Whisky Review: Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

When Early Times 354 Bourbon disappeared from shelves in 2014, only a Kentucky whisky product remained for the historic Early Times brand (see Chuck Cowdery’s great article on the history of Early Times). To clarify, the usual bottom-shelf dwelling Early Times Kentucky Whiskey fails to qualify as bourbon due to partial aging in used cooperage. After the recent expansion of Brown Forman’s better-known bourbon brands Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, a bourbon product, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, once again carries the brand name.

According to press materials, the release of Early Times Bottled-in-Bond coincides with the 75^th anniversary of the release of the original Early Times bonded bourbon (here’s The Spirits Business coverage of the release and historic connection). As with all bottled-in-bond products, the whiskey in Early Times bonded hails from one distillery (for the other bottled-in-bond legal requirements, here’s a link for our bottled-in-bond article). In this case, the whiskey comes from its namesake distillery, Early Times Distillery (DSP-KY-354) in Louisville, Kentucky.

Tasting Notes: Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Vital Stats: As with all bottled-in-bond bourbons, this bourbon aged at least four years in new charred oak barrels, and Brown Forman proofed the bourbon to 100 proof. The mash bill includes 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley. Currently, a limited distribution plan may make this bourbon a bit tough to find (Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Oregon). This bourbon retails for about $23 for a one-liter bottle.

Appearance: At four-years-old and 100 proof, bonded Early Times appears a medium copper in the glass. Certainly not in the league of barrel-proof bourbons, but also not as light as many craft bourbons hitting the shelves.

Nose: Freshly poured, baking spice notes dominate the nose. However, after a few minutes in the glass, the nose lightens up quite a bit, and soft notes of caramel, oak, and citrus mesh, resulting in a balanced and pleasant nose.

Palate: The front of the palate leads off with light caramel notes balanced with slightly tangy dark fruit notes. The simple sweetness of the front carries through to the mid palate, but the fruit notes are replaced by light oak and cinnamon. The finish turns slightly earthy and bitter before some of the spice notes return for a light warming sensation.