American bourbon continues its popularity. The word “authenticity” is cropping up more and more in the spirits world. With the limited-edition Old Tub, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. pays homage to a whisky that predates Jim Beam bourbon. As with the original, this rendition is neither carbon nor chill-filtered and bottled at 50 percent ABV. Woodsy, with traces of honey, vanilla, corn mash, and caramel on the nose; dry, powerful, and spicy in the mouth, with suggestions of dried fruit and charred wood. Punchy and assertive.