Stillman's Sonder 10-Year American Single Malt Whiskey Review

 

Did you know that MGP was distilling American Single Malt a decade ago? I didn’t, and that was the very first thing that caught my attention with Dancing Goat Distillery’s Stillman’s Sonder.

 

Firstly, American Single Malts tend to mature faster than Bourbon or Rye. There are plenty of excellent two-year-old or younger American Single Malts on the market. Four years is getting up there in age. At six years, these should be applying for AARP membership. But ten years? They’re few and far between!

 

Secondly, the American Single Malt category wasn’t even legal until December 18, 2024. Several distillers were working on a gentlemen’s agreement as to what American Single Malt should be, but that didn’t even begin until 2016. Even then, the sky was the limit as not all distillers were on the same page. The major regulations require it to be made from 100% malted barley from a single American distillery, and it can be matured in charred or uncharred oak that’s either new or used, and no larger than 700 liters. E150a caramel coloring can be used, but it must be disclosed on the label.

 

Thirdly, Dancing Goat Distillery is a stone’s throw from Whiskeyfellow International Headquarters. I watched this distillery get built and then expand; it has Wisconsin’s only Kentucky-style rickhouse. Nick Maas, its master distiller, is insane (in the most fantastic way possible). He has more thoughts in his head as to what can be done with whiskey and other spirits than even he can express. He isn’t shy about trying something just to see what happens. He reminds me a lot of Harlan Wheatley. I have nothing but respect for him and his team.

 

Stillman’s Sonder began as either a special order with MGP by an undisclosed entity who, for whatever reason, abandoned the project, or as a test run from MGP, with no plans for those barrels. That’s not overly unusual; it is how we get a plethora of super-aged Light Whiskeys from the same source.

 

“Through three rounds of blending, finishing, and re-barreling, the Dancing Goat team and the Maas family created Stillman’s Sonder - a 10-Year American Single Malt whiskey that’s polished, reimagined, and ready for your glass.” – Dancing Goat Distillery

 

Nick had the “what if we…” notion of taking those barrels, then finishing them in former Bourbon, Wisconsin Brandy, Cognac, and Calvados casks, and then blending them. The result is the subject of today’s review.

 

I purchased a 700mL from the distillery for $70.00. It is also available at retail locations where other Dancing Goat products are sold. Today isn’t the first time I’m trying Stillman’s Sonder; when I was at the distillery for an unrelated release, I purchased a pour at their cocktail bar. The fact that I walked out with a bottle kind of gives away the rating… Let’s #DrinkCurious anyway.

 

• Whiskey Type: American Single Malt
• Distiller: MGP
• Age: 10 years
• Mashbill: 100% malted barley
• Cooperage: Virgin oak casks at various char levels, former Bourbon, Wisconsin Brandy, Cognac, and Calvados casks
• Alcohol Content: 48.2% ABV (96.4°)
• Price per 700mL: $70.00

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass to explore Stillman’s Sonder neat. Inside, the whiskey had a brassy appearance. I observed a thin rim with a wavy curtain of tears that dropped back into the pool.

 

Nose: I allowed Stillman’s Sonder to sit in my glass about ten minutes before embarking further. Afterward, I discovered an aroma full of baked apples, pears, nutmeg, and gingerbread. There was some oak hidden beneath, and I even encountered orange zest. When I brought that air into my mouth, I tasted ginger and orange zest.

 

Palate: A soft, silky texture caressed my tongue. There wasn’t what I could describe as a palate shock with this whiskey. The front of my palate found a medley of baked apples and pears, along with dried apricots. At mid-palate, flavors of nutmeg, toffee, and brown sugar. The back featured Nutella, soft oak, and candied ginger.   

 

Finish: Nutella carried deep into the finish, along with candied ginger, baked apples, dried apricots, and dry oak. It was level and like a freight train; the duration ran a whopping 2:52.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Yes, we all know that I bought a Bottle of this after first tasting it. But why? I’m sure MGP did a fine job of distilling; I’m more impressed with what Dancing Goat did with it afterward. There are so many things going on with Stillman’s Sonder. Between the fruity notes, the sweet flavors, the slight spiciness, and that Nutella sensation – wow. Stillman’s Sonder is a great way to start 2026. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.