When it comes to bourbon, enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for unique and exceptional expressions that push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship. One such bourbon that has captured the attention of whiskey aficionados worldwide is Little Book. Despite its modest name, Little Book bourbon stands tall in the realm of premium spirits, delivering a range of innovative blends that leave a lasting impression on the palate. In this blog post, we will explore the story behind Little Book bourbon and discover why it has become a must-try for bourbon connoisseurs.

A Legacy of Expertise:

Little Book bourbon is the brainchild of Freddie Noe, the eighth generation in a line of whiskey-making legends from the Beam family. Growing up surrounded by the rich traditions and deep-rooted expertise of his forefathers, Freddie Noe developed an unwavering passion for the art of bourbon-making. Inspired by his family’s legacy and driven by his own creative spirit, he set out to create a brand that would honor tradition while also exploring new horizons.

Crafting Unique Blends:

What sets Little Book bourbon apart is its commitment to crafting distinct and innovative blends. Each release is a meticulously crafted combination of different aged bourbons, selected for their unique flavor profiles and characteristics. Little Book releases are often referred to as “chapters,” reflecting the brand’s narrative approach to bourbon-making. With each chapter, Freddie Noe embarks on a journey, experimenting with various blending techniques and whiskey styles to create an exceptional drinking experience.

Exploring Flavor Frontiers:

Little Book bourbon challenges the boundaries of traditional bourbon flavor profiles, offering whiskey enthusiasts an opportunity to discover new dimensions of taste. From rich and complex to bold and intense, each expression is carefully crafted to highlight the distinct notes and characteristics of the individual whiskeys used in the blend. Whether you’re a fan of classic bourbon flavors or eager to explore uncharted territories, Little Book provides a range of options that are sure to tantalize the taste buds.

Embracing Innovation:

In addition to experimenting with unique blends, Little Book bourbon embraces innovation through limited releases and unconventional aging techniques. Freddie Noe pushes the boundaries of what is considered traditional, introducing new flavors and processes that challenge the status quo. By embracing innovation, Little Book continues to captivate whiskey enthusiasts who are constantly seeking new and exciting experiences in the world of bourbon.

A Community-Building Experience:

Beyond the exceptional bourbon itself, Little Book has fostered a vibrant and passionate community of whiskey lovers. Through engaging storytelling and a commitment to transparency, the brand invites consumers to be part of the journey. Freddie Noe shares his insights, inspirations, and blending techniques, fostering a sense of connection and excitement among the brand’s followers. This community-driven approach has created a loyal fan base that eagerly awaits each new chapter in the Little Book story.

How Is Little Book Bourbon Different Than Booker’s Bourbon?

Little Book Bourbon and Booker’s Bourbon share a connection through their creator, Freddie Noe, who is the son of Booker Noe, the master distiller behind Booker’s bourbon. However, despite this familial tie, there are significant differences between the two bourbons in terms of their production, blending techniques, and flavor profiles.

1. Blending Approach: Booker’s bourbon is known as a small-batch, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon, often referred to as “straight from the barrel.” It is produced by selecting barrels from different parts of the rickhouse that exhibit the desired characteristics. Booker’s is bottled at cask strength, meaning it is not diluted with water before bottling.

On the other hand, Little Book bourbon takes a different approach to blending. It is a carefully crafted blend of different aged bourbons, each selected for their unique flavor profiles and characteristics. The blending process involves combining these individual whiskeys to create a specific flavor profile and balance. Little Book releases typically have a lower proof compared to Booker’s, as they are often diluted with water to achieve the desired taste.

2. Flavor Profiles: Booker’s bourbon is known for its robust and intense flavor profile, often showcasing strong notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. It delivers a rich and full-bodied experience with a higher alcohol content due to its cask strength nature. Booker’s releases are highly sought after by bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate bold and unadulterated flavors.

Little Book Bourbon, on the other hand, explores a wider range of flavor profiles with each release or “chapter.” Freddie Noe experiments with different blending techniques and whiskey styles, resulting in unique flavor combinations. The flavor profiles of Little Book bourbon can vary greatly, from complex and nuanced to bold and vibrant. It offers a more diverse range of tastes, catering to those who enjoy exploring different dimensions of bourbon flavors.

3. Limited Edition Releases: While Booker’s bourbon is released in small batches throughout the year, Little Book bourbon takes the approach of limited edition releases, often referred to as “chapters.” Each chapter represents a distinct blend and narrative within the Little Book story. These limited releases provide an opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts to discover new and innovative expressions within the Little Book portfolio.

While both Booker’s bourbon and Little Book bourbon share a connection through their lineage, they offer distinct experiences. Booker’s is renowned for its uncut and unfiltered cask strength nature, delivering robust flavors, while Little Book focuses on the art of blending and exploring a wider range of flavor profiles. Whether you prefer the boldness of Booker’s or the creativity of Little Book, both bourbons offer something unique and captivating for whiskey enthusiasts.

What Are The Different Chapters Of Little Book Bourbon?

This isn’t a full list, but it gives you a good idea of the different directions each chapter goes. I would love to get a vertical of these, but I haven’t had luck finding them all. And I know more and more are coming.

1. Little Book Chapter 1: “The Easy” Released in 2017, this inaugural chapter was created by Freddie Noe as a tribute to his grandfather, Booker Noe. It was a blend of four different whiskies, including bourbon, corn whiskey, and malt whiskey. This chapter aimed to provide a smooth and approachable sipping experience.
2. Little Book Chapter 2: “Noe Simple Task” Released in 2018, this chapter showcased Freddie Noe’s blending skills by combining well-aged bourbon, corn whiskey, and malt whiskey. The focus of this release was to emphasize the bold and vibrant flavors of the components while maintaining a harmonious balance.
3. Little Book Chapter 3: “The Road Home” Released in 2019, this chapter was inspired by Freddie Noe’s travels across Kentucky, visiting different distilleries and discovering unique barrels. It featured a blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged whiskey, and malt whiskey, offering a complex and flavorful journey.
4. Little Book Chapter 4: “Lessons Honored” Released in 2020, this chapter paid homage to Freddie Noe’s late grandmother, who played a significant role in his life. It combined a mix of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, malt whiskey, and high-rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon, resulting in a balanced and layered whiskey.
5. Little Book Chapter 5: “The Invitation” Released in 2021, this chapter aimed to celebrate the diversity of flavors found in American whiskey. It featured a blend of corn whiskey, rye whiskey, malt whiskey, and bourbon, showcasing a complex interplay of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
6. Little Book Chapter 6: “To The Finish,” is the sixth chapter in the Little Book Whiskey series. “To The Finish” offers a chance for any curious whiskey drinker to expand their palate – both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers alike. The name of this year’s chapter offers fans of American whiskey an opportunity to experience liquid that Freddie Now personally had a hand in creating and showcases the innovation of Little Book chapters over the last six years.

Conclusion

Little Book Bourbon may be small in size, but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to flavor, craftsmanship, and innovation. Freddie Noe’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional bourbon-making has resulted in a collection of unique blends that captivate whiskey enthusiasts around the world. With each release, Little Book offers a new chapter in the bourbon narrative, inviting consumers to explore new flavors and join a passionate community of like-minded whiskey lovers. So, if you’re looking to embark on a whiskey journey like no other, be sure to grab a bottle of Little Book bourbon and savor the taste of exceptional craftsmanship in every sip.