Whiskey Del Bac, Tucson-based maker of distinctive mesquite American single malt whiskey, will release its first Bottled-in-Bond with an official launch party hosted at the distillery this weekend.
“Our one-of-a-kind Bottled-in-Bond showcases Whiskey Del Bac’s utmost dedication to quality, and transparency, and reflects our love of the Sonoran Desert,” said Mark A. Vierthaler, Head Distiller. “We were able to maintain the characteristics we are proud of and known for in our whiskey while still adhering to the strict guidelines set forth by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1879.”
What it Means to be Bottled-in-Bond
To be labeled Bottled-in-Bond, a whiskey must originate from a single distillery, be produced during a single season, be aged for a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and then be bottled at 100 Proof (50% ABV).
The Whiskey Del Bac Classic Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey (SRP $120) was distilled and laid down in new American White Oak casks in 2020 and aged for four years in the Sonoran Desert heat. It carries the distinctive notes of stone fruit and caramel of its Del Bac Classic, with bolder notes of baking spice and toasted vanilla.
“We have wanted to make a Bottle-in-Bond for many years now,” said Stephen Paul, Co-Founder of Whiskey Del Bac, “But we were focused on mastering our style of American Single Malt Whiskey and growing our brand. A few years ago, we officially kicked off this project, and now, we are happy to be sharing it with our fans and friends in Arizona.”
The 53-gallon barrels used in the Bottled-in-Bond were laid down by Whiskey Del Bac’s previous Head Distiller Veronica Townsend and current Lead Distiller Dustin Cox back in 2020 as an experiment to see how the distillery’s distinctive distillation and aging processes would work in larger-format barrels.
“This wasn’t just an experiment in how our new make aged in larger-format barrels,” said Cox. “It was also an experiment with how it interacted with different cooperages as well. We’re really excited to hear what people think.”
Whiskey Release Event
From noon – 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, the distillery will mark the official launch of the Classic Bottled-in-Bond commemorated by a celebration event at the distillery (2106 N. Forbes Blvd.).
Stop by for cocktails, Whiskey Del Bac samples, live music from Naim Amor, and bites from the Parkie Sandwich food truck.
This event is free to attend, with cocktails and food for purchase — all ages are welcome but you must be 21+ to sample.
Whiskey Del Bac Classic Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malt Whiskey is available for purchase online or in person at the event on Saturday, July 13. Only 500 bottles (750ml) were made!
Whiskey Del Bac’s distillery is located at 2106 Forbes Blvd #103. For more information, visit whiskeydelbac.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
