Little Book Chapter 1: The Easy

I had been wanting to try this for some time, and when I found two bottles of the 2017 vintage for $80, I couldn't pass them up. This is truly excellent! Nose: Very intricate. A lot is happening here, likely due to the blend of three whiskey types. Leather, molasses, vanilla, lemon peel, cinnamon, cedar, green apple skins, dried cherry, and a potent ethanol presence given the high proof. The aroma becomes more interesting and profound with continued smelling. Flavor: Maple syrup immediately upfront, cigar, leather, dried figs, and dates. Remarkable. It punches well below its weight for its proof. Extremely smooth and buttery. Finish: A lengthy finish with lingering wood notes, rye spice, and baking spices. A substantial Kentucky warmth with enduring heat and flavor. It evolves towards the end with notes of peanut butter, nougat, and caramel. It tasted very much like a Snickers bar as the flavors persisted in my mouth. Undeniably one of the finest drams I've experienced. Outstanding, with some of the expected Beam characteristics. Flavor-wise, it's comparable to some Booker's I've had, but far more intricate and engaging. I might need to purchase another bottle. Grab this if you have the opportunity.

Dark copper color. Quite viscous for its proof. The nose presents dark caramel, ripe fruits, and vanilla. Hints of cacao and a grainy undertone are present. A tart fruity sensation cuts through the predominantly sweet initial impression. Notes of green grape or Granny Smith apple emerge. A strong wave of heat is carried by notes of clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. A few drops of water reduce the intensity and reveal more of the underlying sweetness, also extending the experience. A distinct char character appears toward the end. It possesses good complexity and is quite intriguing... Its taste is different from what I anticipated based on the aroma. It caught me by surprise in that regard.

The finest whiskey globally. An exceptional rye. I discovered it on the drinks list at a local barbecue establishment and felt compelled to try it. Astonishing. Truly astonishing. How can such a potent spirit be so captivating? The aroma is sweet and buttery, yet also floral; its color is a deep amber. The palate delivers immense alcoholic power smoothly, with a honeyed sweetness and concluding with a subtle spicy warmth. And inexplicably, cinnamon peanut brittle. This spirit achieves harmony through perfect equilibrium in all aspects, resulting in a profoundly satisfying experience. I feel energized for my cycle ride home through the snow. Kudos to the producer!

Initially, the aroma is hot and potent. This softens with exposure and time. Beneath the heat are strong maple and nutty notes; wood, leather, and tobacco are also present. On the palate, the initial impression is strong, but the maple and nutty qualities are there, along with some orange and baking spices. Mid-palate, leather and tobacco emerge. The finish is long, woody, and nutty, with perhaps a hint of tobacco or smoke in the background. Adding a little water reduced the heat but didn't reveal any new flavors.

Dark copper hue. The aroma has hot corn and some dark fruit notes in the background. The initial taste is sweet, buttery corn and wood with considerable heat. Lighter cinnamon and spice emerge later. Adding a drop of water reduces the intensity but doesn't significantly alter the texture. As it evaporates on the back of my tongue, I detect notes of aged wood (pleasantly so!) and even some fruit-flavored candy. This is a commendable American Whiskey (not a Bourbon) due to its distinctive composition.

I got a couple bottles of this while working on a contract at Beam. With Chapter 2 now released and my search underway, I decided to try a bottle and share my thoughts. Nose: Jim Beam Peanut Funk! Nutty Bread and Grain, Ethanol, Oak and Vanilla, Baking Spice Palate: Peanut, Fresh Bread and Grain, Ethanol (it is 60%), a nice blend of Caramel and Vanilla This is a fantastic whiskey blend, something I’ll try not to drink so fast!