Early Times Bottled In Bond Bourbon 1L

Early Times Bottled In Bond Bourbon 1L is a 100-proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon sold in a 1-liter bottle under the strict Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Recognized by Whisky Advocate as a "Best Value" bourbon, this expression punches well above its weight class with a rich, dessert-forward palate built on a corn-heavy mashbill.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Bottled in Bond  |  Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery (DSP-KY-12)

Production & Heritage

Early Times traces its roots to 1860, making it one of the older bourbon brands still in production. Originally distilled at the Brown-Forman facility in Louisville (DSP-KY-354), the brand was acquired by Sazerac and production shifted to the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The Bottled-in-Bond expression is double distilled from a mashbill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley, then aged for a minimum of four years in new charred oak barrels stored in heat-cycled warehouses. Those masonry-constructed warehouses use steam heating to regulate temperature swings, accelerating the interaction between spirit and wood in a way that distinguishes the resulting flavor profile from bourbon aged in traditional open-air wooden rickhouses.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light caramel corn leads, followed by honey and citrus rind. Soft oak and a whisper of vanilla round out the nose, giving the impression of a bourbon far older than its stated minimum age.

Taste: The entry is smooth and sweet, with caramel corn blending into shortbread cookie and a dusting of cocoa. At mid-palate, bright fruit — peach, raspberry, and dried apricot — emerges alongside allspice and white pepper. A trace of cinnamon spice weaves through the deep sweetness as the palate develops.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly dry texture. Lingering notes of caramel corn and gentle oak tannins slowly fade, leaving a warm, spiced aftertaste.

How to Drink Early Times BiB

At 100 proof, this bourbon opens up beautifully with a single large ice cube or a few drops of water, which coax out additional fruit sweetness. Neat is equally rewarding for those who enjoy full-proof sipping. Its versatility also makes it a strong cocktail base:

• Old Fashioned — The caramel and citrus rind character harmonizes naturally with bitters and an orange peel.
• Bourbon Sour — Bright stone-fruit notes amplify when paired with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
• Gold Rush — Honey-forward aromatics align perfectly with the honey-lemon combination in this modern classic.

Best For

• Building a home bar with a reliable, high-proof bourbon workhorse
• Hosting cocktail nights where quality and volume both matter
• Introducing a friend to the Bottled-in-Bond category without a steep investment
• Blind-tasting sessions comparing value-tier BiB bourbons

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Early Times BiB taste like? Early Times Bottled in Bond leads with caramel corn, shortbread, and cocoa, then transitions into bright fruit flavors like peach and dried apricot accented by cinnamon and white pepper. The finish is clean and moderately long, anchored by lingering caramel.

How does Early Times BiB compare to E.H. Taylor Small Batch? Both are Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky bourbons at 100 proof, but E.H. Taylor Small Batch is generally considered more complex with deeper caramel and spice layering, while Early Times BiB leans fruitier and lighter on the palate. E.H. Taylor also commands a significantly higher price and can be difficult to find on shelves, whereas Early Times BiB is widely available.

Is Early Times BiB good for cocktails? Yes — the 100-proof strength ensures the bourbon doesn't get lost behind mixers, while its sweet, fruity profile pairs well with citrus-forward and stirred cocktails alike.

Where is Early Times BiB made? Early Times Bottled in Bond is currently produced at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, under ownership of Sazerac Company. The brand was originally distilled at the Brown-Forman facility in Louisville before the brand changed hands.

What foods pair well with Early Times BiB? Smoked pulled pork benefits from the bourbon's caramel sweetness cutting through the fat. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, dessert-like palate. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts nicely with the fruit-forward notes. Cornbread with honey butter mirrors the corn-driven mashbill. Dark chocolate with sea salt amplifies the cocoa and spice undertones.

What sizes does Early Times BiB come in? Early Times Bottled in Bond is commonly available in 750ml and 1-liter bottles, with the 1L format offering additional volume at a competitive per-ounce cost.

Is Early Times BiB worth the price? Early Times Bottled in Bond positions squarely in the value tier of the BiB bourbon category, and its Whisky Advocate "Best Value" recognition reinforces that it consistently over-delivers relative to its price point.

Why Early Times BiB?

The Bottled-in-Bond designation guarantees a baseline of quality that few value-priced bourbons can match: a single distilling season, a single distillery, a minimum of four years of aging, and a full 100 proof with no shortcuts. Early Times BiB layers that legal framework with a genuinely appealing flavor profile — one rich enough in fruit and confection to stand on its own and robust enough to anchor a cocktail. The heat-cycled warehouse aging at Barton 1792 adds a production wrinkle rarely discussed at this price tier, contributing to a flavor maturity that blind tastings frequently reward. For anyone assembling a bourbon collection or simply stocking a bar with a dependable daily pour, this 1-liter bottle earns its spot on the shelf through substance rather than marketing.