Distillery: Still Pond Winery & Distillery—Arlington, Georgia
Proof: 86.0 (43.0% ABV)
Age: 2+ Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
MSRP: $39
C4 Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Georgia Whiskey Heritage in a Bottle
(Note: this small distillery expression is only available at select retail outlets in Georgia)
With a population of just 1209 as of the 2020 Census, Arlington, Georgia is a small town harboring Georgia whiskey heritage. Still Pond Winery & Distillery tucked nicely on the outskirts of Arlington can only be described as a hidden gem with truly authentic story that carries a rich whiskey history.
The story dates to the 1860s, when a hidden still along an isolated pond produced peach brandy for war-weary Confederate soldiers. That pond—later dubbed Still Pond—became the center of whispered tales, of moonshiners and a legendary stump where $2 left in the morning would magically transform into a jar of moonshine by evening.
What began as a secret refuge for illicit spirits evolved into a thriving legacy. Charlie Cowart Sr. planted the first vines at Still Pond Vineyard over 45 years ago, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would later become one of Georgia’s largest vineyards and distilleries.
Now, four generations later, the Cowart family’s legacy is their wine portfolio and C4 Single Barrel Bourbon.
C4 Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 3.5/5
C4 opens with a warm and inviting sweetness, featuring notes of rich caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted oak. There’s a noticeable smoky undertone adding significant depth to the Nose. Given a few minutes to open up, I found notes of dried apricot, fig, and golden raisins emerge, followed by brown sugar and warm baking spices.
Palate – 3.75/5
The first sip presents a velvety, full-bodied mouthfeel, bringing forth some sweet toffee, burnt sugar, and honey pecans. Mid-palate, layers of dark chocolate develop along with a bold splash of cinnamon spice that provides a pleasant and surprising extra kick of vibrancy.
Finish – 3/5
The medium-long finish brings lingering notes of oak char, toasted vanilla, and a touch of molasses. Understated hints of sweet cream and marshmallow are there but are delicate and difficult to name as the expression rounds out.
Value – 3.5/5
At just $30 for a 750ml bottle, the C4 Single Barrel Bourbon delivers remarkable value for a handcrafted, small-batch expression. Its unique production process and rich family heritage make it a noteworthy addition to any bourbon enthusiast’s collection.
C4 Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict
The C4 Single Barrel Bourbon from Still Pond Distillers is a testament to one family’s dedication to quality and tradition. Its well-balanced flavor profile, combined with its extremely accessible price point, makes for a compelling single barrel addition to any Georgia enthusiast’s sippin’ inventory.
Verdict – 3.5/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.