Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Beam Suntory. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
Okay, I’ll admit when I saw the name of this whiskey I immediately fell in love. Bookers! Books! Puns! Whiskey! Forget raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens—those are a few of my favorite things.
Little Book is a product release from Freddie Noe, 8th generation Beam distiller, son of current Beam master distiller Fred Noe and grandson of Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe. It’s an annual, limited release series that capitalizes on Freddie’s passion for blending. (Last year we reviewed his first attempt, The Easy.) For this latest bottling Freddie Noe, after traveling to Alberta, Canada as part of his efforts to deepen his whiskey knowledge, developed a taste for the more delicate flavors of aged Canadian whiskies.
This edition was particularly challenging for Freddie (Noe Simple Task indeed!), taking around three dozen attempts to capture his desired combination. The winning blend brings together 8-year Kentucky straight rye, 40-year 100 percent corn Canadian whisky and 13-year Canadian rye whisky.
Tasting Notes: Little Book Chapter 2: Noe Simple Task
Vital stats: 118.8 proof, about $100 for 750 ml, a blend of 8-year Kentucky straight rye, 40-year 100 percent corn Canadian whisky and 13-year Canadian rye.
Appearance: It…looks like whiskey! A pleasing, middle-of-the-road whiskey color. Light amber, with a slightly orange hue: Think more organic navel than neon orange mandarin peel.
Nose: Sweet with edges of fruitiness: Green apples, star jasmine, hot buttered sourdough toast, butterscotch.
Palate: This…does taste high-proof at all. That’s dangerous–and so damn tasty! I tried this after the WhistlePig Boss Hog, which is about the same alcohol level and that was super-fiery. This, on the other hand, is smooth as hell (and 1/5th the price). It carries over the fruity and sweet qualities I got on the nose and finishes minty and a little licorice, but just barely (which is good because I loathe licorice). Spearmint and wintergreen. There’s no burning, only refreshment.
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It’s funny, because I don’t consider myself generally a fan of Canadian whiskey—what I’ve had tastes kind of acrid and unfinished—but this is something I certainly want to savor. It’s got a good rye chew factor. If you can get your hands on a bottle of this limited release, you should! It’s a treat from first sip to long lingering finish.
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