Your Bottled in Bond Whiskey Guide
The hot summer sun sets over the dust-strewn trail, ushering in a long, cold night ahead. You're just finishing setting up your makeshift camp after a long day of riding, longing to break out your expensive bottle of moonshine—aka bourbon—you purchased in town earlier that day.
The year? 1895.
The fire is going, your horse has eaten its fill, and now it's time to indulge! You unscrew the cap, and a putrid smell immediately overtakes the smoky air.
"Damn it! Another counterfeit bottle??"
But the wait for regulated, legitimate bottles of quality juice was just around the corner.
The History of Bottled in Bond
Bottled in Bond whiskey was created in 1897 to protect consumers from fake and low-quality spirits. At the time, many whiskeys were being tampered with—some were diluted, flavored with harmful additives, or even mixed with things like tobacco and iodine. To ensure authenticity, the U.S. government passed the Bottled-in-Bond Act, setting strict rules for production. A whiskey labeled "Bottled in Bond" had to be made by one distiller, in one season, aged at least four years in a government-supervised warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV). This guarantee of quality quickly made it a trusted standard.
Over time, Bottled in Bond whiskey became a symbol of craftsmanship and reliability. Though it faded in popularity during the mid-1900s, the modern whiskey boom brought it back into the spotlight. Today, it’s a badge of honor for distilleries, proving that their whiskey meets high standards without shortcuts. With its rich history and bold flavors, Bottled in Bond remains a favorite for whiskey lovers who appreciate tradition and quality in every sip.
Budget Bottled in Bond
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond offers a bold and full-flavored experience at an unbeatable value. This 100-proof bourbon delivers the rich character expected from a Bottled-in-Bond whiskey while maintaining a smoothness that makes it versatile. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Evan Williams White Label remains a go-to choice for those who appreciate quality without the high price tag.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded 100 Proof Tennessee Whiskey takes the classic Jack Daniel’s recipe and elevates it with hand-selected barrels for deeper color and richer flavors. The result is a bold, oak-forward Tennessee whiskey with layers of caramel and spice, delivering a smooth yet powerful sip. With a lingering finish and full-bodied character, this 100-proof expression brings extra intensity to the signature Jack Daniel’s taste.
Rittenhouse Rye is a Bottled-in-Bond rye whiskey with deep historical roots, paying tribute to Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. Known for its spicy kick and robust flavor, this award-winning rye is crafted in the style of the classic American whiskeys that once dominated the market. It’s a favorite among bartenders for its versatility in cocktails and appreciated by rye lovers for its bold, full-bodied taste.
Benchmark Bonded is a smooth and easy-drinking Kentucky straight bourbon, aged for four years and bottled at 100 proof. Part of the Benchmark collection, this bourbon features a citrus and honey nose, leading into a palate of light oak, caramel, and vanilla. Its long, warm finish makes it a great choice for both sipping and mixing, offering a well-balanced profile at an accessible price.
More Bountiful Bottled in Bond Selections
Henry McKenna Single Barrel is a rare gem in the world of Bottled-in-Bond bourbons. Aged for a full 10 years, it’s one of the longest-aged options available, delivering deep complexity and a perfectly balanced profile. Crafted from the vision of an Irish whiskey maker who brought his expertise to Kentucky, this single-barrel bourbon showcases rich caramel, oak, and spice, earning high praise from critics and enthusiasts alike.
New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon is a high-rye, non-chill-filtered bourbon that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Made with non-GMO grains and aged in toasted and charred oak barrels, it offers a deep amber color and a full-bodied flavor. Notes of butterscotch, fresh oak, and vanilla blend with bold rye spice, creating a long, complex finish with hints of dark berry and white pepper.
Wilderness Trail 6-Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon showcases a carefully crafted mash bill of 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley. Aged for six years and distilled using a sweet mash process, it delivers a rich nose of apple, peach, and caramel, followed by a palate of spice and orchard fruits. The finish lingers with warming oak spice, making it a standout for those who appreciate depth and balance in their bourbon.
1792 Bottled in Bond continues the legacy of the Bottled-in-Bond Act with a well-aged, high-quality bourbon. Its bold spice is complemented by notes of charred oak, fresh mint, and subtle caramel apple, creating a layered and complex drinking experience. With a lingering essence of coffee and black pepper, this bourbon embodies the time-honored standards that have defined Bottled-in-Bond whiskey for over a century.
Of course, these are not our only bonded selections available. Many more can be discovered here! Here's to 128+ years of fine, regulated whiskeys!