Beam Suntory to launch Little Book whiskey range

Beam Suntory is set to release blended straight whiskey range Little Book – an annual limited-edition series created by Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam family member.

Little Book The Easy is the first release in the new limited edition range

Freddie Noe, who is also son of current Beam master distiller Fred Noe, named the new series after the childhood nickname given to him by his grandfather, founding distiller Booker Noe.

The inaugural batch release of Little Book, called The Easy, features four components: uncut and unfiltered corn, rye and malt whiskies – representative of the three grains commonly found in Bourbon– balanced with uncut, unfiltered Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey.

Bottled at 128.2 proof, it is made with four-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey, 13-year-old corn whiskey, about six-year-old 100% malt whiskey, and six-year-old high-rye whiskey.

Noe worked on the final recipe for over a year and tried more than 25 different blends of the liquid before settling on the final product.

The Easy is described as leading with “caramel and oak” notes, before moving into notes of “toasted nuts and hints of corn grain”. The finish is “long and packed with peppery rye”. It is recommended served neat, over ice or with a splash of water.

“I’m humbled and honoured to share Little Book with the world,” said Freddie Noe, the distillery’s fermentation manager.

“When I joined the family business five years ago, I told Dad I wanted to learn everything there was to know about making whiskey. Along the way, I discovered I’m particularly fascinated by the endless taste profiles that can be created through blending. I’m excited for whiskey fans to taste the first batch of this annual release, and I look forward to sharing new, one-of-a-kind blends every year. It’s a real honour to carry on my family’s legacy, and I hope I’ve done them proud.”

Fred Noe added: “It’s exciting to watch my son, Freddie, follow in the family footsteps and share his passion for blending with the release of Little Book.

“My dad, Booker, and I used to always say that if Freddie ever decided to join the family business, his distinct palate and nose, along with his eagerness to learn, would take him far. Freddie’s coming into his own as part of the next generation of whiskey makers, and I couldn’t be more proud to support him as he launches his first product.”

Little Book The Easy will be available across the US from October in limited quantities with an RRP of $US79.99 for a 750ml bottle.