Little Book No. 5
Who makes it? James B Beam Distillery
Mashbill: unknown but it is a blend of 2yr, 5yr, 15yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon and 3yr 100% malted rye
Where it’s from: Clermont, Kentucky
When it Started: 1795 with Jacob Beam, changed the label to Jim Beam in 1943
Kris’ cousin Jason visits from Atlanta bearing a bottle of Little Book no.5. We find out that Freddie Noe used the nickname is grandad Booker gave him Little Book for this once a year offering. Also, Freddie Noe is an 8th generation distiller and this distillery has been around since the 1795 and of course Jim Beam is one of the pillars of the American whiskey world.
On the nose Kris found sweetness, caramel and an undetermined spice. Erik found earthy spices, an unexplainable bourbon smell and rubbing alcohol. Jason nosed sweet and caramel.
The palate bears no fruits, baking spices and heat for Kris but Erik thought is was deep rye-ee, fruity like Iron Smoke and a hint of banana bread. Jason had a late burn with a drop of cinnamon toast flavor.
Adding ice Erik says she’s a thick lady and prefers the one cube while Kris says it tones down the heat and more of the flavors break through. Jason, who is a cold whiskey fan, found that he could use two more cubes.
Kris gives it a 7
Erik gives it a 7
Jason gives it a 7.5
This once a year offering is usually around the 100-120 dollar mark but as it gets harder to find you know that prices go up and this particular bottle was found at 179.00