Stillman’s Sonder 10-Year Straight Bourbon Review

 

Dancing Goat Distillery is a stone’s throw from Whiskeyfellow International Headquarters. I watched this distillery get built and then expand; at the time, it had 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.

 

“Stillman’s Sonder is both a tribute and a celebration of everything made possible by the spirit makers of America’s Heartland. Our work especially honors my late grandfather, Duane, whose rich and complex life in the world of spirits continues to inspire our every step. These expressions were also created for what he represented at the beginning – a Stillman. These two new whiskeys are an invitation to pause, connect, and reflect on the tapestry of our lives and the moments we share.” - Nick Brady Maas, Contemporary Stillman and Blender

 

In January, I had the opportunity to review Stillman’s Sonder American Single Malt Whiskey. It earned my Bottle rating, and if you’ve not had it, be prepared for one of the most unusual American Single Malts you’ve ever tried.

 

Today, I’m exploring Stillman’s Sonder Straight Bourbon. Distilled from an undisclosed Bourbon mash, it spent over a decade in both new, charred Andean and American oak barrels. After blending, a portion of the whiskey was double-oaked. Then, over a period of six months, Dancing Goat Distillery “spoon-fed” distilled water to gently bring down the proof.

 

Packaged at 47% ABV (94°), Stillman’s Sonder Straight Bourbon, a 700mL has a suggested $70.00 price tag. It is available from Dancing Goat’s online store or select retailers nationwide.

 

Now, before you rush out and order, give me a chance to #DrinkCurious and discover if it is any good. Dancing Goat Distillery was kind enough to provide me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

• Whiskey Type: Bourbon
• Distiller: MGP
• Age: 10 years
• Mashbill: Undisclosed
• Cooperage: New, charred 53-gallon Andean and American oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 47% ABV (94°)
• Price per 700mL: $70.00

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass to explore this Bourbon neat. The rust colored whiskey created a medium rim that shed thick, wavy, fast tears.

 

Nose: It was about 20 minutes from the point that I poured the Bourbon until I interacted with it. As I brought the glass beneath my nostrils and inhaled, I encountered a ton of chocolate, along with toffee, leather, strawberries, mild oak, and an earthy quality. When I pulled the aroma into my mouth, I tasted salted caramel.

 

Palate: The first sip exposed my lips and tongue to a thick, creamy texture and a palate shock of oak. The second revealed notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla on the front. My mid-palate plucked strawberries, tobacco, and cinnamon. I found flavors of coffee, heavily-toasted (almost French) oak, and dry leather on the back of my palate.

 

Finish: Coffee, toasted oak, cocoa nibs, dry leather, and cinnamon remained in my mouth, especially coating my tongue, which had a slight tingle to it despite the Bourbon’s relatively lower proof. As time wore on, my mouth became more arid, which, interestingly, made me go for another sip to whet my whistle. I had to stop myself so that I could time the finish, which lasted 1:36, making it somewhat long. At the very end, rich caramel shoved its way into the spotlight, only to disappear as quickly as it arrived.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I’ve had Bourbon-like whiskey aged in Andean oak once before, and found it to be rather excellent. Stillman’s Sonder Straight Bourbon was completely different, yet there were remnants locked away in my memory that yelled, “Hello!”

 

The tango between sweet and spicy was mesmerizing. As I stated with the finish, I caught myself mindlessly going for another sip a few times, trying to quench the dryness. That’s not a complaint; it is just a notable observation.

 

Stillman’s Sonder Straight Bourbon will appeal to whiskey drinkers in search of something bold and flavorful (count me in that group). Considering its age, proof, and uniqueness, Stillman’s Sonder Straight Bourbon is well worth drinking; you’ll want a Bottle for yourself. 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.