Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

I've had the base Ezra Brooks and it was just fine for a sub $15 bottle of bourbon. The Ezra Brooks rye is a real show stealer for the price, but the bourbon was completely acceptable. What happens when both price and proof bump up? The pour is a brassy light caramel orange color and a swirl shows good sheeting with multiple small tears running back to the bowl. I expect a good mouthfeel from this whiskey, if not a thick oily one. I got exactly what I expected, the texture here is just a bit thin. On the nose this is white cake frosting, sugar, ethanol, vanilla, a whiff of latex paint, and faint oak. The aromas tell be this might be a bit brash or bright, but interesting. The nose is mildly to moderately complex and reflective of a sweeter, rounder bourboun. The taste comports with the nose, opening sweetly with ample sugar and vanilla cake frosting. The mid palate is dry and peppery and the finish is moderate and warming at the back of the throat with black pepper, ginger and cinnamon making an appearance. This is pretty much right down the middle of the bourbon lane in terms of flavor. It was interesting side-by-side tasting this with the George Dickel 8 Year Bourbon. Both bottles are about the same price. On the nose I found the Dickel the more interesting pour with significantly more barrel notes. The Ezra was sweeter and in comparison that cake frosting sweetness is very evident. The Ezra is also a bit fruitier and spicier with its slightly higher rye mash bill. Ezra Brooks drinks like a higher rye whiskey than claimed. The mashbill of this is 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley and the mashbill of the Dickel is 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley. The Ezra Brooks honestly reminds me a bit of Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond but maybe even a touch sweeter and a bit less peppery. I would think this is a good bourbon for liquor-forward cocktails. Both the Ezra and the Dickel are eminently drinkable bourbons and very good values. I'm going to give a slight edge to the Dickel as a sipper for being richer and more rounded, but if your taste leans towards a sweeter profile you may opt for the Ezra. I feel like the Ezra might make a better Manhattan with its higher rye profile, and when I have a chance to make one I'll report back here. This is a solid bourbon for a very fair price.

Ezra 99 is a good bargain in my opinion. The standard Ezra is pretty much one of the best of the bottom shelf and here they up the ante and the added proof really adds to the flavor and complexity. That being said it also adds to the sting of the alcohol if your palate isn't used to it. A drop or a couple of water really smooth this out easily though. I'd still like to try an Ezra whiskey that isn't charcoal filtered but I have a feeling they use the charcoal filtration to hide some imperfection and use the youngest juice they can in their offerings. This stuff is basically a less complex younger tasting variety of the Ezra 7 which used to be a bargain but at least where I am is now way overpriced. But this stuff is $40 a 1.75L or $22 a 750ml where I'm at and the handles are on sale frequently for $35. Really can't be beat at that price point, well maybe Wild Turkey 101. But like WT101 Ezra 99 is an under appreciated bourbon and a true bargain considering you can get some $50 750ml's sourced bourbons that are much worse swill.

*Sourced straight bourbon from Lux Row Distillers (Kentucky) *ABV: 49,5 (Proof:99) *Age: NAS (Non Age Statement) *Mash bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted barley. Nose: Light cinnamon, spiky and a bit harsh, rye spice, classic vanilla, almonds or walnut shells, pretty light and ethanol takes over a bit. Might also be any orange note there. Palate: Pretty classic bourbon notes (brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, oak) but a bit laid back. The profile feels a bit more grown up than other bourbons with restrained notes of tobacco, leather and lack of sweetnes in the front. Finish: Spiky with a good rye bite, dry and nutty feel, laid back oak. Slight bitterness and alcoholic punch. Overall: I dont think this straight bourbon will surprise anyone. Some might even find it boring. Its a pure bourbon that doesnt mess around with any unusual flavors. It really feels simple and thats what i like about it.

Overall: I was really surprised at how good this is, the fruit forward taste, and the low perceived heat (despite the 99 proof) makes this a great choice for summer days. I would also recommend it to those tired of the more dessert side of things, or people new to bourbon who like fruitier flavors. At $25/bottle I think this is a refreshing addition to my collection and plan on having a bottle around for some time. Nose: Woody, with bright green apples, and pears. Palate: the apples turn red quickly, probably because they are enveloped in a comforting spice. A nuttiness comes through towards the end that really makes this an easy drink. Finish: medium short. The once red apples turn green again and a tart, slightly dry flavor is left in the mouth.

Tasting neat. On the nose, sweet corn, light floral vanilla, and a whiff of ethanol. Light overall, including the color, orange brown. Good coating legs in the glass. Ethanol and sweet corn syrup show up first. Light vanilla oak and tart apple, and then a good dose of sweet grass and baking spice. Thin mouthfeel. Finish is spicy and sour/tart, then distinct mint tingle in an average length finish. It's a step up from the regular E.B. due to the higher proof, and I'm guessing it will mix well, and an ice cube will mellow the ethanol and highlight the sweet--yes, it does. It's a good everyday/working bourbon at this price point. Above average, but barely, and that's ok.

Picked this up at Lux Row, which by the way, is a stunning property. Excellent tour and tasting experiences, well stocked, modern gift shop and a beautiful outdoor setting. The Rickhouse is a must see, and there are Peacocks roaming wild on the property! As has become a bit of a tradition, I decided to take this bottle to share on our camping trip to Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, IN. Pretty strong alcohol on the nose, but also picked up a bit of sweetness. Nice vanilla note on the palate, along with some spice. Finish is medium length and tingly. Also get some cocoa here. Pretty solid pour.