J.W. Dant

According to legend, Joseph Washington Dant fashioned his first still in 1836 from a hollowed-out tree trunk - a humble beginning for a brand that survives to this day, albeit under entirely different management. After Dant's retirement in the 1880s, his sons Joseph Bernard and George Washington Dant continued the business, but the distillery itself went through a real rollercoaster afterwards: reopening in 1936, sale in 1941, closure in 1951. In 1952, the Shenley company secured the naming rights and released its own charcoal-filtered bourbon under the name in 1957. Since 1993, J.W. Dant has belonged to Heaven Hill and is produced - officially under the label "The Dant Distillery Company" - at the Bernheim distillery in Louisville, using the same mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley as the rest of Heaven Hill's brands.

Does today's J.W. Dant still come from the Dant family?

No - after several corporate takeovers, the brand has belonged to Heaven Hill since 1993 and is produced at its Bernheim distillery. "The Dant Distillery Company" on the label is merely a subsidiary; the contents are classic Heaven Hill bourbon.

What does "Bottled in Bond" mean for J.W. Dant?

It's a straight bourbon aged at least four years and bottled at exactly 50% ABV (100 proof) - a legally regulated US quality category dating back to the 19th century.

Flavour profile

Taste: Bold and spiced with caramel, vanilla and a light rye bite, carried by the classic Heaven Hill mash bill.

Recommended enjoyment: Neat or on the rocks, also an excellent affordable base for an Old Fashioned.

Start with J.W. Dant Bottled in Bond.

Facts and figures

Founding legend 1836 by Joseph Washington Dant. Brand acquired by Heaven Hill since 1993. Produced at the Bernheim distillery, Louisville. Mash bill: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley.