James Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof (JP 1776 BP) offers an aroma of dry ethanol intensity which gives way to herbal and subtle fruity notes. The palate mimics what is found on the nose but with subdued sweetness while spice and wood abound. This whiskey shifts from buttery creaminess to grit rather quickly before the medium-long finish of barrel notes, herbal undertones, and warm spice dominate.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF VITAL STATS:
Category: Barrel Proof Bourbon Region: Lexington, KY Distillery: James E Pepper Distilling Co. DSP #: KY-5 Mash Bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley Barrel Char: unpublished Barrel entry proof: unpublished Age: nas Filtration: Non-chill-filtered ABV: 57% (114 Proof) NABCA CSC #: 18988 Paid: $44.95 Unique bottle number identifiers:
On Day 9 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, approximately four ounces from a newly opened bottle went into my Glencairn. After posting on social media and nosing the pour for the review, about 30 minutes had gone by before my first sip.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF NOSE:
The aroma of JP 1776 BP begins with dry, ethanol-rich intensity. As I nose, herbal notes reminiscent of green vegetables and roasted corn are accompanied by dusty grain and a faint minty freshness for a surprising twist. I sense hints of berry syrup, while currants, plums, and bitter citrus zest contribute a fruity depth. Then dark raisins and figs intermingle with warming spices of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and a touch of green pepper are accentuated by the character of rye. The aroma further deepens with nuances of burnt sugar, dark molasses, and a subtle walnut bitterness. Additional nosing picks up a distinct wood-forward and earthy profile of dry, heavy old oak, hazy char and musty and pungent potting soil.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF PALATE:
The flavors of JP 1776 BP awaken the mouth with a dry, ethanol burn and as I take the next sip, herbal notes mix with dusty grain. In the green vegetables, I detect a hint of overdry and stale currants and figs, tempered by a touch of bitter citrus zest which adds an interesting contrast. The spiciness unfolds with flavors of cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, along characteristic rye. Then, layers of burnt sugar, dark molasses, and subtle hazelnut do their best to counter the wood-forward and earthy profile. However, heavy, old oak, hazy char and pungent, musty potting soil put a mask on most other flavors.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look: For me, JP 1776 BP is an unbalanced pour with wood and spice taking dominance over any fruit or sugary sweetness and its aromas and flavors (to me) have not been allowed to bloom. When held in my mouth, it reveals a buttery and creamy texture, but transforms into something rough and gritty upon swallowing. There is a solid inverted crown of clinging droplets creating a nice view. And after each sip, a full sheet of liquid breaks into evenly spaced, long legs, to drain the dregs swiftly back to the russet-colored pool.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF FINISH
The medium-long finish of James Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof begins dry and warm and lingers in the throat. The presence of barrel tannins asserts, and is accompanied by an herbal dusty grain aftertaste which lingers. I do sense a subtle array of subdued sweet flavors but bitter citrus and fig provide only a touch of complexity. Traditional cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and rye do add warmth and I detect an undertone of bittersweet dark chocolate with burnt sugar and dark molasses for depth. Hazelnut coffee creamer adds a nice soft butter nuance to the mix. However I struggle with the wood-forward character, as heavy old oak, barrel char and faint musty potting soil overpowers any sweetness which may remain. And when gone, the empty Glencairn smells of faint alcohol and dry old oak.
Old Tub Bourbon’s (Old Tub) dryness blends with scents of red wine and delicate fruit tree blossoms. With additional nosing, sweet corn and dusty grain harmonize with ripe berries, cherries, and citrus notes, enhanced by a hint of banana. In the mouth, spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and white pepper embrace, while vanilla and caramelized delights deepen the experience. Amidst sweet oak and smoky toasted wood, it’s a fresh symphony as aromas and flavors combine. In the mouth, warmth, sweetness, and spice blend in a creamy, well-balanced body crowned over a honey-colored pool. As the dram is downed, the finish reveals a medium-long dryness, a gentle burn, and sensations of roasted corn, dark cherry, and spices, ending with oak and earthy undertones.
OLD TUB BOURBON VITAL STATS:
Category: Bottled-in-Bond Region: Clermont, Kentucky Distillery: Jim Beam Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley Barrel Char: undisclosed Barrel entry proof: undisclosed Age: nas (Bottled-in-Bond, 4 to 5 years old) ABV: 50% (100 Proof) NABCA CSC #: 20920 Fair Price: $30.93 (BoozApp, August 2023) Paid: $24.95 USD (Idaho September 2023)
BOTTLE NOTES
Jim Beam’s Old Tub is a Bottled-In-Bond, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Just like the original Old Tub, it has not been carbon or chill filtered – only quality screened to remove bits of barrel wood. It’s the next best thing to thieving the barrel yourself. You may notice some haziness when you add ice. Think of it as an indicator of the true, full flavor of this bourbon.
“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. I’m excited to share this one-of-a-kind liquid with our fans and provide a bit of authenticity and nostalgia as we head towards another 225 years in the bourbon industry.” – Fred Noe, seventh generation master distiller
On Day 8 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, approximately four ounces from a newly opened bottle went into my Glencairn. After posting on social media and nosing the pour for the review, about 30 minutes had gone by before my first sip.
OLD TUB BOURBON NOSE:
There is a certain dryness in the aroma of Old Tub. However, there’s also the faint essence of wine mixed with delicate fruit tree blossoms as well. Then, the scent of sweetcorn and dusty grain combines with notes of ripe berries, sweet cherries, apricots, plum, and fresh citrus. As the aroma continues to build, a subtle hint of banana sneaks in, adding a tropical twist. When spices make their entrance, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and white pepper add warmth, while the rye in the mix introduces an additional level of heat. In the background, a faint whisper of gingerbread and graham cracker adds baked goods depth. The aromas deepen with the richness of vanilla and notes of simple syrup, caramelized sugar, buttery caramel, and walnut toffee. Finally, as the sweets fade, fresh-cut oak and smoky sweet toasted wood lend depth and character.
OLD TUB BOURBON PALATE:
My first sip of Old Tub delivers a warm embrace, carrying a hint of burn which quickly dissipates. Like detected on the nose, I get blossoms of fruit trees in full bloom, and the delightful sweetness of sweet corn, mingling with dark cherry and acidic bitter citrus notes. The spice rack comes alive with the presence of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper, which build on the sturdy rye. Then the flavors turn, as bitter dark chocolate mixes with rich caramelized sugar (maybe a touch burnt), and dark molasses. Bitter walnut adds depth, while strong and spicy oak supported by toasted wood and hazy, smoky sweet barrel char takes the spotlight. As the flavor train passes, a touch of musty soil, leaves a memorable and somewhat complex impression.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look: As Old Tub is poured into a glass, a thin spotty crown, adorned with small clinging droplets appears. In the mouth the liquid is both creamy and easy to hold and offers a nice balance of fruit, spice, sweet and wood. After each sip, a sheet of liquid breaks gracefully into long, clinging legs which slowly cascade down the glass, showing its viscosity as it drains back to the honey-colored pool.
OLD TUB BOURBON FINISH
The finish of Old Tub Bourbon is of medium-long dryness and a mild lingering burn which warms the back of the palate. As each mouthful descends, the liquid becomes a bit rough and gritty in the throat, typical of younger whiskey. Flavors sensed on the palate persist as the essence of roasted corn, dark cherry, and acidic citrus along with cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and the distinct presence of rye continue to dance on the taste buds. A touch of bitter dark chocolate makes its presence felt alongside burnt caramel and dark molasses, adding depth and richness. In the end, the finish is anchored by the strength of oak, accented with notes of toasted wood, char and a subtle earthy element, reminiscent of soil. And when the last sip is downed, the empty Glencairn smells of damp oak sawdust and the fading aroma of the pour.
