Bonded whiskeys used to be a bit of a relic, gathering dust on the bottom shelves of liquor stores. But this once old-fashioned category has been gaining popularity in recent years. In fact, these days it’s not unusual to see an upstart distillery include a bonded whiskey in its first decade of production. If you’re looking to get a handle on the bonded whiskey category, you’d be wise to begin your journey with Heaven Hill.
Indeed, Heaven Hill has the largest bottled in bond selection in the country (ergo the world). And while the brand does produce both a bonded rye and bonded corn whiskey, it’s the Heaven Hill bonded bourbon brands we’ll be taking a look at today.
Bottled in Bond 101
To briefly go over the particulars of the category, the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was enacted to ensure a whiskey’s authenticity. Consumers who purchase bonded whiskeys can be assured that no adulterants, safe or not, have been added to their whiskey.
Requirements for a bonded whiskey:
– aged a minimum of 4 years in a federally bonded warehouse
– be the product of one distillery in one distilling season (spring runs from January-June and fall is July-December)
– must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 Proof)
– the Distilled Spirits Plant (D.S.P.) numbers of both the production and bottling facilities must be stated on the label
Below we’re breaking down the Heaven Hill bonded bourbon bottles. Additionally, we’ve also included a brief tasting note along with our Distiller Community Ratings to help you make your next bonded bourbon purchase.
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond
The Evan Williams brand is named after the man who opened Kentucky’s first distillery in 1783.
What to Know:
Also known as Evan Williams White Label, this is a value bonded bourbon whiskey which works well as a mixer.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Banana nut bread, almond nougat, toasted oak and a bold spicy collection of baking spices.
Avg US Price: $15
ABV: 50%
Community Rating: 3.38 out of 5 stars (1,607 Ratings)
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond /Photo Credit: Heaven Hill
Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7 Year
This Heaven Hill bonded bourbon exceeds the minimum aging requirement of 4 years with its 7 year age statement
What to Know:
Just introduced in 2019, this bonded bourbon is made with Heaven Hill’s traditional mash bill recipe of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Very well-balanced bourbon with spice, oak, vanilla, pecan and caramel; well suited for spirit-forward cocktails.
Avg US Price: $63
ABV: 50%
Community Rating: 3.83 out of 5 stars (390 Ratings)
Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7 Year /Photo Credit: Heaven Hill
Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond
Uniquely, this Heaven Hill bonded bourbon brand is bottled from single barrels, not batches.
What to Know:
With a 10-year age statement, it’s a relatively affordable bonded bourbon. But prices have been rising over the past year or two.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Avg US Price: $84
ABV: 50%
Community Rating: 3.94 out of 5 stars (4,544 Ratings)
Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond /Photo Credit: Heaven Hill
Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series
Old Fitzgerald is a wheated bourbon brand for Heaven Hill. This decanter series which first launched in 2018 is released twice a year in the spring and the fall.
What to Know:
The age varies with each release but thus far the bourbon has been aged 8-15 years.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Warm, buttery bread along with autumnal baked apple; pop of peppercorn adds to the spicy component.
Avg US Price: $350+
ABV: 50%
Community Rating: 4.32 out of 5 stars (63 Ratings)
*Tasting note and rating for Fall 2020 release.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series /Photo Credit: Heaven Hill
Ready to do your own Heaven Hill Bonded Bourbon comparisons?
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