Bond & Lillard Bourbon 375ML

Bond & Lillard Bourbon 375ML is a 100 proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon in a 375ml bottle, aged a minimum of seven years and charcoal filtered. This expression earned Gold Medals at both the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and it stands as a modern recreation of the bourbon that took the Grand Prize at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky  |  Minimum 7 Years Old  |  Distillery: Wild Turkey

Production & Heritage

The original Bond & Lillard brand was one of the most acclaimed pre-Prohibition bourbons in American whiskey history. The modern recreation is produced at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and was developed using actual judges' tasting notes from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair to guide the flavor profile. The liquid is aged at least seven years in timber-framed warehouses, then put through a distinctive charcoal filtration process designed to convert aggressive congeners into esters—yielding a lighter-colored bourbon with more elegant, floral top notes than a typical Kentucky straight bourbon. The mashbill is presumed to follow Wild Turkey's standard recipe of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Floral and fruity notes open first, followed by vanilla cream, green apple, and bright orange zest. Behind those lighter aromatics sit hints of dill and cinnamon with gentle butterscotch sweetness.

Taste: The entry is smooth with caramel taffy and green apple, developing into baking spices and toasted oak through the mid-palate. A thread of rye spice emerges alongside a touch of cool mint, giving the bourbon structure without heaviness. The charcoal filtration lends an overall elegance that keeps each layer distinct.

Finish: Dry and measured, with lingering oak and warm spice that gradually recede. There is a faint echo of vanilla and grain that rounds out the experience cleanly.

How to Drink Bond & Lillard

At 100 proof, Bond & Lillard is well-suited to sipping neat or with a single large ice cube, which opens up the floral and fruit characteristics. A few drops of water can further highlight the green apple and butterscotch notes without flattening the proof.

Old Fashioned: The dry oak finish and baking spices hold up beautifully against bitters and a sugar cube without becoming syrupy. Whiskey Sour: The green apple and citrus zest notes complement fresh lemon juice, and the 100 proof ensures the bourbon punches through the dilution. Manhattan: Its floral top notes and rye-driven spice give a classic Manhattan a lighter, more aromatic twist compared to heavier bourbons.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates pre-Prohibition history and heritage brands
• Side-by-side tastings comparing historic and modern bourbon styles
• Building a home bar sample shelf—the 375ml size is ideal for exploration
• After-dinner sipping when you want a full-proof bourbon with restrained sweetness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bond & Lillard taste like? Bond & Lillard delivers green apple and caramel taffy up front, moving into baking spices, toasted oak, and a hint of mint, then finishing dry with oak and rye spice. Its charcoal filtration creates a notably floral, lighter-bodied character compared to most 100 proof bourbons.

How does Bond & Lillard compare to Wild Turkey 101? Both are produced at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and share the same presumed mashbill, but Bond & Lillard's charcoal filtration and minimum seven-year age statement give it a distinctly lighter color, more floral aromatics, and a drier finish. Wild Turkey 101 tends to be bolder and more caramel-forward, while Bond & Lillard emphasizes elegance and fruit.

Is Bond & Lillard good for sipping neat? Yes—its 100 proof provides substance, while the charcoal filtration smooths out harsher elements, making it approachable neat even for drinkers who sometimes find full-proof bourbon aggressive.

Where is Bond & Lillard made? Bond & Lillard is produced at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, situated along the Kentucky River in the heart of bourbon country. The brand itself dates to the 19th century and won a Grand Prize at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

What foods pair well with Bond & Lillard? Smoked pork tenderloin works well against the dry oak finish. Apple tart or apple pie mirrors the bourbon's green apple notes. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts nicely with the caramel sweetness. Pecan pralines complement the butterscotch and baking spice, and cinnamon-dusted churros echo the dill and cinnamon aromatics.

What sizes does Bond & Lillard come in? Bond & Lillard Bourbon is available in both 375ml and 750ml bottles.

Is Bond & Lillard worth the price? Bond & Lillard positions in the premium tier for Kentucky straight bourbon, justified by its minimum seven-year age statement, 100 proof bottling strength, unique charcoal filtration, and multiple international Gold Medals. It delivers complexity and heritage that compete favorably with other aged bourbons in its bracket.

Why Bond & Lillard?

Few bourbons can trace their recipe development back to actual documented tasting records from 1904. The charcoal filtration step—uncommon in Kentucky straight bourbon production—gives Bond & Lillard a genuinely distinct profile, converting aggressive congeners into esters and producing those signature floral and fruity top notes that separate it from the broader Wild Turkey lineup. Gold Medals at both the IWSC and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirm that the approach translates into recognized quality at international competition level. For bourbon drinkers looking beyond the usual flavor profiles, this is one of the few widely available expressions that delivers historical authenticity backed by modern critical validation.