Old Ezra 7 Year 101 Proof Bourbon

This bourbon was aged for 7 years. As the producer will likely take over production of this label when their distillery is operational, and that might very well impact quality, I quickly bought a bottle of this I found on sale. At just ten dollars, this bottle is not only a find but an excellent value! Right away, this has the nose of a classic bourbon, featuring the oak, vanilla, and caramel sweetness that has become characteristic of the style. At 50.5% abv, the pure strength of this spirit is undeniable, but make no mistake, this is not immature, unrefined product from some farming state; this is the genuine article from a renowned distillery. The classic bourbon notes are complemented by hints of fruit and citrus, along with some leather and almond, and nutmeg balanced with sweet and burnt sugars. This is actually a more complex offering than most reviews acknowledge, perhaps due to bias against an off-sourced brand, even if we know the source is a high-quality one. I detect an unusual ginger and nut finish with no burn or noticeable heat, even at its near-cask strength. The oak and vanilla linger, reminding you again that this spirit originates from the birthplace and perfected region of bourbon. The rye-barley mash bill effectively adds the right amount of spice to the sweet corn base, yielding a well-balanced and tasty bourbon. Oddly, this bourbon seems considerably superior in every aspect to the 6-year bottled-in-bond from the same producer, and reminds me of why I like another brand but still wish it had more age. It bears more resemblance to a specific well-regarded bottling than anything else. Figuring I might use this for cocktails if it wasn't a good standalone option, both of which it would undoubtedly serve well, this turns out to be a great find. If you see it for under $15 USD, you've found a nice deal to take home happily. Cheers!

I spent a considerable $21 on this bottle. My expectations aligned with the price – I figured it would either be acceptable for sipping or serve adequately as a mixer. However, I'll be reaching for something else for my mixing needs. Bourbon, especially budget-friendly options, typically offers a certain predictability: caramel, vanilla, a hint of spice, and the energetic burn of a young spirit, without much complexity. This offering deviates from that norm. Old Ezra has been aged sufficiently to smooth out those rough edges; even at 101 proof, it's remarkably smooth with only a slight warmth at the very end. This lack of burn allows for easier enjoyment of the aroma (vanilla, caramel, chocolate fudge, peanut butter, cinnamon – reminiscent of Turtles candies) and the palate. The flavor is distinctive. A local ice cream shop creates an outstanding chocolate peanut butter ice cream with a generous swirl of real peanut butter – it's exquisite, and this reminds me of it. It starts with a sweet, creamy vanilla base, layered with milk chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon honey, and a subtle hint of caramel. Impressively, it's not overly sweet despite these elements. I'm genuinely impressed, but I'd advise against rushing to buy it. Selfishly, I want to see the price remain low. Given that Larceny is now selling for $40 a bottle, we know what happens when something gains too much popularity. If this were priced higher, I'd rate it as a 4-star bourbon, but for $25 or less? That warrants an additional star purely for its value.

Nose - Oaky, aged-in-barrel vanilla, a hint of bananas, caramel, and a touch of cocoa bitterness. Taste - Oaky vanilla caramel, pleasant cinnamon spice, and a light fruity bitterness like very unripe plantains. Finish - A lingering cinnamon burn that shifts to a mildly drying oaky vanilla syrup. The caramel richness fades, replaced by a slightly bitter, fruity tartness. Score - 71/100 Final Thoughts - This is a very inoffensive bourbon that, to some extent, resembles a higher proof Jack Daniel's. It has an unusual banana-like quality alongside the typical "bourbon" characteristics. However, it leaned a bit too heavily on the oak for my preference, making it seem somewhat uninteresting. It's not bad neat, but I think I'll reserve it for mixing or perhaps baking, given its banana notes. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Not again; it's good, but better and more interesting options exist in this price range.

I previously enjoyed the Ezra 90pf quite a bit and found it to be a great value. Seeing this on clearance for $17.99, I decided to try it. Served neat, its color is notably darker than the 90pf. It exhibits good legs and coats the glass. The nose presents caramel, vanilla, and a somewhat dusty resin aroma; it's richer than the 90pf. Considering its 101 proof, the ethanol isn't overpowering. The palate is comparable to the EB90, with nutty caramel, pepper, and oak, but the higher proof and age have intensified these elements. It certainly carries more warmth, but the sweetness is also elevated. This bears a resemblance to Old Forester 100 (though not as good). I like it. The finish is medium, featuring cinnamon, nutty oak, and caramel. It's less dry than the EB90. It's bolder and deeper, enhanced by the 101 proof kick. For the price, this is excellent. Ezra Brooks is a reliable choice, in my opinion, whether the 90 or 101 proof. Overall, I find this superior to the standard 90pf (based on a side-by-side comparison). I appreciate the added age, the boost in robust flavor, and the reduced dryness. Score: 80/100.......... However, I can understand opting for the 90pf as it's less expensive and still very good.

Aroma: I detect orange peel, oak, corn, brown sugar, and a noticeable amount of ethanol. The Heaven Hill influence is evident in this Luxco product. Served Neat: It has a thick, clinging mouthfeel. Flavors include salt, dry roasted peanuts, citrus, maple syrup, and cinnamon. The finish is astringent, with notes of oak and black pepper. With a Splash: A few drops of water really bring the orange/citrus notes forward. It moderates the astringency while significantly enhancing the black pepper spice. Scoring 3 3/4 stars, I'll round up. I enjoyed this one, but I lean towards the drier, less spicy Ezra Brooks 90pf. This bottling isn't sold in NC, but I traded with someone for a bottle of Virgin 101 (rumored to be identical, though I find it slightly sweeter and less spicy). I anticipate Old Ezra Barrel Proof will have broader availability and look forward to trying it.

I'm new to this but I'll give it a shot. The aroma: Starts very strong, smelling primarily of nail polish. After a few minutes, hints of vanilla can be detected underneath. Taste: Still a prominent nail polish note, but perhaps more like white pepper. This is followed by a direct sugary sweetness. Adding a little water causes the sweetness to overpower the nail polish. With some time, banana notes start to appear. The white pepper lingers slightly. Conclusion: This was one of the initial bourbons I bought, and I don't recall the price. However, I don't think I'll purchase it again, mainly due to the initial nail polish aroma. I must admit, though, I enjoyed it more as it sat in the glass longer.