Bottled-in-Bond Act

The Bottled in Bond Act, established in 1897, is a U.S. law that sets strict regulations for certain types of distilled spirits, primarily whiskey. For a spirit to be labeled as "bottled in bond," it must be produced in a single distilling season, aged for at least four years in a federally supervised warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). This act was designed to ensure quality and authenticity in a time when consumers faced issues with adulterated spirits, providing them with assurance regarding what they were purchasing.