Little Book The Infinite Review – Edition 1
“The Infinite: Edition 1”
Little Book “The Infinite: Edition 1” represents an exciting new chapter in the esteemed Little Book series, known for its unique and innovative blends. Released in August 2024, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the inaugural offering in a fresh new line curated by Freddie Noe, the 8th generation master distiller at Jim Beam. Each year, a new whiskey will be added to the blend, offering an ever-evolving artistry of flavors for a unique annual experience. I’m very excited to pour a dram and “work” on the Little Book The Infinite review!
The Infinite: Edition 1 showcases a meticulous blend of various bourbon recipes that span three generations of the Noe family. It includes bourbons distilled by Booker Noe, aged 20 years; Fred Noe, aged 14 years; and Freddie Noe, aged 7 years. Additionally, it incorporates a shared family component that has been aged for 8 years. Each contributes distinct flavor profiles that reflect Noe’s commitment to craftsmanship and creativity.
The result is a harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and oak that bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate. As with previous releases in the Little Book series, “The Infinite” aims to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making while honoring its rich heritage. This limited annual release not only highlights Freddie Noe’s expertise but also invites whiskey lovers to explore new dimensions within their tasting experience.
This intricate layering of ages and flavors not only highlights the expertise passed down through generations but also reflects the personal touch that each family member has brought14 to their craft. The result is a whiskey that embodies tradition while appealing to modern palates. Little Book “The Infinite; Edition 1” serves as both a tribute to the Noe lineage and an invitation for whiskey enthusiasts to experience a taste of history in every sip.
Series: “The Infinite”
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: nas, blend of 7, 8, 14, and 20 years
Proof: 119.3
Proof Designation: Barrel Proof
Filtered Status: Non-Chill Filtered
Mash bill: undisclosed
Barrel Char Level: ??
Barrel Entry Proof: ??
Distillate Source: Jim Beam Distillery
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Company: Beam Suntory
Bottled By: Jim Beam Distillery
Distilled/Aging Location: Clermont, Kentucky
Master Distiller: Freddie Noe
Release Date: August 2024
MSRP: $200
Secondary Market: $250 – $350
Availability: Low/Rare
Little Book “The Infinite” Review – Edition 1
August 7, 2025
My tasting reviews are unique in that I include the notes of several well-known whiskey critics. The hope is that this format will help me and others to explore and expand their tasting experience. After you have taken your own tasting notes, read the reviews and see if there is a flavor note that others discerned that now you can detect as well.
For this tasting: Opened Bottle (1 day), Glencairn Glass, Neat, Room Temp, Breathe: 10 minutes
Legs
Beads form on the crown at about 5 seconds, the legs form at about 27 seconds, and the first legs reach the bowl at about 50 seconds.
Nose
Dark caramel, fig, toffee, custard, peanut butter, leather, a hint of raspberry.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Bourbon Culture: The nose on this is in my top 5 most oak-forward noses I’ve found in a Jim Beam product. This just smells special. It’s interesting that I can find so much vanilla side-by-side with the oak seeing as how it’s usually so much lighter. Honey and nougat fill in the blanks. A slight nuttiness lurks behind the sweetness. The nose drips with age and maturity. There’s not much in the way of fruit, but the nose still feels like a complete, polished product. It needs nothing more.
Bourbon Bossman: Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Fruitiness (Apple/Pear/Cherry), Baking Spice, and Charred Oak
Breaking Bourbon: A wave of cinnamon and dry dark chocolate is accented by underlying oak. It has some weight to it, along with ample spice that comes across as somewhat hot at first. As the ethanol rolls out of the glass, the whiskey’s aroma opens up and becomes more expressive, giving way to dense caramel sweetness, dark fruits, and a hint of smoke.
Palate
Dark caramelized sugar, creme caramel, prune, toasted cinnamon, baking spices, molasses, dark chocolate, old oak, a touch of sweet cherry and a hint of raspberry.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Bourbon Culture: The oak note follows to the palate where it wraps everything in a beautiful varnish note. Antiqued and seasoned oak combine with loose leaf tobacco. Sweet molasses sweetness combines with a potent array of spice. Cinnamon and black pepper take control of my tongue and don’t let up. Fruit notes like dried fig, toasted orange zest and cherry offer little respite from the tannic onslaught. A hint of chocolate, black tea and coffee also begin to emerge as the session goes on. I cannot adequately express how powerful each sip is. I’ve tasted bourbons around 120 proof before, and very few are this “in your face.” That’s not saying it drinks hot, but every flavor hits harder than similar bourbons.
Bourbon Bossman: Strawberry, Cherry, Vanilla Cream Frosting, Brown Sugar, Baking Spice, Oak, Cinnamon, and Leather
Breaking Bourbon: The sip is bold up front, with all of the whiskey’s proof points working to create intensity at the onset. Baking spices combine with layers of rich caramel, graham cracker, and brown sugar. Aged oak, cinnamon, and vanilla custard weave in, adding dimension to the sip’s hefty mouthfeel. It has a familiar nutty Booker’s Bourbon undertone, but doesn’t taste exactly like a high aged Booker’s. While it’s somewhat punchy upfront, the palate is thoroughly enjoyable once you get past the whiskey’s initial wave of heat.
Finish
Long finish with mocha, vanilla, licorice, baking spices, hint of raspberry, old oak, leather and mild barrel char.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Bourbon Culture: Antique oak and musty tobacco still rest powerfully on my tongue long after the sip is complete. Spiced honey, ash and a little bit more black pepper add character while toasted hazelnuts and vanilla offer a softer side. The lingering heat of the proof is felt in my jowls.
Bourbon Bossman: Long Colorado Winter Hug that Goes For Days! Strong Ending Notes of Oak, Baking Spice, and Sweet Vanilla Bean
Breaking Bourbon: The bold palate inevitably leads to a long finish. Waves of brown sugar and caramel coincide with receding baking spices and punchy heat. An underlying nuttiness creeps in, providing contrast to the tapering spice.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is Creamy but not Rich.
Mouthfeel Rating Guide: Thin = Watery | Silken = smooth & slippery, but not mouth coating | Creamy = coats the tongue like heavy cream does. | Rich or Unctuous = coats the entire palate like quality olive oil
The Burn
4 out of 5. This means that the burn from the alcohol is a bit lower (5% to 9%) than what I would expect it to be. I would guess this to be around 110 proof, not 119.3 proof.
Tasting Summary
Dark sweetness and savory spiciness hits the palate first, followed with pleasant old oak. Flavors include dark caramelized sugar, creme caramel, prune, toasted cinnamon, baking spices, molasses, dark chocolate, old oak, a touch of sweet cherry and a hint of raspberry. Nicely complex and balanced.
My Rating – 8.7
The higher the score the better the whiskey is in my opinion. For reference, my best rated bottle so far is the George T. Stagg 2022 (138.7p) with a score of 9.7.
| Score Type | Score | Examples |
| Likability Score | 8.7 | 1.0 – 10.0 |
My Tasting Notes
A blank version of this tasting notes wheel is available in both a color and a black & white version in the member’s area.
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