What is a Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey?

Unveiling the Historical Significance of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897

Discover the intriguing story behind the Bottled In Bond act, a landmark legislation signed into effect by President Grover Cleveland in 1897, which left a lasting impact on his presidential legacy. As one of his final achievements before retiring, President Cleveland found solace and respite in his second home in Tamworth, New Hampshire. In fact, our distillery proudly stands on Cleveland Hill Road, right by the president’s cherished summer retreat.

To be labeled as Bottled-in-Bond spirit, a spirit must meet several criteria:

  1. Produced by one distiller at one distillery within a single distilling season.
  2. Distilled at a minimum of 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).
  3. Aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years.
  4. Bottled at exactly 100 proof.

Bottled-in-bond Old Man of the Mountain Whiskey

The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 aimed to ensure the quality and authenticity of distilled spirits.

The purpose of the Bottled-in-Bond Act was to combat fraud in the spirits industry. By certifying the authenticity and quality of bottled spirits, it provided consumers with a guarantee of the product’s origin, distilling process, and aging period.

This act was important because it set a standard for the production and labeling of distilled spirits, promoting transparency and consumer trust. It also helped protect the reputation of legitimate distillers while curbing the sale of counterfeit or inferior spirits. The Bottled-in-Bond Act remains an important part of American whiskey history, representing a commitment to quality and integrity in the industry.

Check out our Bottled-in-Bond spirits here.