Ezra B Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 12 Years
Barrel 558
49.5% ABV
$35
Website
What the Bottler Says:
Carefully stored away and undisturbed for 12 years inside select, heavily charred White Oak Barrels until it reaches its peak of smoothness, Ezra B 99 Proof Single Barrel Bourbon is truly a smooth, mellow bourbon whiskey. Backed behind seven generations of whiskey producing tradition, Ezra B uses only the choicest of grains, perfect limestone water, and special natural aging to acquire its exceptional flavor and character. Each hand-crafted bottle of Ezra B, topped with a wax sealed cork finish, perfectly personifies its character and sophistication, and should be enjoyed extra slowly to appreciate its unique flavor, aroma and full body.
TASTE: A MEDIUM TO FULL BODY WITH A RICH SWEETNESS OF VANILLA, HONEY, AND A HINT OF CHOCOLATE.
FINISH: TOASTY, LONG FINISH
What Gary Says:
Nose: Deep, rich, thick vanilla and brown sugar, sandalwood & toffee (a tad hot).
Palate: Thin mouthfeel, but nice balance of oak and chocolate, with caramel & honey.
Finish: Moderate in length and drying.
Comments: Very nice pour – although as a single barrel, be prepared for some variation. In full disclosure, I had bought a bottle of this years ago that left me less impressed than this sample (although our tastes evolve – so that could be completely on me). The nose had me braced for a thick and viscous pour, and while it felt thin to me – it was not short on flavor. Really nice balance – some 12 yr bourbons are too woody for me, and this wasn’t even close (my wheelhouse is typically 8-12 yrs old). It isn’t a secret that Luxco sources the whiskey that goes into this label from Heaven Hill, and it absolutely reminds me of their Heritage Center in Bardstown – which isn’t a bad thing in the least (heck – one of my favorite places to visit!) If you are a fan of other Heaven Hill bourbons, I would absolutely give this a shot!
Rating: Stands Out/Must Try
What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich and captivating. Burnt sugar, vanilla beans, and soft deep woody notes.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla cream, woody, and peppery spicy.
Finish: It finishes smooth but heavy on the oak.
Comments: This is sourced whiskey but don’t let the recent cloud around that term dissuade you. It’s the result of a long standing arrangement with Heaven Hill for this Luxco brand. This is a nice, satisfying whiskey that is definitely a bourbon drinker’s bourbon. For those lamenting the recent loss of 12 year old Elijah Craig, may I recommend this as a potential replacement.
Rating: Stands Out
Found a 75th VFW anniversary decanter of Ezra Brooks 12y 90 prf straight Kentucky bourbon. Cork broken, but saturated with contents and smelling mellow…has been in bottle from mid 70’s. Any thoughts on what to expect from the contents? Openings for sarcasm here.
If it was my decanter, I’d measure it out to see how much evaporation there was. I purchased a Wild Turkey decanter, and dumping it found it had over 700 of the 750 mL – so with minimal loss, I saved that in an empty glass screwcapped bottle and drank that up until it was gone (and it was magnificent). If the fill is respectable (600 mL+), I’d drink it. If not, but it doesn’t look too cloudy, I’d still take a sip just because I’d be curious. If it is low AND cloudy . . . unless it smelled really good . . . nah, I’d probably still take a sip just in case. Although disclaimer – only sharing what I would do, not what YOU should do!