What is bottled in bond?

Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897

• Definition: "Bottled in Bond" is a designation for American-made distilled spirits that adhere to strict legal regulations stipulated in the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act.

• Purpose: Enacted to ensure the quality and authenticity of American whiskey at a time when adulteration and mislabeling were rampant. It served as a guarantee of legitimacy and a mark of quality for consumers.

• Requirements: To be labeled as "Bottled in Bond", a spirit must meet the following criteria:

  • It must be the product of one distillation season (January-June or July-December) by a single distillery.
  • It must be aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years.
  • It must be bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).
  • The label must clearly identify the distillery where it was produced and, if different, the bottling location.

• Benefits: The act instilled confidence in consumers, as the government oversight ensured the whiskey was authentic and of consistent quality. It helped reputable distillers distinguish their products from inferior or counterfeit spirits.

• Significance: While the "Bottled in Bond" designation is no longer as crucial for quality assurance as it once was, it remains a respected term that many distillers use today to showcase traditional production methods and high standards. It often signifies a higher-quality whiskey.