This is Why I Love SB.com :-)

[GaryT]

This afternoon while driving home, I was struck with the question of "Why isn't FRSB labeled as Bottled-in-Bond? Wouldn't it qualify as such?" I started to create a new thread (ok - I did that anyways ) to pose my question but decided to search a bit first. BAM - ask and ye shall receive.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?14223-Bottled-in-bond

Ok - no exact answers, but loved reading the back/forth on the topic! I'm going to e-mail Four Roses to see what they say (my guess is that Josh is right about their going with "Single Barrel" over BIB as carrying more weight; although Henry McK puts both on the label, which doesn't seem to hurt it). If I get a reply with any substance, I'll share it. Just wanted to thank SB.com for being what it is

[kjbeggs]

Daryl, I hope you at least pulled over before you started to create a new thread...

right there with you though. There are times, I've been in a liquor store and seen something I'm not entirely familiar with, so I just check sb.com right there in the store and usually get some good intel.

[jmj_203]

I just assumed it was more that bonded isnt seen as mandatory for a trustworthy quality product nowadays, and we all know the in things are barrel selects, small batches, distillers selects, reserves, etc. Guessing marketing just decided single barrel was more in nowadays for sales.

[bjbronwyn]

Marketing can only do so much, at the end of the day its the bottles contents , not its labels, that's important. they could make cleanskins and I'll still buy them!

[Flyfish]

BIBs restrict the distillers' options. I don't think recent trends just represent bourbon fashion statements. Achieving a given flavor profile is easier if you can mingle product from different seasons and bottle it at the proof that meets your marketing objectives.

[squire]

I agree with FlyFish, I think the distillers want to de-emphasize the Bottled in Bond phrase because it limits their options. Single Barrel Straight Bourbon at 100 proof is Bond in all but name.

[jmj_203]

I've learned quickly not to judge a book by its cover, and it doesn't require the BiB statement to be good. All I know is I only cracked open a FRSB a week ago for the first time since getting into this, and its quickly become one of my favorites. So with or without the BiB, its 100pf and insanely delicious (to my newb palate). Doesn't hurt that just yesterday the states monthly sale list went up and FR1B is 4 or $5 off per bottle. Time to buy a few (more).

[brettckeen]

I started this thread too http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?21980

[brettckeen]

4R Single Barrel was 86 Proof at one point was it not?

[callmeox]

That's the export version. It has been 100 proof since I bought my first bottle in KY back in 2007.

[GaryT]

I started this thread too http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?21980

Damn - I missed that one entirely! Thanks for sharing! Funny - I think what got me thinking about all of this was a facebook pic of Bernie's artwork on his guns

[brettckeen]

That's the export version. It has been 100 proof since I bought my first bottle in KY back in 2007.

We have found dusty 86 proofs in Chicago.....

[callmeox]

We have found dusty 86 proofs in Chicago.....

I have seen export only bottles from other distilleries on the shelf in Chicago, so there may be shenanigans or distribution errors involved.

[smknjoe]

Same here. I've seen, and purchased, Bakers that's clearly labeled for the Australian/New Zealand market right here in Houston.

[GaryT]

Teaser Update: I e-mailed Four Roses inquiring as to why the retail OBSV 100 proof FRSB isn't labeled as BIB.I got a response back from Jim Rutledge (which I didn't expect!!) and an explanation which had a perspective (and a reason!) I don't think we've covered in our various posts. I asked if he wouldn't mind if I shared his response in this forum, and he told me no . . . he'd like to take more time and right up a better response; could I give him a week?Because it's Jim - I'll give him a freaking month! The answer might bore some people, but I'm always fascinated to learn about the intricacies of the business. So when he gives me his "better" response, I'll share it here with everyone.

[Josh]

You seemed surprised at the possibility that I may have been right, Gary.

[GaryT]

You seemed surprised at the possibility that I may have been right, Gary.