Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

I've sampled the standard Ezra Brooks and found it to be acceptable for a bourbon under $15. The Ezra Brooks rye is truly impressive for its cost, but the bourbon version was entirely passable. What occurs when both the price and alcohol content are elevated? The pour displays a coppery light caramel-orange hue, and a swirl reveals good viscosity with numerous small tears descending back into the glass. I anticipate a favorable mouthfeel from this spirit, possibly even a thick, oily one. My expectations were met; the texture is just somewhat thin. The aroma presents as white cake frosting, sugar, ethanol, vanilla, a hint of latex paint, and faint oak. These scents suggest this might be a bit bold or bright, yet intriguing. The nose possesses mild to moderate complexity and reflects a sweeter, smoother bourbon. The taste aligns with the aroma, beginning with sweetness and abundant sugar and vanilla cake frosting. The mid-palate is dry and peppery, and the finish is moderate and warming in the back of the throat with notes of black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. This flavor profile is quite standard for bourbon. It was interesting to taste this alongside the George Dickel 8 Year Bourbon. Both bottles are priced similarly. On the nose, I found the Dickel more captivating, with significantly more barrel influence. The Ezra was sweeter, and in comparison, that cake frosting sweetness is quite pronounced. The Ezra also exhibits more fruitiness and spiciness, likely due to its slightly higher rye content in the mash bill. The Ezra Brooks actually drinks like a whiskey with a higher rye percentage than stated. The mash bill for this is 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley, while the Dickel's mash bill is 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley. The Ezra Brooks honestly reminds me somewhat of Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, but perhaps even a touch sweeter and slightly less peppery. I would consider this a good bourbon for cocktails where the spirit is dominant. Both the Ezra and the Dickel are highly drinkable bourbons and offer excellent value. I'm leaning slightly towards the Dickel as a neat pour for being richer and more well-rounded, but if your preference leans towards a sweeter profile, you might favor the Ezra. I suspect the Ezra might be better suited for a Manhattan due to its higher rye character, and I will report back here once I have the opportunity to make one. This is a solid bourbon for a very reasonable price.

In my view, Ezra 99 represents good value. The standard Ezra is quite possibly the best on the lower shelves, and this version enhances the experience with added proof, which contributes to the flavor and complexity. However, this also increases the alcoholic bite if your palate isn't accustomed to it. Adding a drop or two of water easily mellows this out. I'm still curious to try an Ezra whiskey that isn't charcoal filtered, but I suspect they utilize charcoal filtration to mask imperfections and use the youngest spirits available in their products. This is essentially a less intricate, younger-tasting version of the Ezra 7, which used to be a bargain but is now significantly overpriced where I am. However, this sells for $40 per 1.75L or $22 per 750ml where I live, and the larger bottles are often on sale for $35. It's hard to beat at that price point, perhaps rivaled only by Wild Turkey 101. Much like WT101, Ezra 99 is an underappreciated bourbon and a genuine bargain when you consider that some $50 750ml sourced bourbons are considerably worse.

*Bourbon sourced from Lux Row Distillers (Kentucky) *Alcohol by Volume: 49.5% (Proof: 99) *Age: No Age Statement (NAS) *Mash bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted barley. Nose: Subtle cinnamon, sharp and somewhat harsh, rye spice, classic vanilla, notes of almond or walnut shells, quite light with ethanol dominating slightly. Possibly a hint of orange as well. Palate: Exhibits classic bourbon characteristics (brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, oak) but in a subdued manner. The profile seems more mature than other bourbons, with understated notes of tobacco, leather, and a lack of upfront sweetness. Finish: Sharp with a noticeable rye spiciness, a dry and nutty sensation, mellow oak. A slight bitterness and alcoholic intensity. Overall: I don't anticipate this straight bourbon will astonish anyone. Some may even find it unexciting. It's a straightforward bourbon without any unconventional flavors. Its simplicity is its appeal.

Overall: I was genuinely surprised by its quality. The fruity flavor profile and the low perceived heat (despite the 99 proof) make it an excellent selection for warm weather. I'd also recommend it to those weary of overly sweet options, or to newcomers to bourbon who appreciate fruity notes. At $25 per bottle, I find it to be a refreshing addition to my collection and intend to keep a bottle on hand. Nose: Woody, with bright green apple and pear aromas. Palate: The apple notes quickly shift to red, likely due to being enveloped in a pleasant spice. A nutty characteristic emerges towards the end, making it a very easy-drinking spirit. Finish: Medium-short. The apples, once red, revert to green, leaving a tart, slightly dry sensation 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 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.

Acquired this at Lux Row, a beautiful location, by the way. The tour and tasting were superb, the shop was well-stocked and modern, and the surroundings were lovely. Seeing the Rickhouse is essential, and peacocks wander freely on the grounds! As is our custom, I brought this bottle along for our camping trip to Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, IN. The aroma carries a strong alcohol presence, but a touch of sweetness was also noticeable. On the palate, there's a pleasant vanilla note alongside some spice. The finish is of medium duration and produces a tingling sensation. Cocoa is also present here. A very good pour.