Stillhouse Black Bourbon 750ML

Stillhouse Black Bourbon 750ML is a coffee-mellowed Tennessee bourbon bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a distinctive 750ml stainless steel can. Scored 94 points by both the Ultimate Beverage Challenge and Tastings.com, this expression earned Gold at the Denver International Spirits Competition and stands as one of the first bourbons mellowed in roasted small-batch coffee beans.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Tennessee, United States  |  Coffee-Mellowed Bourbon  |  Distillery: Stillhouse Spirits Co.

Production & Heritage

Stillhouse Spirits Co. built its reputation on unconventional packaging and flavor-forward whiskey. Black Bourbon begins with a proprietary mashbill of corn, rye, and barley combined with limestone water, then ages for approximately two years in charred new American oak barrels. After barrel aging, the bourbon is charcoal filtered — a step rooted in Tennessee whiskey tradition — before undergoing its signature finishing process: resting and mellowing on roasted small-batch coffee beans. This final stage integrates coffee character into the spirit without relying on artificial flavoring, allowing the bourbon's native sweetness and oak structure to remain intact.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Freshly roasted spice, caramel, and hazelnuts arrive immediately on the nose. Beneath those top notes, the coffee influence emerges as a warm, toasted undercurrent rather than a dominant force.

Taste: The palate opens with sugar-coated cardamom, cloves, and vanilla beans, then transitions into layers of caramel, toasted oak, and mocha. Roasted nuts and subtle smoke develop at mid-palate, while the coffee adds richness without overpowering the whiskey's natural sweetness and spice.

Finish: The finish is smooth and notably easy-drinking, with lingering notes of dark roast coffee and soft vanilla. Oak tannins provide just enough structure to keep the sweetness balanced through the close.

How to Drink Black Bourbon

Neat or over a single large ice cube highlights the interplay between the bourbon's caramel core and its coffee mellowing. The 80-proof strength and smooth profile also make it a versatile cocktail base.

• Espresso Martini: The natural coffee character eliminates the need for coffee liqueur, creating a cleaner, more bourbon-forward version of the classic.
• Black Manhattan: Swap in Black Bourbon for rye and pair with sweet vermouth — the mocha undertones complement the herbal bitterness beautifully.
• Coffee Old Fashioned: Use a demerara syrup and Angostura bitters; the built-in coffee notes deepen the drink without additional infusions.

Best For

• Coffee lovers exploring the bourbon category for the first time
• After-dinner sipping as a standalone dessert pour
• Gifting someone who appreciates unusual production techniques
• Building a home bar focused on craft cocktail versatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Black Bourbon taste like? Black Bourbon leads with caramel, cardamom, and vanilla before deepening into mocha, roasted nuts, and subtle smoke. The coffee influence adds richness and complexity without overshadowing the bourbon's inherent sweetness and spice.

How does Black Bourbon compare to Jameson Cold Brew? Stillhouse Black Bourbon is an American bourbon aged in charred oak and mellowed on coffee beans, while Jameson Cold Brew is an Irish whiskey blended with cold brew coffee extract. Black Bourbon leans toward caramel and roasted nut flavors with integrated coffee warmth, whereas Jameson Cold Brew delivers a lighter, more overtly coffee-forward profile on a triple-distilled base.

Is Black Bourbon good for cocktails? Its built-in coffee character and smooth 80-proof strength make it an excellent cocktail ingredient, particularly in Espresso Martinis and Coffee Old Fashioneds where it reduces the need for separate coffee liqueurs. It also works well in spirit-forward stirred drinks like Manhattans.

Where is Black Bourbon made? Black Bourbon is produced by Stillhouse Spirits Co. in Tennessee, United States. The use of charcoal filtration aligns with Tennessee whiskey-making traditions, while the coffee mellowing step is unique to this expression.

What foods pair well with Black Bourbon? Dark chocolate truffles amplify the mocha undertones. Pecan pie mirrors the roasted nut and caramel notes. Smoked brisket provides a savory counterpoint to the bourbon's sweetness. Tiramisu echoes the coffee and vanilla layers. Aged Gouda offers a nutty, caramelized complement to the oak character.

What sizes does Black Bourbon come in? Stillhouse Black Bourbon is commonly available in the standard 750ml format, packaged in the brand's signature stainless steel can design.

Is Black Bourbon worth the price? Black Bourbon positions as an accessible, entry-to-mid-level bourbon with a distinctive production method and strong critical recognition, including 94 points from both the Ultimate Beverage Challenge and Tastings.com. For a coffee-mellowed bourbon at this price tier, the quality and uniqueness represent solid value.

Why Black Bourbon?

The defining feature here is the coffee mellowing process — a technique Stillhouse pioneered in the bourbon world. Rather than simply adding coffee flavor, the spirit rests directly on roasted small-batch coffee beans after charcoal filtration, allowing a gradual integration that preserves the bourbon's oak and grain character. Back-to-back 94-point scores from the Ultimate Beverage Challenge and Tastings.com, along with Gold at the Denver International Spirits Competition, confirm the approach delivers genuine quality rather than mere novelty. For drinkers who want a bourbon that bridges the gap between whiskey and coffee culture without compromising either, Black Bourbon occupies a category largely its own.