Old Tub Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Nose: This has a classic bourbon smell, with some hints on menthol and mint. Later sniffs, after it has been in the glass a while bring out some hints of medicinal scents. Palate: The first sip of this hits with a combination of cinnamon and pepper. This has a nice but slightly thin mouthfeel. After your palate adjusts, the second sip comes across as a very classic bourbon taste combining a nice sweetness with the cinnamon and pepper found in the first sip. There’s a little bit of tingle on the tongue on this one, but it isn’t as distracting as it is in some others where I’ve felt this, although it is long. It lasts well into the finish, which is moderately long. On later sips, I tasted some oakiness, but they all came back to the same tongue tingle on the finish that, while not bad, is a bit distracting for trying to figure out additional flavors. Overall, though, I like the unique sweetness of this. Comments: This is a rare, recent “covid-stuck-in-the-house” purchase. I was intrigued when I read about this and wanted to give it a try. I paid $25 for it, but now, several months after the initial review, I have seen it for less (e.g. PA state stores are selling it for $17…..perhaps just to get rid of inventory?) This is a Jim Beam product, and of all the major distillers, Beam has never been near the top of my list of favorites. And, because of that, it was difficult to compare it with other Beam products because I don’t drink them that much. That said, I do like this. It has a raw sweetness that sets it apart from other bourbons. I also like it for what it is, an inexpensive, alternative drinker. Old Tub is a Bottled-in-Bond, 100 proof, “Limited Edition” release that it’s label claims as “Sour Mash”, “Unfiltered” and it hasn’t been “carbon or chill filtered”. The backstory goes that Beam wanted to release something that was inspired by the oldest brand in Beam history from 140 years ago. It is meant to celebrate “bourbon’s true, rustic character”. It is reportedly 4 years old. Old Tub was actually THE original name…..it was changed to Jim Beam in 1943. If you find it at $17, it is an easy purchase but if you try it and like it, you may wish to get more than one bottle….like I did.