Little Book Chapter 5: “The Invitation,” is the fifth chapter in 8th Generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe’s acclaimed Little Book® Whiskey annual release series. This year’s release is both a prompt to fans of American whiskey, as well as a reflection on Freddie’s experience blending and innovating chapters of Little Book over the last five years. Little Book Chapter 5: “The Invitation” invites whiskey fans to explore new and interesting blends, ages and flavors in the ever-evolving world of whiskey, specifically from the Beam family. The Invitation offers a chance for any curious drinker to expand their palette - both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers alike. The year’s release is also Freddie’s personal reflection on the diverse influences that have shaped his style as a distiller, leading him to create a diverse, yet cohesive, story for Little Book over the years. In addition to the spirit of curiosity and exploration that inspires the Little Book Whiskey series, each annual release features a blend of uncut and unfiltered1 liquid streams carefully chosen by Freddie Noe himself and meticulously blended until it meets his vision. Each liquid brings something unique to the final whiskey.
TASTING NOTES
Little Book Chapter 5 “The Invitation” is composed of four straight whiskies that have a vast range of ages, distillation styles and resulting flavor profiles.
Blend Components:
The 2-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon comes off the still and goes into the barrel at a lower proof, delivering a whiskey that’s complex and balanced. With an almost creamy mouthfeel sweet grain flavor presents itself and creates a complexity you don’t often see at such a young age.
The 3-Year-Old Malted 100% Rye Whiskey brings in peppery notes to the final blend common to Rye Whiskey but the complexity of toasted grain/cereal with a hint of nuttiness.
The 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon brings in hints of vanilla, with complexity of corn sweetness on the nose and a smooth finish that help to balance the flavors from the younger whiskies and the 15-year-old bourbon.
The 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon brings a heavier barrel flavor from spending an extended amount of Straight time in the rackhouse and really showcases those unique flavor characteristics that only Bourbon time can achieve. This liquid specifically adds a lot of complexity in the final blend.
Proof: 116.8
Tasting Notes: Little Book Chapter 5: “The Invitation” features flavors of caramel and toasted bread, with brown sugar undertones and a touch of sweetness.
Sipping Suggestions: Little Book Chapter 5:“The Invitation” is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.