03/24/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

If you drink whiskey, you have likely seen: Bottled in Bond, Bottled-in-Bond, or BIB on some bottles. In case you have ever wondered what this means or requires, we will dive into it a bit in this Sunday Spirit Note.

The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was a groundbreaking consumer protection law addressing widespread whiskey adulteration in the 19th century. Championed by Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., the act standardized the designation of high-quality spirits, designated as “bottled-in-bond” if they met specific requirements.

Why Bottled in Bond was Needed – Rectifiers

In his book, Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage, Michal Veach explains that rectifiers were individuals who purchased cheap whiskey and refined it to make it more palatable and appealing to the mass market. Initially, they relied on unaged spirits from farmer distillers, but eventually, they began using various additives to enhance the flavor and appearance of their product. These additives included burnt sugar for sweetness and color, prune and cherry juice for color and flavor, and even unusual ingredients such as creosote (a wood preservative) and cochineal (a red dye made from crushed insects) to achieve the desired characteristics. The resulting product, while not an authentic bourbon, was affordable, sweet, and easy to produce in a matter of hours rather than years, making it a popular choice for consumers seeking an affordable and flavorful whiskey option.

The Specific Requirements to be Bottled in Bond

The very first consumer protection passed by Congress was the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was a response to the widespread adulteration of American whiskey in the late 1800s. The act established a standardized designation for spirits based on quality and made the federal government the guarantor of a spirit’s authenticity. The act also provided a tax incentive for distilleries that ensured their spirits met specific requirements.

The act allows distillers to label aged spirits, mostly bourbon and rye, as bottled-in-bond if the product meets the following criteria:

• The spirit must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery.
• The spirit must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years.
• The aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof).

The act also helps ensure proper accounting and the collection of tax that is due. The Bottled in Bond Act is one of the earliest examples of a consumer protection law. President Grover Cleveland signed the act into effect in 1897.

What it Means to Consumers Today

According to a publication by the American Distilling Institute, What the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 Means Today, the “Bottled in Bond” label remains relevant due to its guarantee of authenticity and quality.  Consumers continue to rely on the label as a symbol of trustworthiness in an era where undisclosed sourcing is prevalent. Despite changes in regulations and the absence of government stamps, distillers still use the term for marketing purposes. The global threat of alcohol contamination underscores the continued need for safeguards like the Bottled in Bond label. International regulations require imported spirits to meet the same standards as domestic products, further enhancing the label’s credibility.

Ultimately, it ensures authenticity and quality, especially in an era of unknown sourcing.  Despite not being a requirement, the label has become a symbol of trust and quality for whiskey enthusiasts. It also protects against alcohol contamination.