour late since we drove an hour an a half to get there but they did not. To their credit the building and complex are very nicely re done. ...