The evolution of Freddie Noe as the eighth generation Beam distiller continues to unfold as the years go along and he develops out his signature Little Book Whiskey brand. We spoke with him at the start of this journey when the first bottling of it came out, and it has been intriguing over time to see what he has to unveil with each new bottling.
With that being said, Noe has introduced this week the fifth iteration of this expression. Dubbed Little Book Chapter 5: The Invitation. It showcases a blend of various aged bourbons tied together with, of all things, a malted rye whiskey.
Specifically, according to the brand, here is how the blend plays out:
- A 2-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon distilled and barreled at a lower proof than normal creates a complexity not often experienced in a young whiskey. This prominent component delivers a sweet grain flavor and creamy mouthfeel to the fifth installment of the Little Book series that serves to balance the stronger oak flavors from older whiskies in the blend.
- A 3-Year-Old Malted 100% Rye never before released from the Beam distillery shows the true depth and potential of American Whiskey. It brings smoky, peppery notes to the final blend not traditionally common in rye whiskey.
- A 5-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon brings in hints of vanilla and corn sweetness on the nose and a smooth finish, balancing the flavors from the younger whiskies and the extra aged bourbon.
- Finally, a 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon delivers heavier barrel flavors to the blend, adding a deep complexity and characteristics that can only be achieved through extended time spent aging in a Kentucky rackhouse.
“Chapter 5 is my way of inviting whiskey drinkers into different aspects of the category, regardless of whether they’ve been along for the ride since Chapter 1 or are just tasting Little Book for the first time,” Noe said in a prepared statement. “‘The Invitation’ offers a chance for any curious drinker to expand their palette – whether they’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the category – due to the diverse liquids contained in the blend. Harmonizing such varied whiskies and ages was a delicate dance, but the effort was certainly worth it when you taste the final product.
“While younger whiskies – which make up the base of this blend – often carry certain preconceived notions, the 2-Year-Old Bourbon and 3-Year-Old 100% Malted Rye have strong characteristics because of the way they were crafted, and they play a purposeful role in providing complex flavor and balance to this year’s Little Book release.
“In the spirit of what the Little Book series is all about, I was excited to push the boundaries of what we typically expect from whiskey. I invite whiskey fans to do the same when they taste this year’s blend.”
What’s particularly interesting of note here is that three of the four whiskeys used were distilled under Noe’s guidance, showcasing what can be seen as his growth not only as a blender but also as a distiller.
The latest Little Book is launching this month nationwide in limited numbers, pricing around $125 per 750 ml bottle and bottled at 116.8 proof. It will also be available through Beam’s new DTC program Barreled & Boxed, which we highlighted yesterday. Limited official tasting notes indicate it “features flavors of caramel and toasted bread with brown sugar undertones and a touch of sweetness.”
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