A blend of six rye whiskeys and one 18-year-old bourbon, Little Book Chapter 8 Path Not Taken finds the eighth-generation Jim Beam master distiller stepping into new territory
Everyone is getting into rye, again. This week, Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep series took its second step into the spicy whiskey world, while Michter’s rolled out the 2024 edition of its famed rye release. Now, eighth-generation Jim Beam master distiller Freddie Noe is diving into the powers of rye whiskey for Chapter 8, “Path Not Taken”, in his Little Book series.
The Little Book collection launched as a tribute to Freddie’s grandfather, legendary Beam master distiller Booker Noe. The first chapter, as each release in the series is known, launched in 2017. Known as “The Easy,” it was a blend of bourbon, corn, malt, and rye whiskeys, some of which Jim Beam, aka the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has never released. Now, Little Book Chapter 8 finds the distiller wandering the Path Not Taken by blending six rye whiskeys with one older high rye bourbon.
Whiskeys used in the Little Book Chapter 8 Path Not Taken blend
- 18 year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (High Rye)
- 11 year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
- 7 year Kentucky Straight Rye Malt Whiskey
- 5 year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (KY Family-Style, Char 4)
- 5 year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (PA Family-Style, Char 1)
- 5 year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (PA Family-Style, Char 4)
- 4 year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
While this may be Freddie’s first effort at blending an expression based on the influence and flavors of rye whiskey, he’s certainly aware of the style’s resurgence, “knowing that rye has roots extending to the beginning of American Whiskey and holds more than two centuries of heritage, you could say, ‘it’s been done,’” he notes. “But with this chapter, Path Not Taken, we explore the future of American Rye by blending a unique range of rye whiskies together and show you that rye still has plenty of stories left to tell.”
He adds, “”Path Not Taken” is about reimagining the variety that rye grain has to offer and pushing the limits of what it can be. We look across America’s oldest whiskey frontier from a new vantage point and create a complex, redefined and differentiated profile by blending ryes of different age, char and mash bill.”
The whiskey is a deep copper in color with gold undertone. It offers aromas of butterscotch, fresh dill, and toasted rye bread. The palate features floral tones that intermingle with sweet apricot and heavy oak.
““Path Not Taken” is about reimagining the variety that rye grain has to offer and pushing the limits of what it can be,” says Freddie. “We look across America’s oldest whiskey frontier from a new vantage point and create a complex, redefined and differentiated profile by blending ryes of different age, char and mash bill.”
A deep copper in color, the whiskey offers aromas of butterscotch, fresh dill, and toasted rye bread. The palate features floral tones that intermingle with sweet apricot and heavy oak.
Bottled at 118.2 proof, Little Book Chapter 8 Path Not Taken is priced $149.99 per bottle.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Previous Chapters in the series include To The Finish, The Invitation, and Lessons Honored.
