There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect vs Silverbelly Whiskey: Is the Higher Rating Justified? carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect and Silverbelly Whiskey can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect | Silverbelly Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | American | American |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 59.05% ABV | 91 proof |
| Price | N/A | $40.00 |
| Rating | 10/10 | 3/10 |
Nose
Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect: There is a strong whiff of baking spice, with a richness of body that recalls fresh coffee cake. Deeper, there are hints of cigar box wood and stewed peach.
Silverbelly Whiskey: As with the color: barely there. I poured more in the glass to see if that would procure a scent. It did not. I sniffed deeper. I have not ever been close to paper pulp, but I have lived near a paper mill. This smells ever so slightly like a benign whiff of that aroma on days the wind would blow just right. Otherwise, there is truly nothing there. I find this impressive, actually. Its like a scented version of those quiet rooms that will drive you insane if you spend too much time there.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect: There is an initial bright, fruity note like melon or fresh peach. As the taste opens up on my tongue, I can pick out more of the sweet vanilla and caramel that comes from the bourbons in the mix, and also rye notes of allspice and clove. The mouthfeel is smooth, but has a rich weight to it. As the finish sets in, I can feel a bready vanilla. It has a decent length, and slowly fades into notes of cut wood and dewey grass.
Silverbelly Whiskey: This is..unpleasant. I have tasted moonshine of dodgy origin; that tasted better. This tastes like whiskey that someone had to hustle off the fermentation track. Whiskus interruptus. Not only does it look and smell completely unaged, it tastes that way, too. If I strain, like really, really, really strain, I can distantly locate some elements of caramel, but again, its more like sweetness that has just barely begun to caramelize. More like sugar cubes youd feed a horse.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect: Comments: 59.05% ABV
Silverbelly Whiskey: Comments: No mash bill available, but at least 51% corn; aged a minimum of two years in new oak; 91 proof; about $40. In the bottle: extremely pale gold
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to Silverbelly Whiskey's 3/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Silverbelly Whiskey is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Silverbelly Whiskey appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect vs Silverbelly Whiskey: Is the Higher Rating Justified? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
