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12 Best Bottled In Bond Bourbon Brands To Drink Now (2024)

best bottled in bond bourbon

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Lydia Martin

The Bottled-in-Bond Act was passed for the first time in 1897. It is a key piece of quality control that defines the whiskey industry.

This important American law must be followed for bourbon to be called “bottled-in-bond.”

Now, 125 years after the Act took effect, there are countless bourbons that are worth trying.

So to narrow down your options, we compiled the best bottled-in-bond bourbons worth the sip.  

Top 12 Bottled In Bond Bourbons (Most Voted) 

12. Old Forester 1897 Bourbon

Old Forester 1897 Bourbon Bottle and a man on the background

Average Price: around $50 per 750ml (MSRP)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV

Why We Like It: Old Forester is one of the most famous brands of bourbon ever made. Its mash bill comprises 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. 

As with all bottled-in-bond whiskeys, it’s aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.

The result is a rich flavor with hints of buttery caramel, vanilla beans, charred wood, and dried fruits.

11. Early Times Bottled in Bond Bourbon

2 Bottles of Early Times Bottled In Bond

Average Price: around $25.95 per 750ml (MSRP)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV

Why We Like It: This 100-proof bonded bourbon paid homage to the brand’s start in 1860 and the style of whiskey it made in the 1940s. 

It has tasting notes of pipe tobacco, caramel corn, butterscotch, and buttery toffee, with just a hint of peppery spice rye. 

10. McKenzie Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Close up Shot of McKenzie Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Average Price: around $40 per 750ml (MSRP)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: This bourbon disproves the idea that higher proof means harshness.

Finger Lakes Distilling introduces Mckenzie, which is 100-proof, aged for four years, meeting the requirements for bottled-in-bond whiskey

It provides a smooth, easy-drinking flavor with notes of sweet caramel corn, dried cherries, choco fudge, and subtle spices.

9. Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Bourbon

a man holding bottle of Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Average Price: around $39.99 per 750ml (MSRP)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: Heaven Hill is a well-known brand in the bourbon world. The brand makes winners like Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, Evan Williams, and more. 

Particularly, the 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond – made with 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye– is aged for seven years until it’s perfect and bottled at 100-proof.

The result is a craft whiskey with hints of pipe tobacco, antique leather, caramel, spicy cinnamon sugar, and sweet vanilla beans.

8. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond Bottle

Average Price: around $18 per 750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: Evan Williams makes lists of the best cheap bourbons made better than you’d expect.

This strong, rich, bold bourbon follows the strict bottled-in-bond rules.

It has flavors like citrus zest, sweet barley, wood char, and a good bite of cracked black pepper. 

The finish feels dry but long-lasting with lots of warming heat. Although this whiskey is cheap, you can expect many flavors that you really enjoy neat or on the rocks.

7. Leopold Bros Bottled In Bond Bourbon

Leopold Bros Bottled In Bond Bourbon with glass and laptop on the side

Average Price: around $59 per 750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: You might have heard of Leopold Brothers after the brand worked with George Dickel (a Tennessee whiskey brand).

If you liked that whiskey, its Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon would be even better. 

Unlike many of their competitors, this popular bourbon is made with Abruzzi Heritage Rye, corn, and malted barley.

This grain bourbon has been aged for five years in new, charred oak barrels. It tastes like dried apples, buttery toffee, pepper, and vanilla.

6. Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond 15 Year Old

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond 15 Year Old Bottle on a wooden table

Average Price: around $349 per 750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: The Old Fitzgerald 15-Year-Old is included in the Heaven Hill bottled-in-bond series.

This well-balanced whiskey comes in a beautiful replica of an antique decanter. It has a taste that is full of honey, oak, fresh mint, and stone fruit. 

Since 2018, each release has been different from the last; you can expect new flavors each time.

Heaven Hill ensures to impress the public every distilling season – but at a price. 

5. Wilderness Trail Bottled-In-Bond Small Batch Bourbon

Wilderness Trail Bottled-In-Bond Small Batch Bourbon on top of a wooden table

Average Price: around $52 per 750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: Even though Wilderness Trail might not be as well-known as some of the other brands on this list, that doesn’t mean it should be missed.

Its bottled-in-bond whiskeys are made with a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% wheat, and 12% malted barley. 

Using wheat instead of rye, it gives this high-proof [1] whiskey a softer, smoother flavor.

It is aged in fresh charred American oak barrels for four to six years. So, many bourbon lovers like this whiskey as it gives an impressive flavor.

4. Kings County Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

Kings County Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Bottle and Cocktail Glass Drink and Ice

Average Price: around $110 per 750 ml (MSRP)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV

Why We Like It: In the last few years, Kings County has become prominent in the craft distilling world.

It can be hard to beat Kings County bourbon mash bill of 80% corn and 20% malted barley. 

Besides, this rich whiskey has hints of brown sugar, clover honey, toasted sweet vanilla beans, milk chocolate, and a nice finish of subtle spices and wood char.

3. 1792 Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1792 Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottle on top of table

Average Price: around $36 per 750ml (MSRP)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV

Why We Like It: Featuring its distinct expression that fits all the regulations, 1792 bourbon pays tribute to the 1897 Bottled-In-Bond Act.

Although there is no age statement, it tastes even older, with notes of vanilla beans, coffee, caramel apples, butterscotch, and cinnamon. 

There are so many subtlety and gripping flavors going around this whiskey. But you need to try a few shots before you experience them all.

2. New Riff Bourbon Bottled in Bond

New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Bottle on top of a barrel

Average Price: around $45 per 750 ml (MSRP)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: New Riff has a high rye recipe and a full-bodied mash of non-GMO grains [2]: 5% malted barley, 30% rye, and 65% corn. 

The stone fruit, sweets, and spices are all over this whiskey.

New Riff Distilling produced the spirit in an old-fashioned way instead of sourcing any whiskey.

After four years (distillation season), they introduce their own whiskey product. So, we believe that New Riff is definitely worth a try.  

1. Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon

Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond Bourbon Bottle and a Glass

Average Price: around $11.99 per 375ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: Old Grand-Dad is probably one of the best-known bottled-in-bond bourbons, and we can’t complete this list without mentioning it.

Old Grand-Dad is a brand of rye whiskey produced by Jim Beam.

Its tastes and affordability are some of the reasons why Old Grand-Dad Bonded is one of the best price-to-value ratios on the market.

Its high-rye mash bill and rich, bold flavor feature candied orange peels, caramel corn, vanilla beans, and cinnamon.

Note: You can also try other spirits, including the Four Grain Bourbon, Henry McKenna 10, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon (from the Buffalo Trace Distillery), and Jim Beam Bonded Bourbon. 

FAQs Related to Best Bottled in Bond Bourbon

What is bottled in bond bourbon?

Bottled-in-bond bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that follows strict regulations set forth by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, ensuring its quality, authenticity, and consistency.

What makes bottled in bond bourbon special?

Bottled-in-bond bourbon must meet specific criteria, including being produced by one distiller at one distillery in one distillation season, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).

Should the best bottled in bond bourbon always be cheap?

No, the best bottled-in-bond bourbon isn’t necessarily cheap. They’re costly to produce and require strict regulations, so you shouldn’t expect them to be cheap at all times. Luckily, some whiskey makers make it affordable for drinkers. 

What makes a bottled in bond excellent?

Bonded bourbons are excellent, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded facility, and bottled at 100-proof. The whiskey making is under the strict supervision of the US government, contributing to impressive results. 

Is bottled-in-bond better than straight bourbon whiskey?

Bottled-in-Bond is better than straight bourbon whiskey in terms of quality as they’re a product of one distilling season, one distillery, and one distiller. It can be a clear introduction to the distiller’s unique and impressive skills, which you can prove with the result of the spirits. 

Why choose bottled-in-bond bourbon?

Bottled-in-bond bourbon offers consumers assurance of its quality and authenticity, as it adheres to strict production standards established over a century ago.

What flavors can I expect from bottled-in-bond bourbon?

Bottled-in-bond bourbon often features robust and complex flavors, including notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and sometimes hints of fruit or floral undertones.

Is bottled-in-bond bourbon suitable for sipping or mixing in cocktails?

Yes, bottled-in-bond bourbon can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Mint Julep, thanks to its bold flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

That concludes our list of the best bottled-in-bond bourbons that every drinker should try now.

Any bourbons above are worth sipping on – be it for parties or after a long exhausting day.

If you’re confused about which spirit to start, we highly suggest the Old-Grandad Bonded Bourbon.

The taste and flavors, plus the high-rye content, are impressive. It is very affordable – definitely a great deal of booze.  

References:

  1. https://www.abc.ca.gov/high-proof-alcoholic-beverages/
  2. https://www.livestrong.com/article/201787-what-grains-are-not-gmo/
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