Little Book Chapter 5: The Invitation

Standard Booker's presentation, enhanced. The wood crate mirrors a char level similar to a #4, differing from the typical stained wood of Booker's crates. A distinguished tag and medallion suggest the extra $30-50 above standard Booker's fourth quarter releases signifies something special. Or does it? To be clear, I appreciate Booker's for its raw intensity and robust, sweet brown sugar notes. Little Book 4 was my bourbon equivalent of Johnny Walker green label – a distinctive blend that arguably surpassed the sum of its components. This particular blend is somewhat less distinctive and embodies the entire spectrum of bourbon aging, with a touch of malted rye incorporated. I anticipate notes of chocolate or coffee as a consequence. The liquid displays a pleasant amber-orange hue, and a fiery character practically leaps from the glass. The aromas evolve over time. Initially, I would confidently identify this as 9-year-old Knob Creek. It then opens up, revealing subtle rye notes and intriguing fruity aromas. Cherry, mint, allspice, brown sugar, oak, toasted marshmallow, dried cranberry, hibiscus tea. Slightly viscous, with developing heat, notes of cinnamon churro, dried fruits, vanilla cream, pralines, and sweet tobacco. The finish is extended, with a hint of mint and tea subtly appearing, which I suspect originate from the malted rye. I might detect the faintest hint of cacao, but I could be imagining it. I could mistake this for a competent batch of Stagg Jr., albeit slightly more subdued. Slightly. However, the flavor is undeniably present in abundance. It possesses a delightful toasty marshmallow and herbal zest that Stagg Jr. lacks. I would place this on par with a solid JD barrel strength or ECBP as well. It is, for better or worse, more intricate than Booker's. The potent nose, substantial palate, and lengthy finish make it difficult not to appreciate, but is the additional $30-50 justified? Practically speaking, is Booker's worth $80-90 for you? If your answer is yes, then $120-130 for this is likely an easy decision. If you find Booker's overpriced and lacking in complexity, you will likely appreciate its added dimensions to the Booker's profile, but the price point is challenging. I don't intend to launch into a value-for-money rant, but with numerous $130-200 options available, I believe many would agree some are worthwhile – others are absolutely not. I consider Kentucky Owl Confiscated at $125 to be inferior to this, as is 14-year-old Sam Houston. This is likely comparable to $175 Four Gate Split Stave and also less expensive, though hotter (which some may not prefer). Compared to a Bardstown Discovery around $125-150, I would say those have offered better experiences for similar or slightly higher costs. With ECBP approaching $85 in some areas, it remains a clear value winner, but also increasingly difficult to locate. Then, the mini-unicorn that is Stagg Jr. at $65-85 if ever seen, or $125+ on the secondary market, and again, this Little Book bottle appears to hold its own in terms of value. Here's the remarkable aspect. The distillery will now ship a bottle of this to me. No searching required, simply reside in KY (or perhaps DC), and they will deliver it. That I find impressive. While living in KY is a significant bourbon advantage, the concept of direct-to-door service from the producer... that is groundbreaking and has broader implications than most of what I've discussed. Although this arrangement will likely face legal scrutiny (apparently, there are discussions about ending state-regulated alcohol control and the three-tier system), I will take advantage of a bottle of delicious bourbon, a gift to KY, and toast to the perplexing world of whiskey. Cheers to the Noe family for this industry shake-up!

With Chapter 6 appearing in stores, I thought it was time to review Chapter 5. I missed the first one, but really enjoyed the subsequent three. Chapter 5 is a mix of four Kentucky whiskeys: - A two-year-old bourbon - A three-year-old rye malt - A five-year-old bourbon - A fifteen-year-old bourbon At 58.4%, this is likely one of the lower alcohol by volume chapters. Let's dive in. Nose: Abundant peanut brittle, cocoa, and brown sugar. Caramel, vanilla, and almond. Cherry, cola, and orange peel. Black tea and cigar smoke. Sawdust. Cinnamon, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. Palate: Thick caramel and cacao nibs. Peanut brittle and almond. Toffee, vanilla, cola, and carrot cake. Cocoa. Peanut butter. Dried apricot. Woody/sawdust notes. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and loads of oak. Finish: Cherry. Walnut, chestnut, cashew, peanut brittle, and almond. Cocoa and caramel. Golden raisin. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg. A long finish. This is another excellent chapter in the Little Book series. Oh, that's a bad pun. Seriously though, this tastes like a high-rye Booker's. It's bourbon-forward with some rye malt notes enhancing an already great profile. Chapters 2-4 were all great whiskeys, but to be fair, they were less expensive than this one. All in all, I'd say it's worth the $150 price tag. The nose and finish, in particular, are exceptional. Well done, Jim Beam. 5 out of 5 stars.

Nose: Resembles Jim Beam, with oak, nuts, and a touch of mint. Palate: The burn is quite manageable for nearly 60% ABV, and a youthful quality is apparent. Quite dry and not very sweet. Finish: Finally, pleasant charred oak from the older barrels in the blend, with bitter cherry flavors persisting. Spiciness emerges only at the end. Overall: After several sips, this is my least favored of the five Little Books tried. It lacks complexity and has off-putting astringent notes on the finish, likely from the malted rye in the blend. The score decreases with each taste. I will revisit in a few months to see if my palate changes.

Color: Light copper to dark straw. The fantastic packaging is a bonus. Nose: Absolutely immense – Christmas candies, burnt sugar, butter cookies, hints of mint and rosemary, some barnyard funk, baking spice, vanilla, and fresh oak. Palate: Soft and sweet despite the proof. Spices and dry oak appear, then give way to vanilla, shortbread cookies, peanut brittle, creamed corn, and a touch of honey. Dangerously easy to drink for its proof. Finish: Takes its time, showing remarkable balance with warming, herbal notes, and all the right elements shine through. This is my favorite in the series so far.

Nose: Starts with a strong wave of oaky pepper, roasted nuts and corn, cooked brown sugar, and cherry syrup, rounded out by the freshness of mint. Palate: Rich and chewy with pepper and rye stimulating the mouth, alongside oak. Cooked brown sugar follows with cherry syrup and a hint of maple sweetness. Finish: Long and spicy, encouraging chewing and leaving a tingle at the corners of your mouth. A slight astringency develops but is balanced by a fading creaminess.

NOSE Coppery herbal notes, caramel, hay, honeyed graham cracker, a hint of old-fashioned candy, overripe fruit, and peanuts. I sense a similarity in how it's presented to the first book, but this one is a bit darker. More peanuts and copper as it opens up or with added water. PALATE Oak, copper, caramel icing, herbal spice, leather, hazelnuts, peanut brittle, and bits of overripe fruit, vanilla candy, and leather. A little dry and tannic when first tasted, but everything about what's delivered is pleasant. FINISH Long; herbal spice, caramel, and oak all fade.