Early Times Bottled In Bond Review

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Early Times Bottled-in-Bond: A Review of the Classic Bourbon

Early Times is a name synonymous with American whiskey, a brand steeped in history and known for its accessible, everyday quality. While it's often overshadowed by its more luxurious cousins, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond offers a unique experience worth exploring. Today, we'll delve into a comprehensive review of this classic bourbon, uncovering its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately deciding whether it deserves a spot in your whiskey collection.

What is Bottled-in-Bond?

Before diving into the specifics of Early Times, let's understand the "Bottled-in-Bond" designation. This label, established in 1897, ensures that a bourbon adheres to strict quality standards. These include:

• Aged for at least four years: This ensures a smooth and well-rounded flavor profile.
• Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV): This provides a bolder, more robust drinking experience.
• Produced by a single distillery in one distilling season: This guarantees consistency and uniformity in flavor.

Early Times Bottled-in-Bond: Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is dominated by sweet corn and caramel notes, with hints of oak and vanilla peeking through. A touch of spice, reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg, adds complexity.

Palate: On the palate, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond offers a smooth, balanced experience. The sweetness of corn and caramel carries through, joined by warming spices and a subtle hint of oak. While the high proof provides a noticeable burn, it's balanced by the smooth, creamy texture.

Finish: The finish is medium-length, leaving a lingering warmth and a touch of spice. The oak influence lingers, providing a subtle dryness that balances out the sweetness.

Is Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Worth Trying?

For the price point, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond delivers a solid, enjoyable experience. It's not a complex, nuanced bourbon, but it's perfectly drinkable neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Here's a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Affordable: It's a budget-friendly option compared to many other bourbons.
• Easy to find: It's readily available at most liquor stores.
• Versatile: It's suitable for sipping neat, mixing in cocktails, or enjoying on the rocks.
• Solid, reliable quality: Early Times consistently meets the "Bottled-in-Bond" standard.

Cons:

• Lack of complexity: While pleasant, the flavor profile may not be as intricate as other high-end bourbons.
• Can be a bit harsh: The 100-proof ABV can lead to a noticeable burn for those used to lower-proof whiskey.

Conclusion

Early Times Bottled-in-Bond is a solid, reliable bourbon that offers a classic American whiskey experience at an affordable price. While it may lack the depth of flavor found in more expensive bourbons, it's a great option for everyday drinking, especially for those new to the world of whiskey. If you're looking for a simple, enjoyable, and affordable bourbon to sip or mix, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond is a great choice.

Beyond this review, explore the wide world of bourbon! Experiment with different brands, ages, and finishes to discover your own favorites. The journey of whiskey exploration is an exciting one, filled with diverse flavors and intriguing stories.