The Liquor Law of 1897
For the whiskey enthusiasts, the Bottled-in-Bond Act was more than a simple law. It was a guarantee that the smooth drink they were sipping on was genuine and free from any adulteration. It brought about a level of transparency that was unheard of at that time. For the first time, whiskey lovers knew who made their drink and that it had been produced without any shady practices.
The Bottled-in-Bond Rules
The law was stringent and specific. To qualify as Bottled-in-Bond (BiB), the whiskey had to meet the following criteria:
- The spirit had to be the product of one distillation season at one distillery, by one distiller.
- The whiskey had to be aged in a federally bonded warehouse under government supervision for at least four years.
- It had to be bottled at 100 proof.
- The whiskey bottle had to clearly state the location of the distillery and the bottling.
- And most importantly, it had to be produced in the USA.
A Milestone in Consumer Protection
Even more significant is the historical aspect of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. It was the very first consumer protection act implemented by the government in American history. It marked a major milestone in the fight against food adulteration, even predating the famed 1906 Pure Food & Drug Act.
So, when you raise a glass of Bottled-in-Bond whiskey, you’re not just enjoying a great drink, you’re also celebrating a pivotal moment in American history. Here’s to National Bottled-in-Bond Day – a toast to quality, transparency, and the enduring spirit of American whiskey!