Military Bourbon Review: Early Times Bottled-in-Bond

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History – Early Times Bottled-in-Bond. Established in 1860, Early Times is a true American brand. The name itself is a tribute to the way whisky was made in the “Early Times” of the country. As the Twentieth Century arrived and distilling methods evolved to sophisticated operations, Early Times remained true to its roots as an old-style Kentucky bourbon. During the turbulent 1940s, Early Times proudly introduced Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon to the satisfaction of the heroic, hard-working men and women of that era. And in the decade that followed, Early Times became America’s top-selling bourbon. Today, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon carries on this rich heritage of the Early Times legacy.

Value – For a bourbon priced under $30, this is a okay purchase.

Appearance – This bottle is filled with rich Sedona-colored bourbon with a sealed screw-on cap.  The bottle shape is a round cylinder. I enjoy the traditional old heritage look of the bottle. Also, the fact that it’s a liter bottle is awesome. I do wish it said the actual time aged on the bottle though.

Nose – It can be difficult to get past the strong smell or burn with the 100-proof strength of this bourbon, But if you can, it could potentially have a sweet smell with a slight caramel with honey and a hint of oak depending on your own consensus.

Palate – This can hit a little rough to a new bourbon drinker, due to it being 100 proof. But don’t let that scare you away from trying this bourbon by no means. It has fantastic taste qualities beyond the good burn it displays at the first sip. After you get past that sip you could be drawn to the nice soft caramel taste along with maybe even a hint of cinnamon.

Finish – Early Times BIB leaves you tasting that sweet caramel with some would say a cinnamon twist toward the end of the sip followed by a sharp after-burn. It doesn’t have enough ass to leave your mouth numb but what I have found it will do is keep you coming back for more, that is if you like that elusive burn.

Summary – In summary, reviewing this Early Times BIB (Bottled-In-Bond) 100 proof distilled and bottled in Louisville, KY. I feel it has good taste on the verge of being great. It has the afterburn that one could look for that doesn’t melt your throat in a 100-proof bourbon.

“Overall it’s a great product for the price and quantity you get in the litter bottle but that’s it. It will not be a bourbon that just blows you away but it will get the job done in class!“

–Eric Watkins

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 5

Appearance- 1-10 – 4

Nose- 1-20 – 11

Palate- 1-20 – 9

Finish- 1-20 – 17

Value- 1-20 – 17