Today, on June 23, 2025, Jim Beam officially launched Little Book Chapter 9, titled “None for Granted,” a whiskey that’s making waves for its bold, high-proof blend and its nod to the foundational flavors of American whiskey. Crafted by Freddie Noe, the eighth-generation master distiller at Jim Beam, this release is a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather, Booker Noe, whose pioneering work in small-batch, cask-strength whiskey set the stage for expressions like this one. Bottled at a robust 121.8 proof (60.9% ABV), this uncut and unfiltered blend of five Kentucky straight whiskeys delivers a rich, layered experience that’s both a throwback to whiskey’s roots and a bold step forward. With a suggested retail price of $159.99, this limited release is hitting shelves nationwide this summer, offering whiskey fans a chance to taste a piece of history.
Image credit: Jim Beam
Freddie Noe, carrying on the family legacy, spent 18 months meticulously crafting this blend, which combines straight rye and bourbon whiskeys aged between 7 and 11 years. The blend includes an 11-year Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, an 8-year Kentucky straight rye whiskey, an 8-year Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, and two distinct 7-year Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys. Each component was chosen to showcase what Noe describes as the “founding flavors” of American whiskey—brown sweets, vanilla, creamy caramel, and bold oak—that emerged decades ago when the spirit was still carving out its identity. “Chapter 9 takes us back several decades, to an era when whiskey as we know it was just finding its feet,” Noe shared in a statement. “As possibilities were explored and foundations were laid, a certain profile began to emerge—one built on brown sweets, the comforting warmth of vanilla, creamy caramel, and big oak.”
Image credit: Jim Beam
What sets “None for Granted” apart is its innovative approach to achieving these classic flavors. One of the 7-year bourbons in the blend underwent an extended five-day fermentation process, compared to Jim Beam’s standard three days. This longer fermentation enhances the whiskey’s aroma with a distinct apple note, adding a fresh, fruity dimension. Additionally, the 8-year bourbon features a unique mashbill that incorporates brown rice, an experimental recipe originally explored by Booker Noe. This brown rice bourbon brings rich butterscotch and stone fruit notes to the blend, making it a standout in the lineup. According to Tim Heuisler, Beam’s Global Brand Ambassador, these components—extended fermentation and the brown rice mashbill—are key to the whiskey’s unique character, blending tradition with forward-thinking craftsmanship.
The whiskey itself is a feast for the senses. Its golden bronze color catches the light, hinting at the depth within. The aroma opens with a warm wave of caramel and brown sweets, accented by a subtle touch of barrel char that speaks to its time in oak. On the palate, it delivers a robust mix of creamy butterscotch, sweet caramel, warm baking spices, and juicy stone fruit, with a hint of apple weaving through the profile. The high proof ensures a bold, warming finish that lingers, inviting sip after sip. This complex flavor profile makes Little Book Chapter 9 a whiskey that rewards slow, thoughtful tasting, perfect for savoring neat or with a splash of water to open up its nuances.
Image credit: Jim Beam
Little Book Chapter 9 marks the ninth annual release in the series, though the Little Book label saw a special tenth bottling in 2024 with “The Infinite,” a rare black-labeled release featuring whiskeys aged up to 20 years. While “The Infinite” was a collector’s dream, Chapter 9 is designed to be more approachable, though still a limited, allocated release. Fans should find it on shelves without the frenzy that surrounds ultra-rare bottles, and at $159.99, it offers strong value for a cask-strength, small-batch whiskey of this quality. The Little Book series, named after Freddie Noe’s childhood nickname from his grandfather Booker, continues to honor the legacy of Booker Noe, who popularized cask-strength whiskey through Booker’s Bourbon, still a staple in Jim Beam’s portfolio.
Each Little Book release is a custom blend, with no two editions ever identical, reflecting Freddie Noe’s hands-on approach. He often works on multiple blends simultaneously, waiting for each whiskey to reach peak maturation—a process that can take up to a year and a half. This dedication to craftsmanship shines through in “None for Granted,” which celebrates the flavors that built American whiskey while embracing modern techniques. The brown rice bourbon and extended fermentation are bold choices that pay off, delivering a whiskey that feels both timeless and innovative.
Image credit: Jim Beam
For whiskey lovers, Little Book Chapter 9 is more than just a drink—it’s a story in a glass. It honors the past, from the oak-driven flavors that defined early American whiskey to Booker Noe’s trailblazing spirit, while looking to the future with creative techniques that push the boundaries of what whiskey can be. Whether you’re a Jim Beam loyalist, a collector hunting for unique bottles, or someone who simply enjoys a well-crafted dram, this release is worth seeking out. As bottles roll out across the country this summer, Little Book Chapter 9 is set to become a standout in the 2025 whiskey lineup. Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and toast to a whiskey that’s as much about heritage as it is about breaking new ground.
