#USA #Cambridge #American Whiskey #Stillman's Sonder #Dancing Goat

Dancing Goat Distillery Launches Stillman's Sonder

Dancing Goat Distillery from Cambridge, Wisconsin, has recently introduced two premium whiskey expressions: the Stillman's Sonder 10-year Bourbon and the 10-year American Single Malt. Each represents a legacy cultivated through three generations of dedication to the craft of whiskey making.

Both offerings are available for purchase on the distillery's official website and select U.S. retailers for a suggested price of $70 per 750ml bottle. These releases serve as a testament to the Maas family's commitment to their craft, deeply rooted in tradition while pushing the boundaries of whiskey production.

At the core of this story lies Duane Maas, a pivotal figure in modern whiskey production. His journey began in the 1950s when he contributed significantly to the evolution of production methods and quality standards that shaped multiple iconic brands, including Seagram's and Chartreuse. Though he passed away in 2016, his legacy continues to resonate, influencing current whiskey production and the subsequent generations in the Maas family.

Following in his footsteps, his son Tom Maas emerged as a visionary brand builder, guiding growth strategies for many established whiskey labels while encouraging the rise of small-batch bourbon initiatives. Tom blended the technical skill of distilling with the art of storytelling, ensuring every narrative was genuine and respected the makers involved.

Today, Tom's son, Nick Maas, takes up this illustrious family tradition. He meticulously oversees the distillation and blending process at the distillery, bringing to life the values imparted by his father and grandfather. Stillman's Sonder is an embodiment of this heritage, characterized by precision and a passion for the craft.

A Decade of Crafting Whiskey

The journey to create Stillman's Sonder began with a collection of orphaned barrels, which evolved into a decade's worth of hard work. Between 2010 and 2016, distillation at MGP in Indiana resulted in a range of barrels that remained largely untouched. Recognizing their potential, the Maas family carefully acquired these barrels over the years, preparing to unleash their 10-plus-year-aged whiskeys.

Among the collection were barrels used for American Single Malt, aged in both Andean oak and traditional American oak barrels, which contributed depth and complexity to the final product. The crafting team, led by both Tom and Nick Maas, undertook an extensive 18-month process of blending and refining these spirits. Each choice contributed significantly to achieving the high-quality expressions now under the Stillman's Sonder name.

The Stillman's Sonder Straight Bourbon Whiskey was handled with utmost care, aged in a medley of Andean and American oak barrels. It displayed texture and richness resulting from double oaked components. This meticulous process garnered high recognition, including a Double Gold Medal and 98 points at the prestigious 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Meanwhile, the Stillman's Sonder American Single Malt underwent a unique distillation process in Indiana, with subsequent maturation occurring in Wisconsin. This expression involved three rounds of blending using a variety of casks—including virgin oak, ex-bourbon barrels, and others used for brandy and cognac—culminating in a robust flavor profile bottled at 96.4 proof.

Nick Brady Maas, an active participant in crafting Stillman's Sonder, expressed that this whiskey represents both a tribute to his grandfather Duane and a broader communal story of America's whiskey heritage. “These expressions were created for what he represented at the beginning—a Stillman,” said Nick, emphasizing the dual nature of the whiskey as both a personal and communal reflection.

Meaning Behind the Name

The intriguing name, Stillman's Sonder, encapsulates both craftsmanship and individuality. “Stillman” signifies the essential qualities of patience, precision, and thoroughness in the art of distillation, while “Sonder” conveys the understanding that each person has a life as rich and intricate as one's own—a philosophical layer that connects the whiskey to personal experiences and shared moments among its consumers.

Visually captivating, the bottle designs feature a mid-century modern aesthetic that pays homage to the architectural influences of Cambridge, Wisconsin, reflecting the Maas family's affectionate ties to their community and the craft itself. Each whiskey's label further plays on the duality of life, with the bourbon evokes the allure of nighttime, and the single malt presents the vibrancy of daytime.

Both expressions of Stillman's Sonder, the 10-year Bourbon and the 10-year American Single Malt, are now available online and at select retail stores, with an emphasis on limited single barrel selections as well. For further details, visit Stillman's Sonder and stay connected through their Instagram channel.

About the Distillery

Dancing Goat Distillery originated from a collection of spirits curated by Tom Maas, who envisioned these beverages as vessels for stories, connection, and legacy. Beyond Stillman's Sonder, the distillery's diverse offerings include various liqueurs and whiskeys, showcasing the artistry and creativity ingrained within their operation. As the distillery continues to honor the past while paving the way for the future, it stands as a tribute to the craft of distilling and the community of enthusiasts that cherish it.