Top Rated BIB Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirits Comp
Three glasses of bourbon whiskey and ice stand in a pyramid on a wooden table.
Three Bottled-in-Bond Bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. The IWSC is one of the world's largest spirit competitions. This is the second year they have held an American whiskey judging in Kentucky. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys.
The term "Bottled-in-Bond," or BIB, refers to a legal designation for American whiskey that meets strict standards defined by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This law was the first consumer protection statute in the United States, intended to ensure the authenticity and quality of American whiskey.
To qualify as a Bottled-in-Bond whiskey, the product must meet the following criteria:
1. Produced by one distiller at one distillery. The entire bottling must be the product of a single distillation season (either January–June or July–December) at one distillery.
2. Aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision.
3. Bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV), neither higher nor lower.
4. Nothing other than water may be added for dilution. No coloring, flavoring, or any other additive is permitted.
5. The label must state the distillery where it was distilled and, if different, where it was bottled.
The designation "Bottled-in-Bond" was historically regarded as a mark of quality and integrity, particularly in an era when whiskey was often tampered with or adulterated. Today, BIB whiskeys continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts for their transparency, strength, and authenticity.
Bourbon barrels Aging in rick house
Spirit Silver 2025, Score 94/100
Bulleit Bottled-in-Bond is a new addition to the brand's core range, designed to showcase a more mature and robust profile. It's produced at Bulleit's Shelbyville distillery.
The whiskey is bold and robust on the nose, featuring aromas of cinnamon bark, citrus oil, and toasted oak. It's spicy and flavorful on the palate, showcasing layers of dark caramel, peppercorn, clove, and vanilla. The finish is long and slightly dry, with lingering notes of leather, barrel char, caramel, and maple syrup.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'earthy with aromas of leather and burnt pastry, carrying onto a mouthwatering palate, where sweetened iced tea intertwines with nutty pecan. The elegant finish reveals lingering umami, beeswax, and a whisper of tobacco, inviting exploration.'
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100
Known for its innovative barrel finishes, Angel's Envy limited-edition cask-strength Bottled-in-Bond releases are a more robust variant, featuring a higher proof and flavor intensity.
The whiskey is robust and aromatic on the nose, featuring distinctive aromas of ripe plum, pipe tobacco, and fig jam. On the palate, it's full-bodied and silky, showcasing notes of chocolate, stewed cherries, cinnamon, and sweet/flavored pipe tobacco. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of coffee, berry cobbler, and toasted oak spice.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as showcasing an aroma which 'opens with a gentle waft of smoke, entwined with vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, marzipan meets molasses and black pepper, leading to a bittersweet finish of marmalade and bright orchard fruit.'
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100
This award-winning expression is part of Heaven Hill's heritage portfolio and a benchmark for the Bottled-in-Bond category. It utilizes the distillery's traditional mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and is aged for a minimum of seven years. It delivers excellent value and a classic bourbon character.
The whiskey presents aromas of honey, baked apple, and peanut brittle on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, showcasing notes of caramel, vanilla custard, dried orange zest, and a hint of rye spice. The finish is long and dry with lingering flavors of oak and caramel.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'Eucalyptus and green banana skin greet the senses, complemented by honey and pepper. The palate reveals a harmonious balance of caramel sweetness and herbaceous spice, leading to a sandalwood-apple finish with a lingering warmth.'
BIB whiskeys are a mainstay of bourbon, offering smooth, intensely flavored, aged whiskeys that can be relied upon to deliver a classic bourbon profile. All three of these whiskeys are outstanding, reasonably priced, and readily accessible. All three belong in your home bar!
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