In the world of American whiskey, few stories capture the spirit of resilience quite like that of Bond & Lillard bourbon. This once-thriving brand traces its roots back to 1869, when W.F. Bond took over his father's distillery and teamed up with his brother-in-law, C.C. Lillard, to craft a bourbon that would stand the test of time. For decades, it built a solid reputation, even clinching the Grand Prize at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair—a testament to its quality in an era when competitions like that meant everything to distillers looking to make their mark.
But like so many pre-Prohibition favorites, Bond & Lillard faced a tough road ahead. The nationwide ban on alcohol in the early 20th century hit the industry hard, and this particular whiskey never fully bounced back. It faded into obscurity, becoming little more than a footnote in bourbon history books. That is, until 2017, when the folks at Wild Turkey—now part of the massive Campari Group empire—decided it was time to bring it back from the dead. They didn't just slap a label on something new; they went all in, digging into the original judges' notes from that 1904 fair to recreate the mash bill right down to the exact ingredient percentages. Then, they aged the stuff for a full seven years and ran it through charcoal filtration to smooth out any rough edges.
The end result? Bond & Lillard "Batch 1," a 100-proof bourbon bottled in a 375-milliliter size that's hitting shelves for about $50. That's not pocket change, but for a sip of history that's over 150 years in the making, it's a price point that might just tempt the curious drinker. On the nose, it greets you with inviting vanilla aromas, while the first taste brings a mix of citrus brightness and spicy kick. The finish lingers with those classic oaky and peppery notes that Wild Turkey fans know and love. What sets this one apart, though, is how the charcoal filtration amps up the floral and fruity sides, making it a departure from the bolder, stiffer profiles you often get from Wild Turkey's standard lineup. It's got a surprising versatility too—sip it neat to appreciate the layers, or mix it into a cocktail where those lighter notes can shine without getting lost.
Of course, no revival is without its skeptics, and bourbon enthusiasts have weighed in with a range of takes on this reborn classic. Some folks rave about its balance, noting how the sweetness plays off against bold black pepper undertones, creating a satisfying depth. But others point out it drinks a bit hotter than its 100-proof label might suggest, which can catch you off guard if you're expecting something smoother. There's debate on value as well—one reviewer suggested skipping it in favor of Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit or similar options from the brand's roster, arguing you get double the volume for roughly the same level of quality. Critics of Batch 1 often call it out for feeling youthful and unbalanced, qualities that don't always justify the cost for everyday sipping.
That said, things looked up with Batch 2 in 2019. That's when Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey's master distiller, stepped in to handle barrel selection and blending. The involvement of a pro like him brought noticeable improvements, dialing in the flavors and addressing some of those early complaints. It's a reminder that even in resurrection projects, experience counts for a lot. For the average guy who's built up a home bar over the years, this bourbon represents more than just another bottle—it's a bridge to the past, carrying over 200 years of heritage in every pour.
At the end of the day, $50 for a half-bottle might seem like a steal if you're the type who gets a kick out of bourbon's storied past. History buffs, in particular, will find it a unique addition to their collection, something that sparks conversations around the fire pit or at the next gathering with buddies. Sure, the drinking experience has drawn mixed reviews, with many agreeing it's premium pricing for results that land somewhere in the middle. But in a market flooded with mass-produced options, Bond & Lillard stands out as a genuine piece of Americana worth exploring. It makes you wonder what other forgotten gems from Wild Turkey's deep lore might be waiting for their comeback. If you're chasing that authentic taste of yesteryear without breaking the bank, this could be the pour that hits the spot.
