This Early Times is 4 years and 80 Proof, tax strip shows it was bottled between 1961-1977. After the repeal of Prohibition, Brown-Forman began production of Early Times bourbon in their Old Kentucky Distillery in Shively, Ky. This distillery was renamed Early Times Distillery in 1953. By 1953, Early Times bourbon was the best-selling bourbon brand in America. As a straight bourbon with a mash bill consisting of low rye content, Early Times was widely popular as less spicy bourbon styles had become the best sellers after World War 2. Early Times bourbon continued to be a best seller until the bourbon downturn of the 1970’s started. By 1983, bourbon sales had plummeted throughout the United State and Brown-Forman made a cost cutting decision to age whiskey designated for Early Times for only 3 years and in used barrels.
