For this seventh chapter of the Little Book series, eighth-generation Jim Beam master distiller Freddie Noe blended the liquids of the previous six chapters with a new one. It’s quite a combination—a mix of straight bourbons aged 18, 17, 9, and 4 years, along with 10 year old and 4 year old ryes, and 5 year old straight malt that was finished in applewood-smoked barrels. The result is a rich array of flavors— chocolate cake, baked apples, and cinnamon—with plenty of heat, spice, and a long finish. There’s great unity of flavor, and it carries its proof remarkably well. Our highest-scoring Little Book to date. —David Fleming