This week, James B. Beam Distilling Co. announced the re-release of Old Tub Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, an unfiltered, 100-proof bonded bourbon. The limited-edition whiskey is inspired by the oldest of the Beam family brands, which was first crafted more than 140 years ago.
Old Tub Bourbon does things the old way. Just like the original, the new release is not chill filtered. The chill filtration process forces the liquid through a dense filter to remove fatty acids that occur during distillation. Skipping that step results in whiskey with a fuller body, more character, and a flavor that’s authentic to the original.
According to the brand, Old Tub Bourbon’s tasting notes include aromas of oak followed by vanilla and grain. This carries over to the palate, which features oak, grain, and warm caramel.
“We’re taking bourbon lovers back in time and making a delicious bourbon true to the way my ancestors intended over 140 years ago, when Old Tub was first crafted,” said Fred Noe, Beam’s seventh generation master distiller.
You can sip Old Tub however you like: neat, over ice, or in cocktails. Beam suggests using it to make an Old-Fashioned or a Brown Derby, which mixes bourbon with fresh grapefruit juice and honey syrup.
However you choose to drink it, first you’ll need a bottle. Those are becoming available now at select retailers across the country, and you can expect to pay about $23 for this taste of history.
