A treasure hunt doesn't always require a map; sometimes, the greatest discoveries are hiding in plain sight on your local liquor store shelves. Alcoholic beverage expert Russ Kempton returns to the B-Team Podcast to guide Josh, Matt, and guest host Jim Corbett through a Bottled-in-Bond tasting that challenges perceptions and proves quality doesn't always correlate with price or scarcity.

The journey begins with a fascinating history lesson on the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a groundbreaking consumer protection measure championed by Colonel E.H. Taylor to combat dangerous distilling practices. This legislation established strict quality standards requiring to be the product of one distilling season, aged at least four years under government supervision, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and produced at a single distillery – creating what Russ calls "a brand of authenticity."

From the polarizing yet historically significant Mellow Corn ($15) to the surprisingly complex J.T.S. Brown ($20) and the leather-forward Old Grand Dad ($20), the team discovers remarkable quality in bottles many bourbon enthusiasts ignore while hunting allocated products. The tasting peaks with Old Pepper Bottled-in-Bond, drawing comparisons to much pricier options, and a rare Angel's Envy Bottled-in-Bond distillery exclusive that showcases rich wood tannins and exemplifies how distilleries test potential new expressions.

Throughout the discussion, Russ emphasizes the importance of evaluating spirits objectively: "You never taste with your heart." This reminder that perception often influences enjoyment more than actual quality resonates as the bourbon boom moderates and previously scarce bottles become more accessible. The episode offers a refreshing perspective for collectors and casual drinkers alike, while the thrill of finding rare bottles continues, some of the best bourbon experiences are waiting right on the regular shelf, no allocation required.

Take a break from the allocation chase and join us for a journey that might just change how you shop for whiskey. After all, as Russ pointedly asks about these overlooked gems: "What took you so long?"

More About this Episode

Exploring Bottled-in-Bond: America’s Bourbon Legacy and the Power of Overlooked Labels

In the world of bourbon, it’s easy to get lost in the hunt for the rare, the allocated, and the overpriced. Social media bourbon influencers, bourbon “bullies,” and hype culture can skew our perception of what’s really good and what’s simply hard to find. That’s why every now and then, it’s worth pausing and revisiting the roots of American whiskey, the old standbys, the value picks, the bottles that defined generations. And perhaps no category captures that legacy better than Bottled-in-Bond.

During our most recent episode of the B-Team Podcast, we dove headfirst into a tasting lineup dedicated entirely to Bottled-in-Bond whiskies. And it wasn’t just a tasting, it was a reminder of what makes bourbon great.

What Is Bottled-in-Bond?

Before we get to what we tasted, let’s start with what Bottled-in-Bond means because it’s more than just a label. It’s a piece of American whiskey history.

The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was created to protect whiskey drinkers from unscrupulous distillers who were cutting corners, and sometimes even causing harm. Back then, it wasn’t uncommon to find alcohol laced with methyl alcohol (which causes blindness and death) and masked with tobacco and other additives. 

Colonel E.H. Taylor, a distilling pioneer, led the charge to pass legislation that would create a standard. Under the Bottled-in-Bond Act, whiskey had to be:

  • Distilled in one distilling season (either January–June or July–December)
  • By one distiller at one distillery
  • Aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse
  • Bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV)

It was one of the first consumer protection laws in U.S. history and established a benchmark for authenticity and quality. To this day, when you see "Bottled-in-Bond" on a label, you know what you’re getting, and that matters.

Revisiting the Bottled-in-Bond Staples

With our resident bourbon guru, Russ Kempton, back in the studio, we ran through a tasting of six Bottled-in-Bond whiskies, none of which were limited releases or allocated bottles. Just solid, available spirits that most people walk right past on the shelf.

Here’s what we discovered.

1. Mellow Corn (Heaven Hill)
MSRP: ~$15
Proof: 100
Style: Corn Whiskey

Let’s get this out of the way: Mellow Corn is divisive. It's a corn whiskey (not a bourbon), meaning it's made with at least 80% corn and can be aged in new or used barrels. The result? Sweetness on the nose, almost like buttered popcorn.

It’s not for everyone. But for $15, Mellow Corn is a glimpse into an older, simpler American whiskey tradition. Is it going to replace your Friday night pour? Maybe not. But if you’re a whiskey nerd or just want something interesting for a cocktail, it deserves a try.

2. J.T.S. Brown (Heaven Hill)
MSRP: ~$20
Proof: 100
Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey

A clear step up from Mellow Corn, J.T.S. Brown, offered a smoother experience that several of the us agreed would happily drink straight or mix into a cocktail. The standout comment was how well it would work in an old-fashioned, thanks to its balance and versatility.

Russ noted that the brand has deep roots going back to 1855 and shared how he once had J.T.S. Brown in every major well in Austin during his sales days. For a bottle that costs around $20, it made a strong impression, especially when compared to more expensive options. While it may not be widely available in every state, it’s a solid example of what Bottled-in-Bond can deliver at the everyday level, a dependable pour with surprising value.

3. Old Grand Dad
MSRP: ~$20
Proof: 100
Style: High-Rye Bourbon

This one got a strong thumbs up across the board. Named after Basil Hayden (yep, that Basil Hayden), Old Grand Dad is a high-rye bourbon with a bold flavor, notes of leather and cedar, and a balanced heat.

This isn’t the dusty bottle your uncle sips in secret. Old Grand-Dad Bonded is flavorful, rich, and deserving of respect. It's not just a “value” bourbon, it’s a genuinely good bourbon that just happens to cost $20. Pour it neat, on ice, or in a Manhattan, it holds up beautifully.

4. James E. Pepper
MSRP: ~$50
Proof: 100
Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey

James E. Pepper brought a noticeable shift in the lineup, with richer color and a flavor profile that stood out. The group picked up notes like black licorice, crème brûlée, and fresh-cut vanilla bean, and one comparison was made to the familiar taste of E.H. Taylor. The reaction around the table was positive, with clear enthusiasm for the depth and structure of this pour.

Russ noted the brand’s historical connection to the original Elijah Pepper distillery, now home to Woodford Reserve, and mentioned that it had been hard to find until recently. While this bottle came in at a higher price point than others in the tasting, it was well-received and marked a return to form for a legacy label that had disappeared from shelves for a time.

5. Angel’s Envy (Distillery-Only Release)
MSRP: ~$58 (375ml)**
Proof: 100
Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Angel’s Envy closed out the tasting with something unique. This Bottled-in-Bond expression used only American oak and followed the traditional guidelines. The bottle was released in a 375ml format and available only at the distillery.

The group responded well to the pour, noting strong wood sugars and noticeable tannins. Some felt the addition of water brought out more balance, while others preferred it neat. For a distillery-only release, it made a strong impression and offered something different from the usual Angel’s Envy profile. 

The Bourbon Shelf Problem: Why We Overlook Great Bottles

One of the best parts of this tasting wasn’t just discovering what we liked; it was realizing why we overlook these bottles in the first place.

Whether it’s because they don’t come in a fancy tube or they’re sitting on the bottom shelf instead of behind glass, bottles like J.T.S. Brown or Old Grand-Dad often get passed over. Retail scarcity creates an artificial sense of value.

But what’s truly valuable is what delivers every time.

You don’t need to spend $100 to drink something good. In fact, as our tasting showed, some of the best bang-for-your-buck bourbons are sitting right there, in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered.

The beauty of bourbon lies in both its history and its accessibility. Bottled-in-Bond whiskies bring both to the table. They’re rooted in American law, built on a promise of quality, and often overlooked in favor of flashier bottles.

But if you're willing to dig a little deeper and taste with your brain instead of your wallet, you might just find that your new favorite bottle costs a whole lot less than you expected.