Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
To celebrate Bottled In Bond Day 2023, Laws Whiskey House released the latest version of their bottled in bond, four grain bourbon, crafted from 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% malted heirloom barley. All grains are grown by two farming families: The Cody’s of San Luis Valley, smack-dab in the center of Southern Colorado, and The Ohnmacht’s on Colorado’s eastern plain. According to Laws, these locations offer just enough adversity to make the grains grow rich and tasty.
Bottled in Bond Day is March 3rd and celebrates the passage of its namesake act in 1897. From that point forward, it was easy to know when you were getting a quality whiskey – you looked for “Bottled in Bond” on the label. This ensured the liquid was the product of a single distillation season by a single distillery, it was aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse under federal supervision and it was bottled at precisely 100 proof (50% ABV).
Before the spring of 1897, distillers, bootleggers, charlatans, bottlers and sellers of every stripe could offer just about anything that looked like whiskey. It could be extended with alcohols other than ethanol, dyed with tobacco, iodine, or prunes, the bite enhanced with acid and more.
According to Nick Laracuente, archivist and exhibit designer at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the Bottled in Bond Act was key to consumer safety because whiskey was such an integral piece of everyday life, drunk with meals and at most gatherings.
This release is especially appropriate since Laws Whiskey House was the first Colorado distillery to produce a whiskey meeting the bottled in bond provisions. Laws also make a cognac cask finish that uses the solera method to ensure continuity between batches, where the newly aged spirit is blended in a giant foeder (approximately 1,600 gallons) with remnants of previous batches.
Fascinatingly, no one at Laws Whiskey House claims the title ‘Master Distiller,’ the duties instead being fulfilled by a group of at least 18 people they call ‘The Village.’
Tasting Notes: Laws Whiskey House 2023 Four Grain Bottled in Bond Bourbon
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Vital Stats: Laws Whiskey House 2023 Four Grain Bottled in Bond Bourbon is made from 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% malted heirloom barley. It’s aged for 8 years and bottled at 100 proof. Find a 750mL in key markets nationally for $79.99.
Appearance: This liquid is very clear amber with a copper cast, that beads and slowly and forms legs.
Nose: The first whiff is light Elmer’s glue. Sweet banana mingled with sarsaparilla and cinnamon; lumber-in-a-chop-saw warmth, a hint of maple syrup lurks underneath. Sandalwood comes through as it rests.
Palate: This whiskey is feisty on the approach, dry with plenty of spice on the mid palate. Find slightly bitter leather on the medium finish.
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