Bonded whiskeys are whiskeys produced under the rigorous standards of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. Prior to this act, it wasn’t uncommon to purchase what one thought was whiskey but instead get an adulterated and potentially toxic imitation spirit instead. Producers would add coloring and flavoring, shortcutting the whiskey making process out of greed and laziness. After the Bottled in Bond Act, the Bonded mark meant that you were buying a whiskey produced under strict production standards and US government supervision. Amazingly, this act is thought to be America’s first consumer protection law. The standards set forth by this act included:
• Be made by one distillery in a single season (spring or fall)
• Aged in a federally bonded warehouse in new oak barrels
• Aged at least four years
• Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV)
