Old Forester 1897 Bottled In Bond Bourbon Whiskey Review

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Bourbon Tasting Notes / Review


A few comments about what "Bottled In Bond" means, history and why it was important for the US bourbon and whiskey consumer:

In 1862 to help pay for the Civil War, a 20¢ per gallon tax was imposed upon distilleries. It was figured at .20x1galx100proof. Like all good tax strategies of the USG, they couldn't stop raising the rate and by 1865 it was set at $2 per gallon, making whiskey unattainable for most drinkers due to the very high price. In 1897 Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr worked with Secretary of the Treasury John Carlisle to have the  “Bottled in Bond Act of 1897" written into federal law.

This required that bonded whiskey would be certified that it was made at one distillery, one small single batch, 100 proof, aged 4+ years while under constant supervision of the government.  After all of the taxes being used to support the war effort being drained from the distilleries, it was only fair that the government give something back in return. Well, maybe not quite?  Distilleries quickly had small buildings erected where the "taxman" would sit post and oversee, certify and tax each bottle and barrel produced to meet the requirements.  Col. E.H. Taylor's idea was genious, it added a label to the bottle that certified his product (and eventually all other reputable distilleries). Prior to this, a purchase could be made from a general store owner buying the entire barrel on a loaded wagon. Once out of the control of the distillery, it could easily be watered down for the consumer so that the store could make more money per barrel. This practice greatly affected quality, was impossible to control, and the end consumer was paying for a tainted product when they visited the store to "fill up their jugs."

With the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, end consumers would have a pure 100 proof labled and sealed bottle that was tamper resistant. It also made distribution easier across the United States and then globally.

For more on this part of bourbon history, check out this link: American Whiskey Trail History

Old Forrester 1897 Bottled In Bond Bourbon Whiskey 

Fair Bottle Value: $50

Nose: Carmel, vanilla, maple syrup, toasty oak
Palate: Cinnamon, vanilla, oak, maple, burnt toast
Finish: The best part of the bottle for me. Oily long finish, caramel, cinnamon, toast

Rating: 5/5

Recommend: Yes


Opinions expressed are the personal experience and works of the author "Ike Gilbert" and are based upon the sampling of one unique bottle among many. Skol.

© 2021 Ike Gilbert

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