Distiller Notes
2021 San Francisco World Spirits Gold Medal Winner
#7 Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2019
Ezra Brooks ages this Kentucky straight bourbon in new, charred white oak barrels for seven years and bottle it at barrel strength. Seven just became your lucky number. Offers sweet floral notes with undertones of vanilla, cinnamon, and fine wood, ending in a warm, buttery finish.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
The aromas are akin to a cedar closet packed with old leather jackets and shoes caked in just-tilled soil. This complex and ultra-elegant spirit offers up charred orange peel covered with bittersweet dark chocolate. Floral tones of peach blossom and jasmine come in with baking spices on the second pass. Clocking in at 117 proof, it’s memorable and lengthy.
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Whisky Advocate
Old Ezra’s owner, Luxco, historically has played the role of whiskey négoçiant, sourcing liquid from third-party distillers. In 2018, the company opened its own distillery in Bardstown, Ky., where it’s now laying down whiskey. While we wait for it to mature, we’ll happily savor the sourced version. This is Ezra Brooks’ first ever barrel-proof bourbon, and it’s a beauty. A spice storm of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and roasted pecan greets the palate, easing into sweet notes of melted caramel, chocolate, macaroons, marzipan, and crème brûlée. Earthy hints of sandalwood and tobacco complete the finish, making this everything a great bourbon should be.
Although Bourbon may be produced anywhere in the United States, it is most commonly associated with Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it has been produced since the late 18th century. Made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, the Bourbon Whiskey distillate must be aged in new, charred white oak barrels. Bourbon Whiskeys are bottled at eighty proof (40% abv) or higher and cannot contain any added color or flavor. A versatile spirit that can be sipped neat, with water or on the rocks, it also performs nicely added to cocktails like the Old Fashioned.