Well we are finally into the Top 5 countdown of the Budget Bourbon list. Coming in at #5 is JW Dant Bottled-in-Bond. This Heaven Hill product is named for Joseph Washington Dant, a distiller in the 1830’s who is said to have hollowed out a tree for his still! Dant also grew his own grain and built his own cooperage. A man ahead of his time! Prohibition stopped production and much of the barrels in their stock were then aged at the Stitzel-Weller warehouses. The brand bounced around different owners and eventually was sold to Heaven Hill in 1993. 

Stats: 4 years old, bottled-in-bond; 100 proof; 78% corn 10% rye 12% malted barley; $13

Verdict: As I said previously, I anticipated the JTS Brown around this spot instead of the Dant…but yet here we are. Overall this has a nice initial burst of sweetness with brown sugar, there are hints of light fruit (maybe apple), some dry oak with a touch of leather, and then finishes off with some spice. A great pour for this price. A bit muted flavors with some astringency dropped it to this spot on the list but an absolute crowd pleaser and one that can hold its own against bottles 2 & 3 times it’s price point!