Celebrate National Bottled in Bond Day
March 3rd marks National Bottled in Bond Day, a tribute to a landmark moment in American whiskey history. It was on March 3, 1897 that the Bottled in Bond Act was signed into law, ensuring the quality and authenticity of American spirits. Before its passage, whiskey was often adulterated with harmful additives like iodine, tobacco, and even kerosene. The act established strict regulations, requiring that any whiskey labeled “Bottled in Bond” be aged for at least four years, produced in a single distillery, and bottled at 100 proof under government supervision.
For whiskey lovers, this designation remains a mark of quality and trust. On National Bottled in Bond Day, distilleries and aficionados celebrate by showcasing classic bonded spirits and sharing the rich history of this law. Bars and tasting rooms offer special flights of bonded whiskey, allowing patrons to taste the craftsmanship that has endured for over a century.
One such distillery, Harrison & Sons, carries on the Bottled in Bond tradition with a limited release every year on March 3rd. The master distiller, Amelia Harrison, recounts her great-grandfather’s role in advocating for the law. “He was a barrel inspector back in the early 1900s. He always said that Bottled in Bond wasn’t just about whiskey—it was about protecting people. It was about trust.”
At this year’s celebration in Kentucky, whiskey enthusiasts gather at historic distilleries, where experts lead discussions on the impact of the act. Some distilleries open their bonded warehouses to the public, giving visitors a rare glimpse of aging barrels stamped with the telltale Bottled in Bond seal.
Whether enjoyed neat, in an Old Fashioned, or as part of a tasting flight, Bottled in Bond whiskey continues to symbolize integrity in American spirits. So, on March 3rd, raise a glass to the legacy of quality, tradition, and the enduring standards that make American whiskey truly great.
The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897
The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was a significant piece of legislation in American whiskey history, designed to ensure the quality and authenticity of distilled spirits.
Why Was It Needed?
Before the Act, whiskey was often tampered with, diluted, or mixed with harmful substances like iodine, tobacco, and even kerosene. Many distillers and rectifiers (who blended spirits) would sell whiskey that was unsafe or falsely advertised. Consumers had no way of knowing if they were buying pure whiskey or a dangerous concoction.
What Did the Act Do?
The Bottled in Bond Act created strict regulations for whiskey to be labeled “Bottled in Bond,” including:
- Single Distillery: The whiskey must be produced at one distillery during one distillation season (January–June or July–December).
- Minimum Aging: It must be aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.
- 100 Proof Standard: It must be bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume) to maintain purity and consistency.
- Government Supervision: It must be stored and bottled under U.S. government supervision, ensuring that it is not tampered with.