DSR – KY – 019: Early Times Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Bottled-In-Bond
Company/Distillery: Early Times Distillery Company
Location: Louisville, Kentucky (Brown-Forman Distillery)
Mash Bill: 79% Corn, 11% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley
Age Statement: At Least 4 Years Old
Proof/ABV: 100 Proof/50% ABV
Color & Viscosity: In the bottle, Early Times Bottled-In-Bond radiates a deep mahogany hue, hinting at the depth of flavors waiting to be enjoyed. As it cascades into the glass, its color transforms into a captivating tawny, shimmering under the light, inviting you to explore its complexities with each sip.
As the whisky settles in the glass, a delicate, viscous line begins to form, gradually morphing into a medium-bodied lip that gently curves around the rim. This soon gives way to small droplets that cling to the surface before transforming into slow, elegant legs that leisurely trickle down the sides of the glass.
Purchase Price: $25.15 for 1.0 Liter Bottle at the NC ABC Stores
Bottle Label Information:
Front Label
EARLY TIMES OLD STYLE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKY
BOTTLED-IN-BOND
ESTD 1860
100 PROOF
Back Label
EARLY TIMES BOTTLED-IN-BOND
Early Times Bottled-In-Bond, our tribute to historic Bourbon whisky making, honors the quality standards set forth by the U.S. Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897. This Act requires the whisky to be the product of one Distillery that is distilled at one American distillery during one distilling season. The whisky must be aged for at least four years under government supervision in secured federal buildings and bottled at 100 proof.
Distilled & Bottled by Early Times Distillery Company, Louisville, Kentucky
DSP-KY-354 | DSP-KY-414
Distillery Background
Early Times Distillery Company
The Early Times Distillery Company was founded in 1860 by John Henry “Jack” Beam (1839-1915). Jack Beam would get his start distilling at his father’s facility until, in 1860, he decided to break out on his own and build a distillery in Early Times Station, Kentucky. Jack’s son, Edward, had hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps but suffered an early death at age 42. Beam would lose financial control of the distillery during the Panic of 1880 but would remain as a distiller until his death. Early Times Distillery would be known for the brands Early Times, Jack Beam, and A.G. Nall.
In 1923 Owsley Brown (owner of Brown-Forman), in an effort to ease supply issues from the end of prohibition, would purchase the aged stocks and brand Early Times. In 1933, Brown-Forman would begin distilling Early Times Whisky once again. In July 2020, Brown-Forman completed the sale of the Early Times to the Sazerac.
The Early Times Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky of this review was distilled prior to the Brown-Forman sale to Sazerac.
www.earlytimes.com: Review: Early Times Bottled-In-BondTasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: April 14, 2024 – Neat in a Glencairn glass; Then with a few drops of distilled water.
Nose
Christian: Wow! In the bottle, Early Times Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky is absolutely delightful. The aromatics remind me of the sweet aromas experienced within the confines of a rickhouse with sweet hints of oak barrels and tobacco. In my Glencairn glass, this whisky smells so sweet. Nice notes of creamed corn, vanilla, toffee are accompanied by a subtle floral note. A second pass brings to mind butterscotch candy discs–so much buttery goodness in this nose. The addition of distilled water takes the nose on this pour to the next level of sweetness. Rich tobacco, sweet syrup, dark brown sugar, and honey glazed pastry all dominate the nose.
Mike: From the bottle, this whisky offers a complex blend of flavors, with sweet undertones, light tobacco notes, and a hint of cherry pipe tobacco. All enriched by the infusion of charred oak staves.
In the glass, sweetness takes the lead with an upfront burst of pink bubble gum, followed by lingering floral notes and a subtle hint of yeast on the back-end.
Mouth
Christian: On the palate, this whiskey is surprisingly light and airy. The mouth feel has a middle of the road viscosity – a nice creaminess. I am noticing a nice sweetness on the tip of my tongue with soft hints of brown sugar, vanilla, and oak barrel char. A second taste brings forth notes of baking pastry dough, cinnamon, buttercream icing, and just a touch of nutmeg. The distilled water really brings out the buttery pastry dough on the palate. A little bit more oak bitterness sneaks through, but it isn’t overbearing. Vanilla, toffee, and cinnamon are very nice here.
Mike: At first sip, a subtle hint of bitterness emerges, gently tickling the palate, followed by delicate notes of light oak char, reminiscent of a tranquil evening by the fire. Just as you settle into this sensation, a burst of cinnamon rushes forth, igniting the taste buds with its warm embrace. Gradually, this initial fervor fades into a harmonious symphony of pastry-like sweetness, where the essence of cinnamon intertwines with a balanced sweetness, leaving behind a lingering sense of satisfaction.
On the second tasting, the whisky reveals a velvety mouthfeel akin to a soft, warm powdered sugar glaze, offering a comforting and indulgent experience reminiscent of freshly baked pastries.
Finish
Christian: Early Times Bottled-In-Bond has a medium finish that is a little dry in the back. A subtle but present Kentucky hug wells up deep in the chest and emits a light cinder. Sweetness remains through the pour. Yellow corn, caramel, fresh tobacco, and citrus provide a refreshing finish. The distilled water takes an already subtle finish and tamps it down a bit. The oak char grows stronger, leaving a bit of bitterness on the palate. Burnt brown sugar, marshmallow, and vanilla cream finish long after the whisky has left the tongue.
Mike: The finish brings forth a bold punch of heat, delivering a fiery intensity that ignites the back of the throat before gracefully receding, only to resurface with a gentle warmth that spreads to the mid-chest. This consistent and inviting heat lingers, enveloping the lower throat and mid-chest in a comforting embrace, akin to the famed “Kentucky hug,” leaving a lasting impression of satisfaction and contentment.
Our Rating
Final Thoughts
Christian: I am very surprised and pleased with the experience provided by Early Times Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. This offering is approachable with copious amounts of sweetness and warmth. Nothing here is going to knock your socks off or leave your life changed but, you cannot beat the price and quality. Unfortunately, it is no longer made by Brown-Forman and we don’t know what impact that may have on the current rendition of flavors. This is a solid pour that I find myself continually reaching for on my shelf. It sips good neat, on the rocks, on the golf course, or with good friends. What more could you ask for out of a bourbon!
Rating: 3.75 Rickhouses
Mike: This whisky offers a rich tapestry of flavors and sensations. Its transition from a slightly bitter upfront note to a delightful sweetness, coupled with a creamy mouthfeel and a satisfying warmth, creates a truly memorable tasting experience. With each sip, it evokes the essence of Kentucky craftsmanship, leaving a lingering impression of quality and enjoyment. Early Times Bottled-In-Bond bourbon stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition of American whisky-making, making it a worthy addition to any connoisseur’s collection.
Gallery
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