For over a century, Bottled-in-Bond whiskey has been a mark of quality and authenticity in American whiskey. Introduced in 1897 as the first U.S. consumer protection law, it set strict production standards—aged at least four years, bottled at 100 proof, and produced in a single distillation season at one distillery. While whiskey regulations have evolved, the designation remains a seal of transparency and craftsmanship.

Al Laws, founder of Laws Whiskey House, has made Bottled-in-Bond a core part of his distillery’s identity, producing five bonded expressions that honor tradition while proving its relevance today. With Bottled-in-Bond Day just passed (March 3), I asked Al for his thoughts on its status in a modern, ever-evolving market.

A Mark of Authenticity in Modern Whiskey

For many distillers, Bottled-in-Bond whiskey is more than just a label—it’s a statement of quality, and producing Bottled-in-Bond whiskey has always been part of Al’s vision for Law’s Whiskey House. 

“Bottled-in-Bond whiskey is something Laws Whiskey started off to achieve from the get-go,” Al explains via email. “We wanted to be part of something that stood for high standards and nostalgically for its place in the history of American whiskey.”

The legislation certainly has its place in history, being the first-ever consumer protection law in the United States. With that being said, does the designation still resonate with modern consumers? According to Al, the label carries as much weight as it did when it was first introduced. 

“We see it [the Bottled-in-Bond designation] today as a mark of authenticity that says we made this and made it to high standards. I think that is the appeal to consumers today, where many products may not be what they seem. Just as it did in the 1800s, almost 130 years later, Bonded stands for ‘the good stuff’ in our minds.”

As the number of whiskey drinkers, and curious ones at that, has grown in recent decades, the importance of trust cannot be overstated. Whiskey drinkers also have a wider variety than ever of whiskeys to choose from. So, why should they choose a Bottled-in-Bond expression? Well, according to Al, whether it’s a big-name distillery or a small independent producer, the Bottled-in-Bond designation offers reassurance that the whiskey inside the bottle meets a certain level of integrity.

The Challenges and Rewards of Producing Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey

Laws Whiskey House takes its commitment to Bottled-in-Bond seriously, producing multiple bonded expressions that showcase different grain profiles. However, creating these whiskeys requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to setting aside barrels for aging.

“We have five Bottled-in-Bond expressions—our Four Grain Bourbon, 100% Rye Whiskey, 100% Wheat Whiskey, American Single Malt, and straight Corn. These represent our top-shelf expressions, all in the four-to-eight-year range, depending on the year. Like all of our whiskies, we are dedicated to profiling the distinctive flavor of the heirloom grains in their most pure expression. Our challenge is setting aside enough barrels of each to meet the demand. Bourbon has the highest demand, with rye in second, and the others more of a newer experience folks have begun to appreciate.”

While bourbon and rye continue to dominate the American whiskey market, other styles—such as wheat whiskey and American single malt—are gaining traction. For a distillery like Laws, the appeal of Bottled-in-Bond is not just about market trends but about the ability to showcase whiskey in its purest form. 

Additionally, the range of styles produced at Laws offers multiple entry points to the Bottled-in-Bond category. Not a fan of rye? No problem! The gentle sweetness of a 100 proof wheated whiskey may better suit your palate. 

The Future of Bonded Whiskey in the American Whiskey Market

With the rise of craft distilleries and a growing emphasis on transparency, could Bottled-in-Bond become an even bigger part of the whiskey market?  According to Al Laws, the resurgence of bonded whiskey isn’t just a passing trend—it’s here to stay.

“I love that these classifications have re-emerged and become more premium across the sector, from big distillers to independents like Laws. I even know some folks who will only drink bonded American whiskeys. It is a real thing, not a fad, in our view. It stands for something, and what it stands for speaks to consumers.”

The growing number of bonded releases across the industry suggests that more distilleries see the value in embracing this historic standard. For many whiskey drinkers, Bottled-in-Bond has become a reliable marker of quality, one that ensures a level of transparency not always found in modern whiskey marketing.

Celebrating Bottled-in-Bond Day

Every year on March 3rd, Bottled-in-Bond Day offers an opportunity to celebrate this time-honored whiskey category. So how should producers and drinkers engage with the tradition going forward?

“I think they should grab a friend or two and celebrate the day with a flight of well-made bonded American whiskeys.”

Laws Whiskey House’s Bottled-in-Bond Ethos

For Laws Whiskey House, Bottled-in-Bond expressions represent some of their finest releases—whiskies that highlight the rich complexity of their heirloom grains and the distinct character of Colorado.

“For a small independent distillery like Laws Whiskey, these expressions represent some of our richest, most complex whiskey we put out. True grain experience that has the nuances of our home state of Colorado. Please savor every sip.”

More than a relic of whiskey history, Bottled-in-Bond remains an important part of the modern whiskey world. Whether it continues to expand or remains a niche within the industry, its significance as a benchmark of quality is undeniable. And for drinkers who value tradition, transparency, and craftsmanship, Bottled-in-Bond is a designation worth seeking out.

Read the full article at Al Laws On The Status of Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey In Today’s Market