Little Book Chapter 8: Path Not Taken

I missed out on the first Little Book. Chapters 2 through 5 were amazing. Chapter 6 was a huge disappointment. Chapter 7 brought things back, and was truly outstanding. I thought the sixth installment would be the last due to the name. Now, I'm unsure how long this series will continue, and I suspect this isn't the final chapter. Either way, I'm hoping for a significant impact from this one. Aroma: Notes of black cherry and raspberry chocolate. Caramel, fudge, and vanilla. Molasses and rich brown sugar. Salted cashew and toasted almond. Irish soda bread and toffee. Raisin. Sawdust, white pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. Taste: Fudge brownie with caramel, vanilla, and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Pronounced rye spice and dill. Pistachio. Black cherry and gala apple. Dried apricot and fig. Cranberry. Cola. Clove, nutmeg, black and white pepper. And, of course, plenty of oak. Finish: Toasted almond and pistachio. Black tea, tobacco smoke, and sawdust. Cola. Fudge. Caramel, vanilla, and milk chocolate. Clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak. As long as they keep making it. This appears to be a tribute to Pennsylvania rye. It's an interesting choice given that Beam has no known connection to Pennsylvania. Regardless, the rye character is very prominent here, setting it apart from any previous Little Book release. Regarding its predecessors, this Chapter can stand alongside any in the lineup. Based on my notes, Chapter 4 was my favorite. It's been a while since I finished that one, and I haven't had the chance to compare them directly. However, from what I recall, I'm ready to declare it a tie. Definitely worth the $150 price tag. Top-tier stuff. 5/5.

It's acceptable. You know? Freddie needs a bit more time to settle in. I'm not really a rye enthusiast, and this is very much a rye. Maybe some of the unusual notes I detected are from the malt too? Unsure. I saw a review for this before I opened it, and the reviewer mentioned dill in both the aroma and taste. Since hearing that, I can't stop detecting it, and that's largely what I'm experiencing. I don't adore it, but I suppose that's how it goes. I truly wish this collection would stick to the basics. Stop blending different kinds of American whiskey together. Just give me a straightforward bourbon or a straightforward rye. Period. Update: Perhaps my initial judgment was a bit premature. After allowing it to breathe for a couple of weeks, the bottle really opened up nicely. Many of the peculiar notes I noticed when first opening it have melded together in the bottle, creating a much more enjoyable and "Limited Edition" style drinking experience. Patience pays off! Give this one some time.

Nose: A huge, powerful rye character. Abundant herbs, mint, and some baking spices. It's fantastic. Subtle vanilla bean, slightly charred marshmallow, and a hint of smoke provide remarkable balance. Taste: Exactly matches the aroma. A massively bold rye profile. Herbs, baking spices, a light touch of cinnamon red hots, and a significant rye bread note. A pleasant bitter vanilla bean note is present, mingled with sweet caramel on the finish, offering nice equilibrium. Occasionally, a distinct bubblegum note appears, which I personally enjoy in some ryes. Overall: The finish is robust and lengthy, featuring vanilla and bubblegum. 4.9

Glassware: Glencairn, allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Appearance: Medium-dark amber hue. Nose: Caramel, vanilla, butterscotch. Taste: Cinnamon and clove, with caramel undertones and oak tannins. Finish: Moderate warmth that persists extensively. Among the longest finishes I've encountered. With a splash: Less spice, and more caramel and oak emerge with a few drops of water. Overall: 9.5/10 - This is only my second experience with Little Book, and I skipped it earlier in the year when it was cheaper. My wife received this bottle as a gift, and I can't find any faults. At the suggested retail price, I would purchase it immediately in the future. I'm eager to see next year's release.

This, along with Wild Turkey Triumph, filled my weekend with rye. Although classified as blended whiskies, these are essentially rye-forward. Beyond an 18-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon (high rye content), the mash bill is entirely rye. Grassy rye spice on the nose. Baked apple with cinnamon notes emerge as the whiskey opens up. The palate is remarkable. Much more complex than the 10-year-old Triumph. Cinnamon buns, salted butterscotch, and a subtle herbal undertone. A lasting finish with more spice and a hint of caramelized orange.

A pleasant warm start, with salted caramels. Tropical fruits/berries emerge strongly, followed by honey and then a hint of tannic oak. A pronounced rye character is present, which is appealing, along with notes of fennel/anise, general herbaceousness, mild dill, and eucalyptus. The finish is marked by robust black pepper, herbs, and tannin. It's my first time trying this specific bottling, and it was superb! I really appreciate this rye-forward blend.