Old Tub Bourbon 750ML

Old Tub Bourbon 750ML is a 100 proof (50% ABV) bottled-in-bond Kentucky straight bourbon from Jim Beam, sold in a 750ml bottle. What distinguishes this expression from the rest of the Jim Beam lineup is its non-chill filtered, non-carbon filtered production — a rarity for a brand that typically filters its bourbons released at 100 proof or below. The result is a full-bodied, grain-forward whiskey that delivers more texture and flavor intensity than its price tier suggests.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA  |  Bottled in Bond (Minimum 4 Years)  |  Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Jim Beam, founded in 1795 and now owned by Beam Suntory, is one of the most prolific bourbon distilleries in the world. Old Tub was actually the original name given to the Beam family bourbon before Prohibition, making this modern release something of a heritage revival. The mashbill is classic Jim Beam — 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley — distilled in the Clermont, Kentucky facility using traditional column still production. What truly separates Old Tub from standard Jim Beam expressions is the decision to skip both chill filtration and carbon filtration. By preserving the fatty acids and congeners that filtration typically strips away, the bourbon retains a noticeably fuller body and richer mouthfeel. As a Bottled in Bond product, it meets the strict requirements of the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act: produced at a single distillery, in a single distillation season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with waves of oak and vanilla, followed by sweet corn and grain. Subtle undertones of caramel, candied orange, and a light hay-like grassiness develop as the bourbon breathes in the glass.

Taste: On the palate, upfront caramel sweetness meets robust oak, giving way to a mid-palate blend of clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. Notes of peach and green peppercorn emerge alongside a leathery depth that speaks to the unfiltered character. The 100 proof carries substantial weight without becoming harsh, and the grain character remains prominent throughout.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with a dry, slightly tannic texture. Rye spice lingers alongside hints of peanut, dry vanilla, and toasted oak that fade slowly and cleanly.

How to Drink Old Tub

Neat is the best way to experience the unfiltered body and grain-forward character that define this bourbon. A few drops of water open the caramel and fruit notes without diminishing the proof-driven texture, and a single large ice cube works well for warm-weather sipping. In a Boulevardier, Old Tub's oak backbone and dry finish stand up to Campari and sweet vermouth with authority. A Whiskey Sour benefits from the bourbon's full body and caramel sweetness, which balances the citrus without being overshadowed. And in a classic Old Fashioned, the unfiltered mouthfeel adds a richness that thinner bourbons at this price point rarely deliver.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring bottled-in-bond expressions on a budget
• Blind tasting lineups comparing filtered versus unfiltered bourbons
• Building a home bar with versatile, high-proof cocktail bases
• Introducing experienced drinkers to non-chill filtered whiskey without a steep investment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Tub taste like? Old Tub is a grain-forward, full-bodied bourbon with prominent caramel, oak, and vanilla flavors accented by baking spice, green peppercorn, and a touch of peach. The unfiltered production gives it a notably thicker mouthfeel than most bourbons in its class.

How does Old Tub compare to Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond? Both are 100 proof bottled-in-bond bourbons from Beam Suntory, but Old Tub pulls forward more wood and grain character while Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond leans spicier and sweeter due to its higher-rye mashbill. Old Tub's lack of chill filtration also gives it a fuller, more viscous texture on the palate.

Is Old Tub good for sipping neat? Yes — the combination of 100 proof strength and non-chill filtered body makes Old Tub well-suited for neat sipping, delivering more complexity and texture than many filtered bourbons at similar proof.

Where is Old Tub made? Old Tub is produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Bullitt County, Kentucky. The distillery has been operating on this site since 1934, when the Beam family rebuilt after Prohibition.

What foods pair well with Old Tub? Smoked pork ribs complement the bourbon's oak and caramel notes. Sharp aged cheddar echoes its dry, tannic finish. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty undertones in the finish. Cornbread with honey butter aligns naturally with the grain-forward profile. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao brings out the baking spice and vanilla.

What sizes does Old Tub come in? Old Tub Bourbon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Old Tub worth the price? Old Tub positions as a value-tier bottled-in-bond bourbon, and its non-chill filtered, non-carbon filtered production gives it a level of texture and flavor density that punches well above its modest price point. For drinkers seeking proof and body without a premium price tag, it represents strong value within the category.

Why Old Tub?

The defining edge of Old Tub is straightforward: it is one of the only Jim Beam products released without chill or carbon filtration, preserving fatty acids and flavor compounds that the distillery's mainline bourbons lose during processing. That single production decision transforms a familiar Jim Beam mashbill into something distinctly richer and more textured. The Bottled in Bond designation adds a federal guarantee of age and proof that provides transparency many competing budget bourbons lack. For anyone building an understanding of how filtration affects bourbon character, or simply looking for a no-nonsense, full-proof Kentucky whiskey with genuine heritage behind the label, Old Tub makes a compelling case on its own terms.