Review: Cabin Still Bourbon
After my initial voyages to the bottom of the shelf with JW Dant and Kentucky Gentleman, I reasoned my exploratory adventure should further continue with another value bourbon.
Cabin Still was originally part of a line at the now legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery, along with W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, and Rebel Yell. The brand name was purchased in 1993 by the Heaven Hill distillery at the same time as JW Dant and has remained in the company’s portfolio for the past two decades. It doesn’t really get the respect it deserves — not even a mention of it on Heaven Hill’s brands page. That’s a shame because at 36 months in age, this is not a bad bottle, especially when considering it has a purchase point of around $10.
The initial nose has faint hints of oak and butterscotch, and the taste keeps the oak resonating throughout with a wee bit of alcohol burn at the end. There isn’t much of a finish to it, and the whole experience is restrained at best. There’s little to no lingering to be had on the finish whatsoever, whether tried neat or on the rocks.
Unlike the beautifully detailed artwork on the outside, Cabin Still isn’t elaborate or complex but serves its purpose well when mixed with cola, and I’m sure it could serve as a fine mixer for any other drink in which bourbon is required. I’m told by elder sages of the Kentucky Bourbonati that pre-Heaven Hill versions of this brand taste far superior to today’s edition, almost akin to a 12 year old WL Weller.
80 proof.
B / $9
Cabin Still Bourbon
$9
I AM 75 AND WAS INTRODUCED TO CABIN STILL BY DAD IN THE EARLY 60’S. I THINK THIS SOUR MASH WAS THE BEST TASTING OF ANY THEN AND NOW. I ASSUME IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE OR IF SO, IT IS NOT THE SAME QUALITY?
ANY INFO RE AVAILABILITY WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
I have a 1969 Old Kentucky hillbilly decanter from the cabin
I have been saving a quart bottle of Cabin Still that belonged to my father. It is unopened with foil and tax seals intact. It is W.L Weller’s 86 proof. Bottom of the bottle is imprinted with 6071. There is about a 1″ evaporation from the original level? It is level with the top of the “Handmade Bourbon” neck label. This bottle has not had any extreme temp changes. Color is excellent.
i’ve been playing around with bottom shelf bourbons and this is about the best so far. Plus it’s nickname cant be beat… stab’in kill -..<
I was turned on to Cabin Still because of the price. I was surprised by the mild taste. I enjoy a couple of bourbon and splash of club sodas at the end of the day. Cabin Still is definitely a bargain taste Nd price wise.
Found some display bottles anyone no what they are worth
I so far have never had a better whiskey that can be bought at $15 a liter, or less, anywhere. It’s bottom shelf, but my gawd, compared to black velvet and similar, I adore this reliable workhorse of my habit