Brother's Bond Bottled in Bond Bourbon 750ML

Brother's Bond Bottled in Bond Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV), 7-year-old Kentucky-style bourbon distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and bottled in a 750ml format. This high-rye expression earned a Double Gold medal and 98 points at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, placing it among the most decorated celebrity-founded bourbons on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Aged 7 Years, Bottled in Bond  |  Distillery: MGP (Ross & Squibb Distillery)

Production & Heritage

Brother's Bond was co-founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, former co-stars on The Vampire Diaries. While celebrity spirits brands often face skepticism, the liquid itself is produced at MGP's Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of the most respected contract distilleries in American whiskey. The mashbill runs 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted rye, giving it a spicier, more complex profile than typical bourbon. Adhering strictly to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, this expression was distilled in a single season by a single distillery and aged a full seven years — three beyond the four-year minimum — in a federally bonded warehouse. A deep barrel char and non-chill filtration round out the production, preserving oils and congeners that contribute to a noticeably fuller mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with Port wine-like richness and toasted oak before giving way to layers of sweet caramel and vanilla. Underneath, subtle baking spices and candied dark fruit — plum and cherry — emerge with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is warm and sweet, carrying brown sugar, maple syrup, and almond nougat across the front palate. At mid-palate the 39% rye asserts itself with baking spice, sweet pipe tobacco, and a hint of coconut. Raisin, fig jam, and a squeeze of lemon add complexity toward the peak, balancing the sweetness with bright acidity.

Finish: Medium-long and velvety, with toasted oak and caramel lingering alongside a gentle rye spice. The non-chill filtration is evident here — there is a coating richness that holds on well past the final sip.

How to Drink Brother's Bond BiB

At 100 proof, this bourbon stands up well neat but also rewards a few drops of water, which open up the darker fruit notes and soften the rye spice. On the rocks, it remains structured and flavorful as dilution sets in.

• Old Fashioned: The high rye content and deep caramel backbone make it an ideal base — the spice cuts through the sweetener without losing complexity.
• Manhattan: Dark fruit and Port wine aromatics dovetail naturally with sweet vermouth, producing a rich, layered cocktail.
• Boulevardier: The 100-proof muscle and brown sugar sweetness hold their own against Campari's bitterness, creating excellent balance.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring high-rye, bottled-in-bond expressions beyond the usual Kentucky lineup
• Gifting fans of The Vampire Diaries or collectors of celebrity spirits with genuine critical acclaim
• Building a home bar flight comparing MGP-distilled bourbons at different age statements
• Hosting a tasting night focused on the Bottled-in-Bond category and its quality guarantees

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Brother's Bond BiB taste like? It leads with brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla, then transitions into baking spices, dark fruit, and sweet pipe tobacco driven by its 39% rye mashbill. The finish is medium-long with toasted oak and a velvety, coating texture from non-chill filtration.

How does Brother's Bond BiB compare to Basil Hayden? Co-founder Ian Somerhalder has cited Basil Hayden as a reference point, and both feature high-rye mashbills; however, Brother's Bond BiB is bottled at a significantly higher 100 proof versus Basil Hayden's 80 proof, delivering more intensity and body. The seven-year age statement also gives Brother's Bond deeper oak influence and richer dark fruit character than the lighter, more approachable Basil Hayden profile.

Is Brother's Bond BiB good for sipping neat? Yes — the seven years of aging and 100-proof strength create enough depth and structure for neat sipping, while the non-chill filtration contributes a smooth, oily mouthfeel that tempers the heat.

Where is Brother's Bond BiB made? It is distilled at MGP's Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility that has been producing whiskey since the mid-1800s and supplies liquid for dozens of well-regarded bourbon brands.

What foods pair well with Brother's Bond BiB? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the bourbon's sweetness complements char and fat; dark chocolate truffles, which echo the Port wine and fig notes; sharp aged cheddar, whose tang contrasts the caramel richness; pecan pie, reinforcing the brown sugar and toasted nut flavors; and charcuterie with dried fruits and honeycomb.

What sizes does Brother's Bond BiB come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Brother's Bond BiB worth the price? It positions in the mid-premium tier for bottled-in-bond bourbon, and the combination of a seven-year age statement, non-chill filtration, 100-proof strength, and multiple Double Gold medals represents strong value relative to similarly awarded expressions in the category.

Why Brother's Bond BiB?

In a category crowded with celebrity vanity projects, Brother's Bond Bottled in Bond distinguishes itself with verifiable substance: a 98-point Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Double Gold with 96 points at the New York International Spirits Competition, where it was ranked among the five best whiskeys in the world in 2024. The seven-year age statement, high-rye mashbill, and non-chill filtered production at one of America's most prolific distilleries deliver a bourbon that earns its accolades on merit. For drinkers who want proof over promises — literally, at 100 proof — this is one of the more compelling bottled-in-bond releases at its price point.