Bottled in Bond is a term that not everyone is familiar with, but has been around for quite a while. Quality control of bourbon was becoming an issue, with flavors and smells being added in, but with the bottled in bond act of 1897 that was addressed. To be bottled in bond, the whiskey must be made from grains harvested in a single season, and then aged in warehouses under U.S. government supervision for no less than 4 years, then bottled at 100 proof in the same warehouse. Laws Bottled in Bond Secale Rye meets all of these requirements to produce a terrific rye whiskey. 
Laws Bottled in Bond Secale Straight Rye Batch #1
Mash Bill: 96% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Age: 4 Years
Color: Dark Copper, clear
Nose: Oak and worn in leather are noticeable right off the bat, but spicy rye notes dominate. There are some sweet caramel notes as well that are underneath everything else.
Palate: Right up front it hits you with cinnamon and spice from the rye. Lots of rye that moves into a sweet, oak, and brown sugar notes. There are some hay notes, and fresh ground pepper undertones, and some dried fruit. A long, sweet, oak finish, that has a hint of tobacco. The finish lingers for a long while after the sip is finished.
We added a few drops of water as always.
Nose with water: The nose becomes much sweeter with water added, full of brown sugar/caramel sweetness. There is still a lot of rye.
Palate with water: The initial rye punch on the front of the palate is toned down a lot, the pepper and spice are still presented, with a nice tobacco flavor complimenting. The finish still lingers for a long time, full of sweet oak, brown sugar and caramel.
Ratings:
A:93
Z:94
O:94/100
This Whiskey just recently won World’s Best Rye Whiskey at the World Whiskey Awards. It is easy to see why. This whiskey is layered, complex, and delicious. If you can find one, any of the batches, you should absolutely pick it up.
