J.W. Dant Bourbon Bottled in Bond

BACKGROUND: A blacksmith by trade, Joseph Washington Dant transitioned to distilling in the 1830s, creating a bourbon production technique using hollowed logs. To be clear, J.W. Dant devised a method for making bourbon from trees. How is this remarkable individual not as widely recognized as major innovators like Edison, Bell, and the Wright Brothers?! Dant’s distillation process, utilized by those without access to copper stills, involved splitting a log lengthwise, hollowing it out, and then tightly reassembling it. This upright log was filled with fermented mash from the top. A lid with a coil, resembling a Hershey’s Kiss in shape, was sometimes placed on top, though often a heavy blanket sufficed. Steam was then introduced through small pipes inserted into the log, initiating distillation, with the tree trunk serving as the boiler. Recognized as the sole log distiller whose output was worth buying, Dant cultivated his own grains. By 1860, his bourbon enterprise spanned nearly 200 acres. He retired in the 1880s and passed in 1902 at 82. Dant’s legacy continued through his sons, both distillers, one of whom launched the Yellowstone brand. J.W. Dant bourbon production halted due to Prohibition. Post-Prohibition, the J.W. Dant trademark changed hands several times before Heaven Hill acquired it in 1993. The current J.W. Dant is made with Heaven Hill’s standard 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley mash bill, aged in barrels with a #3 char. Often seen as a budget bourbon, it retails for $15.99 per liter. The brand lacks its own website and isn't listed on Heaven Hill Distillery's brand page. NOSE: The aroma presents banana notes, similar to Brown Forman products, a scent reminiscent of corn dust from a new bag of wild bird seed, and caramel. A potent barrel smell—not just oak, but deeply toasted char—is noticeable, with a slight ethanol sharpness even with an open mouth. PALATE: The initial taste is a strong wave of pleasant caramel, swiftly followed by distinct corn flavors and a delightful essence mirroring IBC root beer from a bottle. For a budget bourbon, its palate ranks in the mid-to-upper tier. FINISH: Oak appears first on the finish, then gives way to an intensifying wave of spicy rye and mint. While some find the finish drying, I experienced no such effect. It's lengthy but slightly hot. The rich, syrupy mouthfeel, coating the jaw, is more characteristic of premium bourbons. FINAL ASSESSMENT: To be transparent, I favor Heaven Hill products and truly enjoy bottled-in-bond bourbons. I don't believe I've ever had a subpar bottled-in-bond from any distillery. J.W. Dant Bottled In Bond isn't groundbreaking, but it's a reliable performer that won't disappoint. Each taste improved upon the last, and I could happily consume this daily and be content. It's not complicated, but it's undeniably good. Early Times Bottled In Bond rightly earns acclaim from enthusiasts for its surprising affordability and high quality. I place J.W. Dant in the same category as one of the best value spirits available, regardless of price point.

For individuals like myself navigating this pandemic, I'm focused on finding all the Bottled-in-Bond options I can. The reason? This used to be the benchmark, offering true proof with sufficient age to develop genuine flavor. Today, I've taken the time to conserve my funds and add a much-needed buzz to my week. Appreciate the 100 proof... Nose... A vanilla ice cream sundae piled high. It's a common description if you've read my other reviews, but it's accurate. Add a few green apple slices, some peanut butter, more buttery than peanutty, and you have a warm dessert in liquid form. Depending on how open you are to this bourbon, you might even detect darker fruits like raisins and prunes. Color.... Slightly less than mahogany, which is within my acceptable range. Taste.... Butter, butter, corn, salted roasted movie theater popcorn. Soon after, subtle pepper and dry leather, and most importantly, the actual cask. That's a bonus... Overall.... Either I'm giving in to lower prices, or I, like many others, have found myself in a completely different situation. My finances are tight, but Bottled-in-Bond will be my salvation. If I succeed, the Bottled-in-Bond category will become my savior....

I've recently been exploring Heaven Hill's lower-tier offerings. This is another one not available in Tennessee, where I reside. Consequently, I had to venture into Kentucky to acquire it. After approximately 10 minutes of resting in the glass... The aroma features the typical Heaven Hill sweet corn with a subtle nuttiness (peanut), followed by some pleasant dried fruit, vanilla frosting, and gingerbread. There's also a rye spice presence, though some of that is perceived through the gingerbread. The palate is sweet and medium-bodied, with a slightly oily texture, presenting sweet corn, an initial wave of baking spices, vanilla frosting, and gingerbread, along with a light nutty note. The finish is lengthy, with a slight burn just as you swallow. Baking spices appear first and then fade into lingering sweet corn and vanilla. It concludes with a tingling sensation on the edges of the tongue, accompanied by some barrel char/nuttiness at the very end. Another delightful surprise from this budget-friendly Heaven Hill selection. I only wish it were distributed more widely. I still consider J.T.S. Brown my top pick among these. However, this one is very close, and for the price, it's far superior to some bourbons costing three times as much.

I appreciate the straightforward design of this bottle. The Bottled-in-Bond designation and 100 proof for about $15 per liter... how could it be bad? The honest answer is that it's not bad, but superior alternatives exist. This pours a pale gold with fast-moving legs. The aroma is unusual and somewhat astringent. It has artificial vanilla, play-doh, and walnuts. The oak scent gives it an almost acetone-like smell. The palate is rather thin and delivers mild heat, crème brûlée, the scent of an old attic, and a black walnut bitterness instead of clean oak. The finish is medium, and the peculiar black walnut bitterness lingers in the nasal passages. While there are pleasant aspects, the finish (a consequence of Daniel Kahneman's peak-end rule) detracts from it. Interesting to try, but not something I will buy a bottle of.

I'll start by saying this bourbon is in the same class as Mellow Corn: inexpensive, consistent, enjoyable, and a fantastic Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond product. It's ideal for sipping at the beach (currently enjoying it neat on Amelia Island). Don't let the cost deter you from purchasing this one. Nose: sweet, caramelized sugar, marshmallow, and a few candied nuts. The wood notes are present but not overpowering. Palate: sweet, slightly nutty, still carries that marshmallow essence from the nose. Finish: for 100 proof, this is smooth. A mild tingle remains on the tongue (mid to back) as a reminder of the Bottled-in-Bond spirit you're enjoying. No harshness, just a gentle Kentucky "side" hug. I'd rate this Bottled-in-Bond an 80 out of 100.

Describing flavors seems out of place here, and I'm concerned the company might raise prices if they realize how good this is. Still, J.W. Dant is arguably the top American whiskey available for under $20. Period. It's not flawless, but it drinks nicely neat after some air, is excellent with ice on a warm day, and makes a fantastic spirit-forward cocktail. It has the authentic taste of bourbon. Since the closest shop carrying it is 1.5 hours away, I buy multiple bottles whenever I'm nearby to stock as my everyday pour.