472. Beam Me Up, Toddy: A Trek Through Jim Beam's 2025 Rarities

"Beam me up, Toddy!" Jim and Todd embark on a voyage to the final frontier of flavor with an epic tasting of four highly anticipated limited releases from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. In a show packed with Star Trek puns and serious spirits, the hosts explore how Eighth Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe is pushing the boundaries of the family legacy. The mission begins with Little Book Chapter 9: "None For Granted." This 2025 release is a complex blend of five unique whiskeys, including 11-year-old bourbon, 8-year-old rye, and two distinct 7-year-old bourbons. Clocking in at 121.8 proof, it surprises the hosts with notes of crisp green apple, peanut shells, and a "Payday bar" sweetness that Todd can't get enough of. Next, they reach into the "Sample Safe" for Little Book The Infinite: Edition 2. This multi-generational blend combines 22-year-old bourbon distilled by Booker Noe, 10-year-old from Fred Noe, and 7-year-old from Freddie Noe, along with a portion of the inaugural Edition 1. At 120.8 proof, it delivers a "master class" in balance, offering a creamy mouthfeel laden with vanilla icing, floral notes, and a depth that represents the "whole flavor wheel" in a glass. The journey takes a sharp turn with Booker's The Reserves 2025, a bold 123.3 proof bourbon finished for 11 weeks in ex-El Tesoro Tequila barrels. This unique experiment—a first for Beam—presents a polarizing dry, earthy profile with notes of citrus and savory herbs that the hosts agree would pair perfectly with a sweet-tipped cigar or even a "Bourbon-Rita". Finally, they tackle the oldest expression ever released by the distillery: the Knob Creek 21 Year Old. Bottled at 100 proof, this ultra-aged bourbon defies expectations by avoiding the bitter "oak bomb" trap of previous 15-year releases. Instead, it offers a velvety palate rich with dark cherry, high-cacao chocolate, and a distinct toasted coconut note that leaves the hosts in awe. The episode concludes with a difficult "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" ranking where two bottles battle for the top spot, followed by a daring "suicide mix" of all four expressions. Plus, stick around for some Thanksgiving talk as Todd shares his plans for a spatchcocked, smoked turkey. Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!