Early Times Bottled-in-bond
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Overall Value: 5/5
Distillery: Brown-Forman Distillery
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company Inc. / Early Times Distilling Company
Release Date: Ongoing (black screw top)
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 79% Corn, 11% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Color: Caramel
MSRP: $30 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of this OG Early Times Bottled-in-Bond (black screw top) jumps out of the glass with candy shop sweetness—grape and strawberry Nerds, strawberry fruit strips, and even hints of maple syrup. Layered in are softer notes of apple pie, vanilla bean ice cream, and a touch of oak. All these notes come together to give it a great introduction to the sip.
The palate opens bright and fruity, led by strawberry, crisp red apple, and honey. A bit of orange peel adds lift, while leather, coffee, and dark chocolate bring depth without becoming overly bitter. The balance between light fruit and darker flavors makes this bourbon both approachable and rewarding.
The red fruit lingers into the finish, shifting toward cherry, while oak takes on a more noticeable role. A touch of vanilla fudge rounds things out, giving the finish length and character without too much dryness.
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond has earned its reputation as one of the best value bourbons on the market. While our bottle was the black cap version, this bottle drinks far above its price point. With an MSRP that once made it a steal and secondary sales driving demand, it’s the kind of bottle you grab whenever you spot it.
This review makes it clear: Early Times Bottled-in-Bond is a must-have for any bourbon lover’s shelf.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 5/5
THE NOSE:
Apple Pie and vanilla bean ice cream.
An undertone of light oak.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is light and oily. Crisp red apple and honey.
The sweet fruitiness is the primary flavor, but there is a little bit of light oak in the palate as well.
I also get a bit of orange peel as well. It really helps balance out the pour.
THE FINISH:
The woodiness makes more of a punch in the finish, bringing a bit of dryness as well.
The red fruit projects more cherry on the finish.
I also get a vanilla fudge flavor on the long finish.
BUY OR PASS?
The OG black screw top is a top notch value purchase. It’s a fantastic bourbon experience for the price.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 5/5
THE NOSE:
This one is a candy shop in a glass.
I’m talking grape and strawberry Nerds, strawberry fruit strips, and even a touch of maple syrup.
It’s sweet, fun, and makes you want to dive right in.
THE TASTE:
It starts off light and sweet with bright red fruit—strawberry and apple really pop.
Then the darker flavors show up: leather, coffee, and dark chocolate.
The sweetness keeps those darker notes from getting bitter, which makes the sip balanced and easy to enjoy.
THE FINISH:
The finish is all about that upfront fruity sweetness, with just a bit of oak dryness that hangs around.
BUY OR PASS?
It’s no mystery why people chase this - black cap - bottle. I’ve never seen one in the wild since it vanished from shelves, but if you spot one, don’t think twice.
It drinks like something in the $60–$80 range, which makes it a steal if you can find it.
