Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US) especially potent whisky.

1867		G.W. Harris Sut Lovingood’s Yarns 33: I tuck me a four finger dost ove bumble-bee whiskey.
1968		R.F. Adams Western Words (2nd edn) 45/1: bumblebee whisky What the cowboy calls a strong whisky with a sting.