Ezra Brooks 117 Proof 7 years old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 70 cl 58,5%

In Bardstown, Kentucky's self-declared bourbon capital, a thirteen-metre copper still runs around the clock. Here, at Lux Row Distillers, a recipe dating back to 1957 gets to be raw, undiluted, and completely unapologetic.

Expert description

Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled straight from the barrel with no water added, at a barrel strength of 58.5%.

Where many barrel strength bourbons turn harsh and bracing at high proof, Old Ezra does the opposite. It's aged for seven years in new, charred American white oak barrels, and the result is surprisingly rounded even at 117 proof. The mash bill runs 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, distilled according to a recipe tracing back to the birth of the Ezra Brooks brand in Kentucky. The whiskey is charcoal filtered after distillation for its trademark smoothness, but it's neither chill filtered nor coloured, so what lands in the glass is as close as it gets to what came out of the barrel.

Old Ezra 7 isn't an anniversary release or a one-off drop. It sits in Ezra Brooks' permanent lineup, and it's earned its keep, landing at number 7 on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies list and picking up several double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition along the way.

Tasting notes

Nose

Sweet caramel and vanilla meet toasted oak and brown sugar, with a hint of dark chocolate and baking spice underneath.

Palate

Rich and spicy, with brown sugar, cinnamon, and dried fruit carried by oak and a touch of black pepper that bites just enough without taking over.

Finish

Long and warm, with caramel, oak, and a last flicker of citrus that lingers as the alcohol fades.

Specifications

Name: Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
Bottler: Ezra Brooks
Region/Country: Kentucky, USA
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 7 years
ABV: 58.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: New, charred American oak
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Mash bill: 78% corn, 12% malted barley, 10% rye

Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
Bottler: Ezra Brooks

Flavour profile

Spicy · Caramel · Oak · Full-bodied · Barrel strength

Did you know?

There has never been a real person named Ezra Brooks. The name was invented in 1957 by businessman Frank Silverman as a rival to Jack Daniel's, at a time when a name on the label signalled heritage and authenticity, whether or not the story behind it was true.

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Frequently asked questions about Old Ezra 7 Year Barrel Strength

What does "barrel strength" mean on this whiskey?

It means the whiskey is bottled straight from the barrel with no water added. Most bourbons are cut down to 40-46%, but Old Ezra 7 keeps its natural barrel strength of 58.5%.

Is Old Ezra 7 worth it?

Yes. Seven years of ageing combined with an undiluted, barrel strength bottling is a rare pairing in American whiskey, and the quality has earned it several international medals and a spot on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 list.

Should Old Ezra 7 be served with ice or water?

It's best enjoyed neat, but a few drops of water or a single ice cube opens the flavour up further and softens the sharp alcohol edge. Try both and see which you prefer.

What's the best glass for a barrel strength bourbon?

A narrow tulip-shaped glass captures the aromas best and makes it easier to pick out the many layers on the nose before the high alcohol takes over.

Is Old Ezra 7 good in cocktails?

It works well in an Old Fashioned or a Boulevardier, where the high proof keeps the bourbon's character from getting lost among ice and other ingredients. For everyday sipping, though, it's really at its best on its own.

What's the difference between Old Ezra 7 and regular Ezra Brooks?

Old Ezra 7 is aged seven years and bottled at barrel strength, while the standard Ezra Brooks expressions are typically younger and cut down to a lower, more everyday proof.

Where does Old Ezra 7 come from?

From Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, which produces several of Luxco's brands. The recipe behind Ezra Brooks dates all the way back to 1957.