What Does Bottled In Bond Really Mean?

The term Bottled in Bond is more than just a label—it signifies that a whiskey meets strict federal regulations set by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. While all bourbons must follow basic legal requirements (such as being at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels), a Bottled in Bond whiskey goes further. It must be at least four years old, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and come from one distillery and one distilling season. This designation was originally created to protect consumers from unsafe whiskey practices, ensuring transparency and quality.

Even though modern regulations make unsafe whiskey a thing of the past, the Bottled in Bond label still carries weight. It provides a clear guarantee of age and proof, which is especially helpful when determining a whiskey’s maturity. While plenty of excellent bourbons exist without the designation, seeing Bottled in Bond on a bottle assures drinkers of a certain level of consistency and authenticity. Brands like Heaven Hill and New Riff continue to produce standout Bottled in Bond offerings, reinforcing its value even today.