Early Times Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey 1000 ml

Early Times Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey is a spirited tribute to classic American bourbon heritage, delivering robust character at a compelling price. With its 100-proof intensity, honest pedigree, and lively fruit and spice profile, it stands out as a versatile bourbon that rewards both neat sipping and elevated cocktail use.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This expression hails from the historic Early Times Distillery in Shively, Kentucky, a brand with roots stretching back to 1860 — one of the longest continuous lineages in American whiskey. In 2017, Early Times revived its Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, resurrecting a tradition first introduced in the 1940s and adhering to the strict U.S. Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Under this designation, the spirit is distilled by a single distiller in one season, aged a minimum of four years in new charred oak barrels under federal supervision, and bottled at 100 proof (50 % ABV) — assurances of authenticity and quality.

The bourbon is crafted from a mash bill dominated by corn, supported by rye and malted barley, and fermented with proprietary yeast to build aromatic complexity. This combination yields a classic balance of sweetness and spice that honours traditional Kentucky bourbon style.

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published formal professional critic scores from major spirits publications specifically for this expression. However, both enthusiasts and broad retailer reviews consistently praise its bright fruit character, caramel backbone, and spice accents, highlighting it as an impressive value in the bottled-in-bond category — especially noteworthy given its accessible liter format.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Lively and engaging with bright peach and raspberry fruit, layered with dried apricot and vanilla custard, and framed by toasted oak and a hint of cinnamon spice.

Palate:
Smooth yet assertive, offering sweet caramel corn and light brown sugar, with touches of shortbread cookie, chocolate, and baking spice that provide depth and classic bourbon warmth.

Finish:
Medium-long and satisfying, with lingering notes of caramel sweetness and gentle spice that taper cleanly, leaving a balanced and approachable finish.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Classic Bonded Old-Fashioned

• 2 oz Early Times Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey

• 0.25 oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube; garnish with orange twist and a luxardo cherry.

Kentucky Boulevardier

• 1.25 oz Early Times Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 0.75 oz Campari
  Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe; garnish with an expressed orange peel to highlight citrus and oak depth.