I finally obtained my hands on a bottle for this little book chapter 7 review , and honestly, the particular "In Search Of" theme really strikes home using this type of blend. If you've been following the Little Book series from Jim Beam, you understand that Freddie Noe usually goes away the deep end—in an excellent way—trying to find unique taste profiles that you just don't get in your own standard small-batch containers. Chapter 7 is no different, but this feels a little bit more "mature" when compared to the way some of the particular previous releases that will leaned heavily on younger, punchier mood.
After i very first cracked the seal off, I wasn't certain what to expect. This course can end up being a bit of a wild credit card. Some years it's all about the rye spice, additional years it's the weird experimental malt. But with "In Search Of, " Freddie seems in order to be looking regarding a balance between the old-school heritage of the Beam distillery and some of the more contemporary, experimental directions he's been taking the brand.
What's Actually Inside the Bottle?
Before we enter into just how it tastes, we have to speak about what's actually in this blend. It's a bit of a "kitchen sink" situation, however in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered. For this little book chapter 7 review , I did a bit of searching into the components, and it's the pretty impressive list of seven different liquids.
We're looking in an 18-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a 17-year-old Kentucky Right Bourbon, a 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye, a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the 5-year-old Kentucky Right Malt Whiskey, a 4-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and a 4-year-old Kentucky Right Rye.
That's various ages and styles competing for attention. Generally, when you notice 18-year-old bourbon within a blend, you expect it to rule everything with maple and leather, yet Freddie has a way of using those younger 4-year-old spirits to brighten things up therefore the whole issue doesn't just flavor like a bit of old furniture.
The "In Search Of" Philosophy
The particular name of this chapter is "In Search Of, " which Freddie Noe says is the tribute to their journey as a distiller. It's about searching for those perfect barrels that tell a story. I actually like that emotion, even if it's a bit associated with marketing fluff. It makes you feel like you're drinking something which someone really put a lot of thought directly into, rather than just a mass-produced product pushed off a good assembly line.
First Impressions: The Nose
The moment I poured this into my Glencairn, the color captured my eye. It's a deep, wealthy amber—almost like walnut syrup. It certainly looks like it offers some age on it.
On the nose, the first thing I got was a big hit of caramel and vanilla, which is classic Beam territory. But then, as it seated to get a minute, the particular complexity started to show up. There's a distinct dark fruit note—think dried out cherries or raisins—that I'm guessing comes from those older 17 and 18-year-old barrels.
There's also a sign of baking essence and a little bit of that floral maltiness through the 5-year-old malt whiskey component. This doesn't smell "hot, " although it's sitting at 118. 1 proof. It's inviting, also it makes you want in order to dive in instantly.
The Taste: How It In fact Drinks
This particular is where the particular little book chapter 7 review gets interesting. The particular mouthfeel is surprisingly creamy. It's got a nice pounds to it that layers the tongue with no feeling oily or gross.
The very first sip is usually a blast of sweetness. It's that will deep, brown glucose and molasses kind of sweet. But right as a person think it's going to be a "dessert bourbon, " the particular rye kicks in. That 10-year-old rye and the young 4-year-old rye provide a sharp, black pepper and cinnamon spice that amounts out your sugar completely.
Mid-Palate Evolution
Since the liquid goes to the middle of your tongue, you start to get the oak. It's not bitter, though. It's more like the toasted oak or a cigar package flavor. Also i selected up a little bit of nuttiness—that classic "Beam funk" that fans of the brand either love or hate. Personally, I think it works here due to the fact it's subtle. It's not like consuming a liquid peanut butter sandwich; it's associated with an earthy undertone that environment the brighter fruits and spice information.
Should A person Add Water?
I usually try to drink these high-proof releases neat, however for the sake of the little book chapter 7 review , I actually added a several drops of distilled water. It actually opened some misconception. The particular spice dialed back a notch, and the vanilla/caramel notes became way more prominent. If you're not used to 118 proof, definitely don't be afraid in order to add a sprinkle. It doesn't thin out the taste whatsoever; it just can make it a little more accessible.
The Finish: Does This Linger?
A good whiskey should stay with a person for some time, and Chapter 7 definitely remains. The finish is long plus warm—what some individuals call the "Kentucky Hug. "
It begins using a lingering spice, mostly cinnamon plus clove, and after that fades right into a lovely, oaky aftertaste. It's very satisfying. There's nothing worse compared to a bourbon that tastes great in advance but disappears the second you swallow. This hangs around plus evolves for a good minute or even two.
Evaluating Chapter 7 to Chapter 6
A lot of people are going in order to ask how this compares to last year's release, "To The Finish. " I'll be sincere: I liked Chapter 6, but this felt a little more disjointed since of the various wood finishes included. Chapter 7 seems more cohesive. Even though it has more components (seven instead of five), the tastes feel like they're working together toward a common goal rather than fighting for dominance.
If you want a more traditional, "big" bourbon taste with some extra layers of intricacy, Chapter 7 is the winner. If you prefer experimental coatings and weird wood notes, you may still prefer Chapter 6. But for myself, the "In Search Of" blend is usually a step up.
Is This Worth the Price Tag?
Let's talk money. Little Book isn't cheap. It generally retails around $150, depending on in your area, and if you're buying it on the secondary marketplace, you might see it for significantly even more.
Is any bottle of whiskey really worth $150? That's very subjective. But if you look at the components—specifically those 17 and 18-year-old barrels—you're getting some extremely high-quality juice that will cost way more if it were bottled on its own as a single barrel.
Once i look with this little book chapter 7 review from the value perspective, I actually think it's a fair price for an once-a-year limited discharge. It's an unique occasion bottle, something you pull out there when you're hanging out with close friends who actually appreciate what they're drinking.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
Overall, I'm really impressed using what Freddie Noe do here. It feels like he's actually coming into his own as an expert blender. He's taking massive inventory with Jim Beam plus turning it into something that seems artisanal and minor.
The total amount of age, piquancy, and sweetness in Chapter 7 is usually just spot on. It's complex enough that will you can sit and think about it for a good hour, but it's also just basic delicious in case you just want to unwind and revel in a cup.
If you happen to see this sitting on a shelf in MSRP, I'd say grab it. These types of bottles don't sit down around for very long, and while a few chapters are much better than others, this 1 is definitely one of the highlights from the series so much. It's a strong, flavorful, and incredibly well-blended whiskey that proves why the Little Book name has become such a big deal within the bourbon neighborhood.
Anyway, that's my take on it. When you're looking with regard to a bottle that offers a little bit of a journey in every drink, you actually can't move wrong with Chapter 7. Make absolutely certain you have a comfortable chair and some time to really let it open up up—it's worth the wait.