Distiller: Sazerac

Release: 2021

Whiskey: Early Times Bottled-In-Bond

Region: Louisville, Ky

Price: $25.00

Proof: 100

Age:  4 years

The Barrel Cellar Score:  90 Points

Review Date: 05/22/2022

About the Bourbon: I’ve browsed past Early Times bourbon sitting on a shelf at a local retailer countless times. I’ve always assumed it to be a bottom shelf mixer, and really hadn’t given it any other thought or consideration. As I’ve grown the circle of friends around me who enjoy bourbon, Early Times Bottled in Bond came on my radar. I decided I had to pick up a bottle. The thing is, in my neck of the woods, it’s nearly impossible to find a bottle. I’ve still yet to see one on a shelf, but a friend was able to grab one for me.

The Early Times brand was recently bought from Brown-Forman by Sazerac. As I understand it, the Bourbon in distribution at the time of review is still the Brown-Forman distillate and will be for at least a few more years. This bourbon is offered in a liter bottle for $25. This is a steal if the bourbon is as good as word of mouth says.

I enjoyed the whiskey for this review using a set of Prestige diamond whiskey glasses.

Color: Rust

Nose:  Honey, vanilla butter cream, graham cracker, oak, toasted marshmallow, creme brulee, and a dash of cinnamon 

Palate: Corn flakes and banana bread

Finish:  Peaches, tea leaves, and cayenne.

Assessment:  This bottle is absolute proof that great bourbon doesn’t have to be expensive.  After enjoying one sip, it has become one of my favorite value bourbons.  It would become my daily go to if I could find it on a regular basis.  

What’s so great about it? First of all, it has an incredible nose, heavy on honey and graham cracker notes. Secondly, it’s a medium bodied bourbon, this benefits the overall offering because it allows the flavor notes to shine through, more so than if the juice had a bit more weight to it. Third, there is a nice spicy punch on the finish that intermingles with notes of peaches and tea leaves; this makes it a perfect pairing for a grilled pork tenderloin. Finally, adding a couple of ice cubes brings a creamy note, which is just plain delicious.

From a value perspective, at around $25 dollars a liter, this should be a go to bottle for those on a limited budget, new bourbon drinkers, or those who want something different yet inexpensive for a house party. This is a fantastic value buy

Considering both value and quality The Barrel Cellar gives Larceny small batch 92 points.

Special Offer

Prestige Decanters is offering our readers an 8% discount on all their products, including the diamond whiskey glasses used in my review of this whiskey as well as a wide variety of beautiful decanters.  Use promo code “BarrelCellar” at checkout. Prestige’s products really are beautiful, they will make great conversation pieces for visiting friends and family, or a great gift.  Read my review on a couple of the items here.