Little Book Chapter 2: Noe Simple Task

Purchased in December 2018 for 85 USD, a price I consider a steal. I compared The Easy against George T Stagg (2017) and found it comparable. Now, let's examine the contents of Noe Simple Task. Opened in December 2018 and with one dram removed, it has been open for over six months. Nose: It presents as spiced rum cake, with sweet caramel toffee (like Werther's), some dark, tart jams, perhaps currant. The rye spice is a subtle secondary note alongside the alcohol, both barely perceptible. This is a very inviting aroma and certainly a strong beginning. I detect no barrel wood, nibs, or bitterness; whatever the 40-year-old component contributes, it certainly doesn't register as typical northern whiskey. Perhaps 'The Enigma' would have been a fitting name for this bottling. Front: There's that characteristic Canadian spirit, accompanied by a high-proof warmth. The dark, low-toned fruit from well-aged stock is apparent, as is the pleasing corn-rye blend, but also a rich and spicy combination of excellent rye spices and fruit sugars. I can understand why this profile might confuse some tasters due to its unusual blend of flavors; it's a rather distinctive character but also a delightful and deeply satisfying treat. Finish: A few small salted nibs appear, but mostly it's the sweet remnants of caramel and fruit. The profile doesn't significantly change on the way down as it fades gently. This is another exceptionally smooth, high-proof spirit that demonstrates the dedication and skill of top-tier Master Distillers. With repeated tastings, the rich bourbon corn sugars become more prominent, and the dark fruit sweetness keeps pace with all the rye spice. This is actually much better balanced than I initially perceived upon first impression and sampling. The initial sample from months ago clearly benefited from some aeration, and patience is rewarded for those who acquire this bottle. My first impression was that this was somewhat of a letdown following The Easy. After all, a bottle that can stand up to the finest offerings from G.T. Stagg doesn't appear every day. However, this is clearly another major contender among the best custom-crafted spirits. Another positive endorsement for the protégé of Booker.

Little Book 2018, the second release. I missed the first edition and will likely never encounter it again, making this my initial experience with this series. It combines Canadian rye, Canadian whisky, and Kentucky Rye, promising an interesting blend. Nose: Caramel, mint chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio, with bready undertones. Black pepper, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon are present, alongside significant oak influence. A hint of maple sweetness, with rye being the dominant profile. It shares some characteristics with Willett 4, which I greatly admire. This is a quality product. Palate: Flavors of caramel, vanilla, cola, and cocoa dominate. It has considerable impact, featuring ginger, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and oak. Rye bread notes are noticeable, along with milk chocolate and fudge. Hints of cherry are present. It has a slightly green, grassy character, but not indicative of youth. There's no shortage of heat, sweetness, and spice. The palate is highly enjoyable. Finish: An immense finish, characterized by a surge of oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Caramel and vanilla notes are also present. It's a powerful finish, incredibly long and reminiscent of Booker's. As a standalone spirit, this is a superb dram. It offers a unique profile unlike anything I've tasted before. It includes what I believe to be the oldest whisky I've sampled (40-year-old Canadian Rye), and it's priced under $100. Consistently excellent from start to finish, boasting a monumental finish. It has a lower ABV than any Booker's variant yet offers a finish that rivals the best of any Booker's batch. It's an outstanding showcase of blended whiskey, Canadian rye/whiskey, and American rye. This spirit transcends several categories, many of which are often overlooked. Well executed by Beam.

Served neat after over a year open, this was a fun revisit. The nose is bright and delicate, with lemon, pine, and floral notes. The rye is subtle, with hints of vanilla and mint, plus a touch of walnut. It reminds me more of a cask strength Canadian Whisky. The mouthfeel is creamy, oily, and coating – very pleasant. It's very sweet initially, and I like it even more now than I recall. It offers a different flavor profile; the initial sweetness is like delicate vanilla or sugar water, which beautifully blossoms. The vanilla transitions to lemon cello and then lemon cupcake with caramel frosting. The legs reveal a nice oak finish. As it sits, the rye on the nose becomes more prominent, and it also emerges in the taste, blending well with the lemon. My current experience differs from my memory, where I recalled it tasting like a lemon cleaning product. Perhaps the aeration helped, as the chemical lemon notes have evolved into lemon cello and cupcakes. It's genuinely enjoyable, and I believe it's underrated in other reviews.

I had the opportunity to sample this for a friend's 40th birthday celebration. It arrived in a black box similar to Booker's, presenting beautifully. Based on other reviews, my expectations were quite low. Tasted in GC. No delay, straight from the bottle. Nose (3/5): Reminiscent of a citrus fruit soda and other bright, crisp fruits. Not very complex. Doesn't smell like a 110 proof spirit at all. Palate (5/5): The coating was exceptionally thick and cool. A flavor explosion. Bright fruits, honey, and a hint of rye spice. Very well-balanced. Apart from vanilla, I could barely detect other bourbon characteristics. Finish (4.25/5): Notes of rye bread, oak spice, and orange creamsicle. A medium finish. I wished it lasted longer because it was so enjoyable. Overall: I've never encountered anything quite like this. It has sparked my interest in Canadian rye, particularly because of the 40-year-old component. This is the next type of whiskey I plan to explore. I highly recommend it if you're seeking something different. I'm increasing the score due to its uniqueness. I would definitely purchase it if I could find it at the suggested retail price. Be cautious, as it's very easy to drink and incredibly flavorful.

Merely acceptable. The nose is very sweet, characteristic of Canadian spirits. There's a slight pepper and rye spice, but it's not overly spicy. It's quite similar to Alberta Premium but not as good. A sweet and long finish. It's relatively intense but not overwhelming. Just pretty much okay. I use the rating scale below. The producer uses a 5-point scale, and I use a 10-point scale, but I'm sure you're not too inebriated to figure that out! 1. Awful - So bad I discarded it. 2. Poor - I would avoid drinking it by choice. 3. Bad - Possesses multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not terrible, but there are many options I'd prefer. 5. Good - Average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Significantly above average. 8. Excellent - In a class of its own. 9. Incredible - A personal all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Nose: Abundant caramel, some rye spice detected, but minimal to no dill. Subtle, smooth oak notes are present. Taste: More pronounced rye flavor, reminiscent of rye bread, with spiciness and a slight intensity, followed by a caramel finish. A hint of toasted bread is also noticeable. A very faint touch of peanut adds to the complexity. Overall: A pleasant, standard rye flavor profile with hints of bourbon caramel and nutty undertones. For $100, it's hard to strongly endorse, but it's quite good. At a tasting event, it ranked second among people's favorites, behind some exceptional options, indicating it has its admirers.