Brother’s Bond Bourbon, the whiskey brand co-founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, has just unveiled its latest release: a 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This new expression is a significant milestone for the brand, being its oldest release to date and marking a deeper dive into the world of high-rye bourbons. It continues the brand’s mission of offering high-quality, award-winning whiskey while paying tribute to the rich tradition of American bourbon.
Image credit: Brother’s Bond Bourbon
A Brand Rooted in Friendship and Whiskey
Brother’s Bond Bourbon was launched in 2021 by Somerhalder and Wesley, well-known for their roles in The Vampire Diaries. Over the years working together, the two actors discovered a shared love of whiskey, which eventually led them to create a brand that reflected their passion. Since its debut, Brother’s Bond has released several whiskey varieties, including straight bourbon, cask-strength bourbon, blended rye, and a regenerative grain bourbon. Each release has helped solidify the brand’s reputation not just as a celebrity label but as a legitimate player in the whiskey world.
The 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond expression is the newest addition to the Brother’s Bond portfolio, and it stands out for several reasons. Most notably, it follows the strict guidelines of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, which was one of the first consumer protection laws in the U.S. This law ensures that a Bottled in Bond whiskey is aged for at least four years (seven in this case), bottled at exactly 100 proof, and comes from a single distillery and distillation season. Somerhalder emphasized the significance of these standards, noting that the act was a way for consumers to be assured of the whiskey’s quality.
Image credit: Brother’s Bond Bourbon
The First High-Rye Mashbill for Brother’s Bond
One of the key features of this new bourbon is its mash bill—a blend of 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted rye. This marks the first time Brother’s Bond has introduced a high-rye mashbill to its lineup. High-rye bourbons tend to offer a spicier, more complex flavor profile, and this expression promises to deliver just that. The whiskey is distilled at MGP in Indiana, a well-known facility that has produced many acclaimed spirits, and it’s aged in heavily charred barrels for a minimum of seven years. This aging process imparts deep, rich flavors and a darker, amber color to the whiskey.
Award-Winning Quality
Even before its official release, the Brother’s Bond Bottled in Bond bourbon has already earned high praise within the industry. In 2024, it took home several prestigious awards, including Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards and Double Gold at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (with a score of 98 points) and the New York International Spirits Competition (96 points). These accolades underscore the quality of the whiskey and the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
For those curious about the flavor profile, the 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond offers a complex yet balanced experience. According to the official tasting notes, the aroma is a harmonious blend of vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and dried fruit, with hints of baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, expect to taste butterscotch, toffee, and a touch of maple syrup, with a gentle mid-palate spiciness. The finish is long, warm, and comforting, with lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel.
The whiskey’s deep amber color, with hints of rich mahogany, mirrors its robust flavor profile. As a non-chill filtered bourbon, it retains all of its natural oils and flavors, adding to the richness of the texture and taste.
Paying Homage to Bourbon Heritage
Somerhalder and Wesley have made it clear that their goal with Brother’s Bond is not just to create another celebrity-endorsed product, but to honor the deep history and heritage of American whiskey-making. The Bottled in Bond designation is an important part of that heritage, rooted in the late 19th century when distillers sought to guarantee the quality of their spirits in an era when adulterated whiskey was a problem.
“The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was one of the first consumer protection laws in the United States,” Somerhalder explained. “It allowed Americans to be assured they were consuming a quality product made to the strictest standards.” The new 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond continues this tradition, bringing a superior bourbon to whiskey lovers across the world.
Wesley echoed these sentiments, noting that the Bottled in Bond release is a reflection of what the Brother’s Bond brand stands for: exceptional quality and a commitment to honoring the traditions of whiskey-making. “Bottled in Bond is the epitome of what we strive for as a brand—unrivaled quality while paying homage to the rich heritage and tradition of American whiskey-making,” he said.
Availability and Pricing
Brother’s Bond 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Bourbon is now available for purchase nationwide at retailers and through ReserveBar. Priced at around $60, it offers great value for a whiskey of this caliber, particularly given its age and the Bottled in Bond designation. With its high-rye mashbill, rich flavors, and award-winning pedigree, this release is sure to appeal to both casual drinkers and serious bourbon enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, Brother’s Bond continues to make waves in the whiskey world with its 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Bourbon. Combining a commitment to quality with a respect for bourbon history, this new release stands as a testament to what can happen when passion and craftsmanship come together. Fans of the brand and whiskey lovers everywhere now have another reason to raise a glass to Brother’s Bond.
