Old Ezra 7 Year Old Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Tasting note: [15ml sample] Ezra Brooks’ first ever barrel-proof bourbon has a feisty, full bodied bouquet - spicy, woody and fruity in equal measure, influenced by more than a touch of rye and reflected on the palate ; chunky and textural, ramped up by an injection of barley, the rye takes over in a tongue nipping finish adding length and balance. The result is a beefy Bourbon that gives 100% from start to finish and satisfies on nearly every level. 78% corn, 12% malted Barley and 10% rye. 58.5% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Old Ezra’s owner, Luxco, historically has played the role of whiskey négoçiant, sourcing liquid from third-party distillers. In 2018, the company opened its own distillery in Bardstown, Ky., where it’s now laying down whiskey. While we wait for it to mature, we’ll happily savor the sourced version. This is Ezra Brooks’ first ever barrel-proof bourbon, and it’s a beauty. A spice storm of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and roasted pecan greets the palate, easing into sweet notes of melted caramel, chocolate, macaroons, marzipan, and crème brûlée. Earthy hints of sandalwood and tobacco complete the finish, making this everything a great bourbon should be. Number 7 in the 2019 Top 20.
94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2019)

...Luxco took what they did with Rebel Yell, what they were already doing well with Ezra Brooks 7 Year 101 Proof, upped the proof, and voila, they have a new product people can get behind. The flavor profile isn’t going to shock anyone with its uniqueness, but it is interesting how upping the proof changes this bourbon. It does what barrel proof bourbons are supposed to do but can sometimes struggle with. This isn’t just a hotter version of the standard offering, but a richer, fuller flavored, and all around great tasting bourbon.... This release feels like a time capsule of what bourbon was like earlier this decade. Maybe its rose colored glasses, but this release brings me back to a time of quality bourbon, at a fair price, capped off with an age statement. There isn’t anything fancy here (besides its label). This is all around a great buy, that is bound to satisfy with its guilt-free expectations. This is the new everyday sipper/table bourbon for 2018. - breakingbourbon.com