Bottled in Bond (Bonded/BiB) is a term, typically applied to whiskey, used to be synonymous with “the good stuff”, and came about due to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
It was a sign that what was inside the bottle had been certified by the government to be exactly what it said it was. This act was put into place as a response to people faking whiskey and as a measure to help distillers with their tax payments. Making it so they didn’t have to pay the taxes on bonded alcohol till it left the warehouse instead of after distilling it.
In addition to signifying it was authentic whiskey, Bottled in Bond also became a term that symbolized value which, for the most part, it still does today. Most BiB whiskey checks in around the $20-$30 range and, due to the government regulations around the term, are delivered at 100 proof and are at least 4 years of age. Though there’s more to it than just that. Here’s a list of all the requirements any distilled beverage must meet to carry the term on its label.
Bottled In Bond Requirements
- 100% of the liquid must have been distilled in the same distilling season (Spring or Fall).
- That distilling must have been done by a single distillery.
- Aged for a minimum of 4 years in a federally bonded warehouse.
- Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
- The label must clearly state the distillery who made it.
- If it was bottled at a location other than the distillery it must also clearly state its bottling location.
- Cannot have anything other than water added to the liquid.
One misconception people have about BiB is that it’s purely a whiskey term. While whiskey is currently the biggest employer of the designation, it can be applied to any and all barrel-aged beverages distilled in the United States. Two current examples are Laird’s Apple Brady and Heaven Hill’s new bonded brandy. Though seeing as how it’s the minority I wouldn’t fault anyone who thought Bottled In Bond was only a whiskey term.
If you’re interested in reading more about the tax side of what the Bottled In Bond Act did for distillers, or other whiskey related laws, check out my article on the 7 Laws That Shaped American Whiskey.
Until next time, happy drinking.
Cheers!
I’m new to whisky, only starting in September of 2021, and the only bottled in bond whisky I’ve ever had is Mellow Corn corn whisky (from the Heaven Hill distillery). But it’s so much better than two other corn whiskies I’ve had (Longhorn and New Mexico Blue) that it’s given me an appreciation of BiB that I hadn’t had before. The only corn whisky I’ve had that’s better is Baby Blue from Balcones Distilling, and something about that outfit makes all their whisky distinctively different from anything else. At any rate, this article explained what bottled in bond means more clearly than anything else I’d come across, so thanks. :)
Glad I could help Robert, hope you enjoy your whiskey journey. Cheers!
60 years ago, I remember my dad drinking I. W. Harper, bottled in bond.
he claimed that being bottled that way, always meant he was getting the best “they” could do.
True true, it’s why BiB was known as “the good stuff” for so long. Cheers Stephen!
My favorite has become Evan Williams BIB, lovingly known as “EW BIB”. Great flavor but doesn’t kick you in the chest with every sip! Enjoy!
It’s my favorite of the EW line and one of my favorite value bourbons period. It’s great stuff. Cheers John!
Some of my favorites are BiB’s. Henry McKenna SB 10yr BiB, Rittenhouse, Evan Williams BiB and OGD BiB (probably in that order). Something about that 100 proof. Seems to be a sweet spot for my tastebuds.
Heaven Hill BiB is a tremendous deal at $10 a bottle here around the Purdue University area. 6 year age statement.
Wow, that’s a crazy good deal!
I’ve heard that’s a good one, but apparently it’s only available in a couple states.