Over the course of its history, Bottled-in-Bond bourbon has become one of the most reliable quality markers in American whiskey. Originally created to combat fraud in the 19th century, the term now signals high-quality, bold, and meticulously crafted bourbon.
But while the market is flooded with Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, not every award-winner is accessible. Many are allocated, overpriced, or simply unavailable.
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So, in the interest of helping you advance your bourbon journey without having to stand in queues for hours on end, here are seven bottled-in-bond bourbons that have won real awards and (most of which) can actually be found at retailers in the US and UK.
If you’re looking for verified winners without chasing bottles, this is where to start.
What Does Bottled-in-Bond Actually Mean?
Bottled-in-bond is a legal designation established in 1897 under the Bottled-in-Bond Act, created to protect consumers from counterfeit whiskey. To qualify, a bourbon must be the product of one distillery, distilled during a single season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof.
This law was the first consumer protection act in the US and gave buyers confidence in what they were drinking. Today, bottled-in-bond still stands for consistency and transparency, and has important historical ties to America’s drinking culture.
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For bourbon lovers, it’s a badge of trust. For producers, it’s a chance to prove their craftsmanship with no shortcuts.
So, which such producers have earned accolades for their Bottled-in-Bond bourbons? Let’s find out.
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
Award: Double Gold Medal, 2025 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition
Price: ~$20 (U.S. only)
Availability: Widely available in the U.S.
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond is a prime example of how affordable bourbon doesn’t mean inferior bourbon. This high-corn mash bill (79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley) delivers classic Kentucky character: caramel, baking spice, black pepper, and a hint of cocoa. It’s rich, balanced, and surprisingly layered for the price.
Originally owned by Brown-Forman, the brand was acquired by Sazerac in 2020 and is now distilled at Barton 1792. The yeast strain and production methods remain consistent, keeping the flavor profile intact.
Its Double Gold at the 2025 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition underscores the quality. It’s a budget bourbon with serious credentials.
You’ll find it on shelves across the US, though it’s not currently distributed in the UK. For bonded bourbon beginners or seasoned drinkers who value substance over hype, Early Times is an easy recommendation.
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond
Award: Finalist, Best Straight Bourbon, 2025 ASCOT Awards
Price: ~$60 (375ml)
Availability: Limited but findable in the U.S.
Angel’s Envy is known for its port cask finishes, but this release strips that away. Their first-ever bottled-in-bond bourbon is unfinished, unblended, and remarkably focused, and it still impressed judges enough to place as a finalist at the 2025 ASCOT Awards.
This release blends barrels specifically to land on strength and balance. The result is a lean, flavor-packed bourbon with notes of caramel, banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and baking spice. It drinks bigger than its proof without becoming aggressive.
Angel’s Envy fans may be surprised by the restraint. There’s no cask finish here — just well-aged, high-quality Kentucky bourbon aged nearly six years and presented without shortcuts.
It’s limited but not impossible to find, with many online retailers now stocking the bottle.. For those curious to taste what Angel’s Envy can do without the extra wood, this is the bottle to reach for.
1792 Bottled-in-Bond
Award: Gold Medal, 2024 International Whisky Competition (93.95 points)
Price: ~$35–$40
Availability: Seasonal release, still findable in the U.S. and UK
Barton 1792 Distillery’s Bottled-in-Bond expression is a bold, high-rye bourbon that doesn’t pull punches. It scored a Gold Medal at the 2024 International Whisky Competition with an impressive 93.95 points.
Expect a flavor profile that leans into spice: fresh mint, black pepper, charred oak, and a backbone of sweet caramel and green apple. The mash bill is undisclosed but known to be rye-forward, delivering structure and lift to every sip.
This release is a limited seasonal bottling, but it’s not elusive. It often appears at Total Wine, ReserveBar, and other large U.S. retailers. UK availability is more sporadic but possible through The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt when in stock. In fact, both retailers currently have bottles on sale.
For drinkers who like their bourbon lively and assertive, 1792 Bottled-in-Bond offers both value and pedigree. It’s a fuller, more focused alternative to the brand’s Small Batch and a reliable entry into bonded territory.
Heaven Hill 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond
Award: Gold Medal, 2025 World Whiskies Awards
Price: ~$30-$45
Availability: Widely available in the U.S.; occasional UK listings
Heaven Hill’s 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond is a modern classic. It took home a Gold Medal at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, reinforcing its status as one of the most dependable bonded bourbons on the shelf.
This whiskey uses Heaven Hill’s traditional mash bill (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) and is aged at least seven years. It’s made at the family-owned distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
The result is textbook bonded bourbon: warm vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and gentle baking spice. There’s depth here, but also softness. The extra aging rounds out the edges without muting the character.
Widely distributed in the US, it’s a shelf staple in most well-stocked retailers. I was lucky enough to try this bourbon at Seven Hills Whisky Festival in Sheffield earlier this year, and came away with the impression that Heaven Hill may be looking to advance UK distribution in the near future.
If you’re after a true Kentucky bottled-in-bond with real age and pedigree, this one delivers.
Rebecca Creek Bottled-in-Bond Texas Straight Bourbon
Award: 91.93 points, 2025 International Whisky Competition (3rd Place, BiB category)
Price: ~$45–$55
Availability: Direct from brand website, U.S. nationwide shipping available
Rebecca Creek’s bottled-in-bond bourbon is proof that great bonded whiskey isn’t exclusive to Kentucky. This Texas-made spirit placed third in its category at the 2025 International Whisky Competition, earning 91.93 points and critical praise for its bold, expressive profile.
Crafted in San Antonio, it’s made with a high-rye mash bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley. The result is fragrant and spicy — with aromas of sweet corn and vanilla, a floral, nutty mid-palate, and a black pepper finish that lingers. Pot still distillation adds extra body and texture.
Aged in Texas heat for at least four years, this bourbon develops faster than most. It drinks like a much older whiskey, with concentrated oak and spice notes.
Distribution is mostly limited to Texas, but the distillery offers direct shipping in select US states. For those looking to explore bonded bourbon beyond Kentucky, this is a distinctive and award-winning place to start.
Brother’s Bond Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Award: Double Gold, 2025 New York World Spirits Competition
Price: ~$60
Availability: Widely available in the U.S. and UK via major retailers
Brother’s Bond started as a celebrity-backed brand, but this release proves it has staying power. The Bottled-in-Bond bourbon took a Double Gold at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition, judged blind and awarded purely on merit.
This is a high-rye mash bill with a twist: 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted rye — no malted barley. That adds complexity and a slightly floral edge to the spice. On the palate, you’ll find toffee, apricot, cinnamon, and orange peel, with a rounded mouthfeel and a dry, spicy finish.
This is the brand’s most mature release to date, aged a full seven years and presented at 100 proof.
Available through ReserveBar and national U.S. retailers, it’s easy to track down and worth a look from bonded bourbon fans curious about how rye can take center stage.
Whiskey Thief Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond
Award: Gold Medal, 2025 Denver International Spirits Competition
Price: ~$99
Availability: Distillery website and select online retailers (U.S. only)
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., based in Frankfort, Kentucky, is a small producer known for hands-on hospitality and full-flavor bourbon. Its Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond release won a Gold Medal at the 2025 Denver International Spirits Competition, beating out entries from far larger distilleries.
As the name suggests, this is a single barrel expression — each bottle comes from a single, unblended barrel, aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. That means no two releases are exactly the same. Common tasting notes include brown sugar, toasted oak, peanut brittle, and warm spice, depending on the barrel selected.
All whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled on-site in small batches, complying fully with bonded regulations. It’s a true grain-to-glass operation.
Availability is limited to the distillery gift shop and select Kentucky retailers, with occasional online ordering available in certain US states. For those seeking a craft-level bonded bourbon with real personality and pedigree, this one is worth the effort.
Final Thoughts & Where to Find the Best Prices
Bottled-in-bond bourbon continues to offer some of the best value and integrity in American whiskey. These seven award-winning releases prove that bonded doesn’t mean expensive or elusive.
To get the best deal, consider using The Whiskey Wash’s price comparison tool to track availability across trusted retailers.
What is your favorite Bottled-in-Bond bourbon? And can you actually find it?
