Ezra Brooks Distiller's Collection Single Barrel Bourbon #7167119 (Macadoodles Springfield)

Neat. Opened approximately 3 months ago. Barrel selection 7167105 from Binny’s. My initial impression was not favorable. The initial pour was immature and overwhelmingly nutty, with little else. Likely one of my lowest ratings this year. However, I always allow spirits a second chance after some time on the shelf. If it doesn't improve, it moves to the mixer collection... Still plenty of fresh hay, but it's complemented by pleasant honey and graham cracker notes. Still prominent peanut shell aroma. I'm detecting more complexity this time! Notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and butterscotch. The aroma is significantly better than I recall... Has a nice, viscous, syrupy texture. Cinnamon and chocolate on the palate. Develops into a richer chocolate flavor, then hits the peanut. Chocolate reappears in the finish, and the legs transition to a lingering vanilla. Redemption! It resembles a peanut butter cup! Admittedly simple, but a vast improvement over the previous one-dimensional peanut profile. This is precisely why you shouldn't abandon a whiskey until it's had time to rest. This previously disappointing spirit is now a decent enough pour to be enjoyed neat rather than mixed.

Drank it neat after a neck pour. It's a Binny's selection. My first time encountering an Ezra Brooks single barrel. I was surprised by its youth, but it was also only $30. Seemed worth trying. Wow, the aroma is like young Old Ezra. Peanut shells are still prominent, but there's a green, youthful quality. Charred caramel and a touch of pear are present, with a hint of pepper. The peanut shells really dominate, and it's a great scent, much like the Old Ezra. The texture is intriguing. It's syrupy yet thin. Strange. A slight vanilla sweetness appears first, then the peanut flavor takes over, accompanied by charcoal. Nothing else particularly captivating here. Well, I'm glad this cost $30 because I can't be too upset. I believe it needed more time in the barrel; it's essentially a one-dimensional, young bourbon and I'm not really enjoying it tonight.

The nose has caramel and hints of vanilla, while the finish reveals new oak notes. Excellent value for the price!