Next Generation Jim Beam Distiller Freddie Noe Spreads His Whiskey Wings

The Jim Beam distillery, owned by spirits giant Beam-Suntory, is helmed by current Beam master distiller Fred Noe. He and his team oversee the production of the range of Beam whiskeys which are produced at this Kentucky facility. One part of his group is eighth generation Beam family member and son Freddie Noe, who currently serves as the distillery’s fermentation manager. Freddie, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, has crafted his own new line of whiskey. It is called Little Book.

Little Book, according to those behind it, is an annual, limited release series that will feature a new and unique blend each year, presented uncut and unfiltered. The inaugural batch release, called Little Book “The Easy,” is a blended straight whiskey that features four components: uncut and unfiltered corn, rye and malt whiskies – representative of the three grains commonly found in a bourbon mashbill (or recipe) – balanced with uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

It is said Freddie Noe worked on the final recipe for over a year and tried more than 25 different blends of the liquid before he decided on what the final make up of this expression would be. It will be available starting in October for around $80 a bottle, and you’ll find a little more information on it, including limited, official tasting notes, at the end of this article.

“I’m humbled and honored to share Little Book with the world,” said Freddie Noe in a prepared statement. “When I joined the family business five years ago, I told Dad I wanted to learn everything there was to know about making whiskey. Along the way, I discovered I’m particularly fascinated by the endless taste profiles that can be created through blending. I’m excited for whiskey fans to taste the first batch of this annual release, and I look forward to sharing new, one-of-a-kind blends every year. It’s a real honor to carry on my family’s legacy, and I hope I’ve done them proud.”

“It’s exciting to watch my son, Freddie, follow in the family footsteps and share his passion for blending with the release of Little Book,” added Fred Noe. “My dad, Booker, and I used to always say that if Freddie ever decided to join the family business, his distinct palate and nose, along with his eagerness to learn, would take him far. Freddie’s coming into his own as part of the next generation of whiskey makers, and I couldn’t be more proud to support him as he launches his first product.”

• Blend Overview:
  • 4-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
  • 13-year-old corn whiskey
  • About 6-year-old 100% malt whiskey
  • About 6-year-old high-rye whiskey
• Proof: 128.2
• Tasting Notes: Little Book “The Easy” leads with caramel and oak notes, then moves into flavors of toasted nuts and hints of corn grain. The finish is long and packed with peppery rye, making this liquid approachable and easy to enjoy.
• Sipping Suggestions: Neat, over ice or with a splash of water.