Bottled-in-bond is a designation administered by the government to signify a spirit's authenticity. The need for this certification came about in the late 1800s when distillers and bootleggers were duping consumers.
The Whiskey consumers thought they were buying was often a different neutral grain spirit or moonshine with added flavor and color to make it appear like Whiskey. There was no way to guarantee what you were getting. So, the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 came to fruition. A famous advocate of the act was Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., whose name is now featured on a Bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
What is Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon?
The government set forth specific requirements to label a spirit as bottled-in-bond and gave distillers a tax incentive for creating their Whiskeys with these standards. The requirements include that the Whiskey must be the product of a single distiller in a single season (January to June and Jul to December), aged for a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse, bottled at 50% ABV (or 100 proof), and have nothing but water added. The label must also identify the distillery where it was distilled and bottled. The government also incentivizes distillers by giving them a tax deferment, where the payment of excise tax is delayed until the Whiskey is fully matured after four years.
TThe bottled-in-bond designation is not limited to Bourbon. Any American Whiskey can have the labeled bottled-in-bond, which is considered stricter than many other spirits-making regulations and standards — even those of Scotch and Cognac.
Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1987 Requirements
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Made by a single distiller in a single season
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Aged for a minimum of four years in a federally bonded facility
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Bottle at 50% ABV (or 100 proof)
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Nothing can be added except water
Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Today
Bottled-in-bond Whiskeys have been around for over 120 years. And while they went slightly out of fashion, they are making a comeback. Today, there is a desire among consumers for more transparency from brands, and the bottled-in-bond designation offers that reassurance of authenticity of guaranteeing what you are getting in your bottle.
Bottled-in-bond Bourbons have also become a staple for many bartenders to use in craft cocktails. The higher proof and bold flavors stand up to mixers of all types producing balanced cocktails. And popular brands such as Evan Williams, George Dickel, and, most recently, Jack Daniels all release bonded versions of their Whiskeys.
While non-bottle-in-bond Bourbons are reliable today, there is still a level of authenticity associated with a bottle of Whiskey bearing this designation. Try a few of our favorite bottled-in bond Bourbons below.
10 Bottled-in-Bond Bourbons to Try
As a reminder, Bottle-in-Bond Bourbon tends to be highly sought-after and is sometimes not in stock as often as we would like. Below is a selection of great bottles to help introduce you to the category, but availability will vary by market.
Wolcott Bottled in BondÂ
4.1138 out of 5 stars
From Sazerac's famous 1792 Barton Distillery, a BiB that brings to life powerful, vanilla bean and leather aroma followed by a leathery finish.
Evan Williams White Bottled In Bond
4.4748 out of 5 stars
This bourbon showcases caramel with hints of vanilla, oak and barley on the nose. Featuring a palate of citrus on top of vanilla and black pepper. Followed by a warm long and dry finish.
Chestnut Farms Bottled In Bond
4.2383 out of 5 stars
From Sazerac's famous Barton 1792 Distillery, a 6YR hi-rye bourbon distilled and aged on property in Bardstown, KY. Bottled at 100PF. Complex nose of vanilla and mint with flavors of custard and ripe fruit. Robust, big mouthfeel and finish.
Jack Daniel's Bonded
4.4516 out of 5 stars
Jack Daniel's "Bonded" Tennessee Whiskey is Bottled-in-Bond, aged in select barrels for added depth and character. At 100 proof, the flavor delivers layered notes of caramel, rich oak and spice giving way to the pleasantly lingering finish.
1792 Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Barrel Select
5 out of 5 stars
Spicy with hints of clove and mint, this expression was hand-picked specially for Total Wine. Aged in a federally bonded warehouse under government supervision for at least four years, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. Best consumed neat.
Oregon Spirit Straight Bourbon Bottled-In-Bond
3.7593 out of 5 stars
Aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof, a Bottled-in-Bond release is a testament to a whiskey distillery's skill and quality. This collector's item is a great selection for any bourbon enthusiast.
George Dickel Bottle in Bond
4.6154 out of 5 stars
Awarded "Whisky of the Year" from Whisky Advocate and the top-rated American Whiskey of 2019 by Wine Enthusiast. Tantalizing aromas of pecan, maple syrup, and dried apple. It finishes rich with an oaky warmth.
Old Grand Dad 100
4.6867 out of 5 stars
Aromas of vanilla, citrus fruit and spice lead into flavors of pepper, corn and smoky oak. Mildly sweet, with a medium soft finish that leaves a sense of spice and sweetness in your mouth.
Early Times Bottled In Bond
4.3363 out of 5 stars
Bottled at 100 proof meeting the requirements for the exclusive designation "bottled in bond," this Bourbon has light caramel and corn aromas that flow into the palate. Notes of shortbread cookie, chocolate, and cinnamon spice linger into the long finish.
Want to learn more about Bourbon and Whiskey? Check out our articles to the differences between Scotch and Bourbon, types of Whiskey, and the best Bourbons under $50.