Ezra Brooks 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Lux Row is steadily climbing the list of my preferred whiskey producers. Today, I have what I believe is their response to Heaven Hill's Evan Williams (it might even be their source for this.) At $20, this is the least expensive whiskey, or any product for that matter, that I have reviewed. Expectations are not particularly high, but my mind is open. Nose: Dusty corn. Caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch. Cocoa. Orange peel and tobacco. Black pepper, rye spice, nutmeg, and clove. Oak and some green, grassy notes. A little straightforward but surprisingly pleasant. Palate: Caramel and cocoa. Vanilla. Sawdust. Walnut, almond, cashew. Orange and orange peel. A soapy note I detect in many younger spirits. Bitter oak. Even the cocoa tastes more bitter than it seemed on the nose. Finish: More bitter cocoa, along with vanilla and caramel. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and oak. Plenty of ethanol, suggesting a young spirit. Medium length, and tending toward short. Pleasantly surprising whiskey despite its evident youth. I was critical in my assessment, but I must admit that this is a solid bourbon. And it is made even better when you consider the cost. Considering it is the least expensive spirit I have reviewed to date, I am quite content with what I received. I typically spend an additional $10-15 to obtain this level of whiskey. And when you calculate it, that is almost enough to purchase another bottle of this. Value is a significant factor here. That has helped me arrive at my conclusion: 3/5.

For $15 and 90 proof KY straight bourbon, this is an amazing deal you can't pass up. Yes, it's bottom shelf. Yes, superior bourbons exist, and many are highly sought after and talked about. But the standard EB proves that if you need high value on a low budget, bourbon is the way to go. And no, I'm not just referring to it as a cheap mixer, though it's perfectly fine for that. I'm enjoying it neat in a glencairn, and it's perfectly drinkable, if not incredibly complex. Brown sugar, vanilla, and some light baking spice are what I'm getting.

Ezra Brooks Bourbon. Made in Kentucky. 45% ABV. While it has no age statement, Kentucky law requires a minimum of four years for straight bourbon. The nose brings forth ample toasted barrel character alongside a touch of sweetness. The palate opens with toasted oak, a hint of spice, and subtle sweet and fruity notes. It has a bit of a bite, but it's quite drinkable. Not a terrible experience for the price, which is around $14-15 plus tax for a 750 ml bottle. I'd give it a C+.

Tasted blind. Picked up 50 mL samples at a shop in Grand Rapids with a friend. The aroma is remarkably similar to Blade and Bow. Notes of caramel, pepper, and dried fruit are present. I was genuinely pleased when the bottle was revealed! Sweet fruit, dark chocolate, and vanilla are noticeable. An excellent, affordable alternative to Blade and Bow. There's just a slight difference in the flavor progression (tastes great, slight gap, then a good finish).

Aroma: notes of vanilla, sugary corn, and caramel popcorn. Palate: sugary vanilla, mild caramel, and a touch of toffee. Aftertaste: a blend of sweet vanilla and caramel at first, followed by orange peel and allspice that persists for a short while. This beverage is quite sweet and remarkably smooth considering its cost and 80 proof. It's well-balanced for a budget Bourbon.

A hint of oak with some toasted marshmallow on the nose; sweet and pleasant on the palate with no burn; a medicinal but not harsh vanilla that is medium in presence and doesn't fade. For the price, it's unbeatable! It's a pleasant sipper, but I wouldn't use it for an old-fashioned or Manhattan. Best enjoyed neat, in my humble opinion.