Garrison Brothers Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Bottled in Bond is a legal designation with specific requirements, and it tells you a lot about what is in this bottle. Under the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, the whiskey must come from a single distillation season at one distillery, spend at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and be bottled at exactly 100 proof, or 50% ABV. Garrison Brothers' version is a straight bourbon, so it is made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak. The 100 proof strength matters in the glass and in the shaker, because it carries more weight than a standard 80 to 86 proof bourbon. Bonded bourbons at this strength usually show a sweet corn and caramel core, with vanilla and toasted oak from the char, and baking spice that builds toward the finish. Expect a warm, full mouthfeel with a longer, drier oak finish than lower-proof bottlings. Those are typical traits of the category rather than a measured profile for this bottle, so a neat pour is the best way to learn how it leans. For sipping, start neat in a Glencairn glass. The tapered bowl concentrates the aroma, and at 50% ABV it helps to nose with your mouth slightly open so the alcohol doesn't overwhelm the oak and vanilla. If the heat feels forward, add a few drops of room-temperature water. This loosens the spirit and often brings out the sweeter grain and fruit notes. A single large cube in a rocks glass is a good alternative, since it chills the bourbon with little dilution and softens the finish over time. The proof also makes this a strong cocktail base. In an Old Fashioned, it keeps its character against sugar and bitters without turning thin. In a Manhattan with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, the spice and oak stand up to the vermouth's richness. In a Whiskey Sour, the higher strength balances lemon and syrup, so the drink doesn't taste watery. For a Highball, pour it over ice with soda water and a lemon peel. The bourbon's sweetness and oak stay clear, and a cold glass keeps the drink crisp.