What Does Bottled in Bond Mean?

For collectors and connoisseurs, Bottled in Bond whiskey isn’t just a classification—it’s a guarantee of authenticity. Introduced in 1897, the Bottled in Bond Act was the government’s way of ensuring whiskey was made properly, under strict regulations that distillers still follow today.

A Bottled in Bond whiskey must:

• Be distilled at one distillery, in one distilling season
• Be aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse
• Be bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV)
• Be produced under U.S. government supervision

For collectors, the appeal goes beyond regulations. These whiskeys are pure expressions of a distillery’s craft, untouched by blending or dilution. They capture a moment in time, with many of the greatest American whiskeys ever produced bearing the Bottled in Bond label.

Bottled in Bond Expressions Worth Collecting

Some Bottled in Bond releases are essential, the kind of whiskey that holds its place in any serious collection. These bottles don’t just meet the standard—they define it.

William Heavenhill Bottled in Bond

Few distilleries carry the weight of Heaven Hill, and their William Heavenhill Bottled in Bond series is the pinnacle of what this classification can be. Known for extended aging far beyond the four-year minimum, these releases showcase a deep, oak-forward character with layers of toffee, baking spice, and caramelized sugar.

For an extraordinary example, Heaven Hill 27-Year Barrel Proof is a whiskey that defies expectations. Aged nearly three decades, it offers unparalleled richness and depth, making it one of the rarest Bottled in Bond expressions ever released.

For a more traditional, yet equally historic option, Heaven Hill 7-Year Bottled in Bond stays true to its roots—a classic bonded bourbon with robust spice, toasted oak, and a long, warming finish.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond

A wheated bourbon with one of the longest-standing Bottled in Bond legacies, Old Fitzgerald is renowned for its elegance, smoothness, and collectibility. Released in limited decanters twice a year, every Old Fitz is a time capsule of tradition.

For those looking to own a piece of bourbon history, Very Very Old Fitzgerald 15-Year (1952-1967) is an ultra-rare release from the golden age of whiskey. With over half a century of aging in the bottle, it carries an unmatched depth of flavor, softened by time into an experience unlike anything produced today.

For something more contemporary but equally impressive, Old Fitzgerald 19-Year Spring 2022 Release showcases a beautifully aged wheated bourbon with notes of toasted vanilla, honey-drizzled biscuits, and a lingering oak spice.

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond

Evan Williams has long been one of the most reliable names in Bottled in Bond bourbon, offering a classic high-rye, bold-spiced profile that’s become a staple for collectors. While it remains widely available, certain past releases and rare packaging variations have become sought-after items in whiskey circles. A true workhorse bourbon that delivers the purest Kentucky profile, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is a foundational piece in any serious collection.

Rare Bottled in Bond Releases Worth Watching

Some Bottled in Bond whiskeys don’t carry the same household-name recognition as Old Fitz or William Heavenhill—but among collectors, they command just as much attention. Whether through extended aging, unique distilling techniques, or extremely limited releases, these bottles represent some of the finest bonded whiskeys available today.

• Parker’s Heritage Collection 10th Edition – 24-Year Bottled in Bond – A unicorn of bonded bourbon, aged 24 years and carrying an impossibly rich profile of dark molasses, roasted nuts, and aged leather. This is a once-in-a-lifetime bottle.
• Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bottled in Bond 17-Year – A masterclass in aging, this 17-year Wild Turkey release balances classic rye spice with deep oak influence, dried fruit, and a touch of smoky char.
• Buffalo Trace Premium Bourbon Package – A curated collection of Buffalo Trace’s rarest and most sought-after releases, including Bottled in Bond expressions that have become legendary among collectors.

Secure Your Bottled in Bond Bourbon Before It’s Gone

Bottled in Bond releases don’t sit on shelves. The best ones get snapped up fast, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Whether you’re looking for an impossible-to-find vintage Old Fitzgerald, a collector’s edition of William Heavenhill, or something rare that isn’t even listed yet, we specialize in tracking down the bottles you want.

Don’t wait until the next release is just another one that got away. Contact us today and let’s get the right bottle into your hands.

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Photo by Marianne Rixhon