Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Straight Rye

To get straight to the point, I really enjoy this whiskey. I'll admit I purchased it because it was listed on the Whisky Advocate Top 20 at number 20. We all tend to criticize WA, but we're all secretly curious when they reveal their top 20, aren't we? They are a lifestyle publication with glossy photos of whiskey bottles and reviews that seldom score below 87, so I understand their objective: to sell us the product. However, I continue to subscribe because it costs $25 per year and provides me with my middle-aged equivalent of adult content: sleek pictures of high-end bottles. Regardless, in case you're unaware of the top 20's criteria, the whiskey must be newly released that year or have undergone a significant alteration to distinguish it from previous versions. This is why a batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof might appear on the list, even though it has been produced for many years; that specific batch is unique to that year. Or, for instance, last year Dewar's 12 was on the list because Dewar's modified its finishing process for the 12, making it technically new. Last year, the top pick generated considerable discussion: Jack Daniel's Bonded, because, yes, there were superior, more premium whiskies available. But Jack Bonded was decent and reasonably priced at around $35. This year, many of the whiskies are, in fact, more expensive. Ezra 99 Rye is the least expensive on the list at $25. So, why wouldn't you rush out and try it? Even if you somewhat dismiss the WA Top 20, there's truly no downside to sampling a $25 whiskey that makes their list. The worst that can happen is you have a decent mixer. They won't recommend something so poor that you'd have to discard it, unless you're exceptionally discerning. So, I hurried out and bought a bottle last weekend. I watched a football game I'd rather forget while tasting it. I compared it to WhistlePig Piggyback 6 and favored this one (while my father preferred the WhistlePig, as I would expect him to, considering it was his birthday gift). Honestly, I was looking forward to tasting it again and writing this review. I am the third person to review this here. The other two awarded it scores above 4 stars. As much as I appreciate this rye at $25, I cannot quite reach that level. It's good, but not exceptionally so. And the issue with its inclusion on the WA Top 20 is that Ezra's whiskies tend to get arrogant when they appear there. I recall Old Ezra 7 appearing a few years ago; I bought a bottle for $40, and it was magnificent, truly wonderful at that price. The following year, it was $50, which was still acceptable. The year after that, it was $60, which was pushing it considering the quality, and now, it's what? $80? Absolutely not worth it. So, grab this Ezra 99 Rye now, because in a couple of years, they'll likely be charging $50 for it. And at that point... well, I suppose many people won't perform the cost-benefit analysis I do, where I question what better options exist at that price point. I'll tell you this: there isn't much rye at $25 that surpasses this. Some I enjoy equally: Sazerac, Old Forester 100 Rye, Old Overholt. I'm not particularly fond of Rittenhouse; I find it bland and flavorless, so feel free to disregard my opinion if that offends you. Wild Turkey 101 Rye is also good. I've stated before that there are many good ryes in this price range. But this one is slightly different and possesses a distinctive characteristic: in addition to the rye spice, there's a blackberry tartness that is simply fantastic and unique to this pour. Honestly, I'm unsure of its origin and have never encountered it in another rye, and it's truly what makes it stand out for me. It's present on the nose and the finish, and it's what makes this rye exceptional. Otherwise, you'll detect notes of rye spice and mint on the nose, along with earthiness and a somewhat green, vegetal quality. The palate does indeed incorporate some black tea and lemon, but these can be found in other ryes, most notably Wild Turkey 101 Rye. And then the finish arrives, with that blackberry tart flavor, and it's just, well, I'm giving it enthusiastic praise. So yes, perhaps it's a matter of personal preference. I don't solely rely on WA for my recommendations. When I consider purchasing something, I research, explore, and read various reviews. With the exception of one expert who rated it an 80 and another reviewer who gave it a C (and whose rye reviews I approach with skepticism, given their apparent preference for Rittenhouse as the ultimate rye... no offense, just different palates), the general consensus appears to be that this offering does indeed excel beyond its price point. Whether it merits a spot in the top 20 is debatable, much like Jack Bonded last year. All I know is I intend to purchase a few more bottles before Ezra becomes too confident and raises the price beyond what I'm willing to spend, similar to what happened with the 7-year expression.

I'm a fan of Ezra Brooks simply from a value perspective, and this rye doesn't disappoint. If you want something smoother and easier to drink neat, Sazerac will fit the need within a relative budget. That said, this rye packs a lot of depth with a strong nose & rich palate. The ABV is perfect to cut through anything you'll mix with this and it's phenomenal in a Manhattan. I just don't think you'll find anything comparable at this price point that delivers so much (maybe Rittenhouse, but like Sazerac, that's a few dollars higher). Enjoy.

Aroma of baked apples and cinnamon enveloped in damp hay. The palate begins sweet and fruity, then offers butterscotch, followed by a potent hit of crushed black pepper that persists. Is it a top 20 contender? Perhaps, but it definitely exceeds expectations for its cost.

Aroma: ripe Honeycrisp apple Taste: slight rye spice, light on the palate. Finish: short finish with a minty conclusion Will make a solid Old Fashioned. I appreciate the proof and price point.

Taste: It begins with strong rye bread and dill. There's some toasted marshmallow. Appearance: Amber Smell: Strong rye spice with dill and vanilla

Very light at 99 proof. Heavy vanilla notes and a bit sweet. Very good for the price.