Whereas it may be hit and miss, Beam’s Little Guide collection, which is constructed across the thought of mixing whiskeys in generally uncommon methods, is at all times a enjoyable diversion from the standard whiskey season fare. Very like Booker’s, this yr Little Guide is taking the highway much less traveled and launching a brand new sub-series: The Infinite, “a perpetual tribute to a few generations of James B. Beam grasp distillers.”
Let’s get to the specifics of this solera-style providing:
The most recent launch honors greater than 200 years of wealthy Beam and Noe household historical past by way of a mix of whiskeys laid down by three trailblazing American Whiskey distillers: sixth Era Grasp Distiller, Booker Noe, seventh Era Grasp Distiller Fred Noe, and eighth Era Grasp Distiller, Freddie Noe. Little Guide ‘The Infinite: Version 1’ will function the inspiration of the road extension using liquid from generations of the Noe Household by way of each future launch.
Within the Fred B. Noe distillery on the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s Clermont campus, Freddie Noe was experimenting with mixing various aged whiskeys, when he sought to mix barrels his father, Fred Noe, and grandfather, Booker Noe, laid down, leading to a superbly balanced profile forming ‘The Infinite’. Annually, new whiskey shall be added to the mix, delivering an ever-evolving confluence of artistry for a singular expertise whereas pushing the boundaries of taste and custom. It’s this preliminary, proprietary mix that units the collection other than different Little Guide chapters.
“My father and I are fortunate sufficient to work collectively, aspect by aspect as Grasp Distillers, and I do know he at all times dreamed of that together with his personal father, my Grandaddy Booker,” shared Freddie Noe, eighth Era Grasp Distiller. “This new collection pays tribute to that dream and impressed the primary Version of Little Guide ‘The Infinite’, a multigenerational liquid that can type the inspiration of all future releases. Every year, I’ll bottle some up for the world to attempt. So, savor this whiskey at this time, and are available again in a yr for its subsequent evolution.”
4 whiskeys, all bourbon, make up the preliminary vatting, every assigned to a member of the family. No phrase on proportions, in fact:
- Booker Noe’s Part: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 20 years
- Fred Noe’s Part: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 14 years
- Freddie Noe’s Part: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 7 years
- Shared Household Part: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged 8 years
So, able to get began on step one among an infinite journey? Right here we go!
This can be a massive whiskey, practically 60% abv, and the nostril doesn’t maintain again. Huge and racy, the nostril pops with cinnamon and crimson pepper in equal proportion. Beneath the warmth there’s a powerful vein of butterscotch-driven sweetness, and maybe some toasted marshmallow cream. With slightly air time, notes of burnt orange peel add a fruity layer. Tons occurring, however amply balanced.
On the palate, once more the warmth is rarely removed from view, with aggressive notes of pepper each crimson and black. An anise high quality provides a extra savory layer, as does ample barrel char. Water’s a key participant right here, tempering the warmth and coaxing out the sweetness that’s telegraphed on the nostril. Butterscotch is clearly evident, laced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all very cookie-like. Chocolate notes develop because the end builds, whereas vanilla comes on robust. All of this involves a head on the conclusion with a strong rush of caramel sauce, tempered with late-game touches of inexperienced herbs and a reprise of crimson pizza peppers.
All informed, this can be a versatile — and really highly effective — base to construct from, although the present iteration might come throughout as surprisingly candy to some customers. It’s strong because it stands, however I’m very a lot wanting ahead to seeing the place The Infinite goes from right here as increasingly more whiskeys get blended into it.
119.3 proof.
A- / $200 / jimbeam.com
Little Guide The Infinite: Version 1 (2024)
$200
